I have a 2003 496 HO and the Mercury Owners Manual says to change Fuel Filters every 100 hrs or Annualy. The filter is $50.00 and the two connectors are $17.00 does everybody out there change this every year or every other year? I can agree with changeing the water separating fuel filter every year but what about this inline fuel filter?.

WE PAY THE SAME JOIN THE CLUB

I installed Racor canister type filters instead. After the initial $60 price the replacement filters are about $10 a piece.

Will they void warranty?

The inline filter was an add on after there had been numerous fuel system problems. This was done late in 2002. Prior to that they did not exist.
This system is plumbed to the boost pump before the fuel goes through the water seperator filter. Should be through the filter first. But rather than fixing the plumbing issue, Merc decided to add the inline filter, at a cost of around $50 a piece, that are throwaways. My boat did not have these filters, and if I was going to have to spend this kind of money I would buy a better filter. This should not have any effect on warranty.

Where are they located...I have a 2002 496 mag, sunsation..Didn`t see any inline filter, but may be missing it..

I would think there's a stock AC/delco part number for these filters???? Anyone find them yet??

Did you install the Racor fuel filter to correct the Merc plumbing error you describe? [QUOTE=The inline filter was an add on after there had been numerous fuel system problems. This was done late in 2002. Prior to that they did not exist.
This system is plumbed to the boost pump before the fuel goes through the water seperator filter. Should be through the filter first. But rather than fixing the plumbing issue, Merc decided to add the inline filter, at a cost of around $50 a piece, that are throwaways. My boat did not have these filters, and if I was going to have to spend this kind of money I would buy a better filter. This should not have any effect on warranty.[QUOTE] If so exactly what did you do plumbibg wise?

On my 32 Sun the inline's are located just forward of each motor on a stringer. I suspect if you have them they too are attached to a stringer.

BTW, what is the part-number and are they found on mercruiserparts.com?

Island Hopper,

Did you install the Racor fuel filter to correct the Merc plumbing error you describe? [QUOTE=The inline filter was an add on after there had been numerous fuel system problems.