I have a pair of 2003 Merc 496 Ho engines in my boat. The primary fuel filters mounted along side the stringers before the booster pumps are small cylinder type throwaway Mercruiser 35-864572. The secondary fuel filter after the Boost pump and before the fuel cooler/high pressure pump is a regular Merc spin on. I n prior years, Mercruiser did not recommend these primary filters and as a result boost pump screens were being clogged by debris from the fuel tanks. I think the filters are too small and way too expensive. Would like to replace with a bulkhead mounted 60 gallon per minute maximum flow Racor Rac-320RRAC02 with replacable filters. Looking for some opinions on this one. Thanks..... Bill

Well, last night I cut apart the Merc metal filter and I can unequivocally say you're not getting much for your money. A very small nylon element was inside the cylinder like fuel filter container. Still looking for suggestions or comments for a suitable replacement......

Use the Racor filter and the spin on as well. There sould also be a smaller filtet that looks like a small can. That is a micron filter that is used inline on the high presure side of the fuel pump.