Not certain but does that nut on top hold it on? Pretty big bolt to hold a filter on but maybe?

 

The bolt attaches the base of the filter housing to a rack and when I remove the bolt, the base is still attached. I do try to open it with the bolt out so I can have more leverage twisting the filter housing (bowl) from its base. Hands are bruised.

 

This is what I use on stubborn oil and fuel filters.

 

I agree if that still doesn't get it done, try to tighten it a smidgen 1st.

 

Pipe wrench

 

blow torch

 

Use a pipe wrench to remove it; It will grip on the knurled top of the filter bowl and turn it without compressing it like other wrenches do. You can also heat up a couple cups of water in the microwave or on the stove and pour it on the top where the threads are to help expand it and get the oring to break free.
Buy a new oring for putting it back together again. Ace hardware can set you up for orings.

 

Warm it up first, that should help

 

I haven't tried it with a pipe wrench yet so I'll give it a try! Trip to home depot.

 

Maybe slide a pipe onto the wrench handle, extending it for more torque.

CW

 

I just picked up a pipe wrench and gave it another try. I ended up using another adjustable wrench to hold the base while twisting the housing with a pipe wrench.... and felt a turn... I thought I slipped the wrench again but found out the darn thing actually opened! My gosh I'm relieved! Thanks all you ifishers as always. Time for a beer.

 

ray:

 

lol state of my mind an hour ago

 

Before you try to remove it, have a spare handy. You might need it. It screws on.

 

GaryP: Thanks for the laugh. You too Freespool.

 

Can't help you with getting it unstuck. When I had a Merc of similar vintage, it was just finger tight. When the bowl got brittle and cracked, I bypassed it with a small inline filter. The original isn't really a filter, it's just a screen, so I was improving the situation.

 

Glad you got it. I just recently took the filter apart on my small Yamaha and it was quite stubborn for about 5 minutes.

 

This is pretty common. Take the whole assembly off and put it in the freezer for 1 hour....that will do it.

 

I wrestled with one for over an hour once before finally cutting the hoses, unbolting the housing, taking it out front and doing unspeakable things to it.

 

Put Sil-Glyde on the new filter O-ring and you might have better luck getting the filter off next time. Hand tighten new filter. :twocents:

 

The silicon grease is a good idea. I buy the little container of silicon grease in the plumbing section at Ace or Home Depot and use it on my water filter O-rings too..

 

You can also use motor oil to lube up the gaskets.