Mercury – Quicksilver Water Separating Fuel Filter Kit | Fuel System Component | Corrosion-Resistant Steel | 18458Q3

Overview

Fuel and water don’t mix, and when they do, engines pay the price. The Mercury Marine 18458Q3 Quicksilver Water Separating Fuel Filter Kit keeps your fuel clean and your engine protected. Designed for Mercury and Mariner V6 EFI outboards (1995 and earlier), this kit includes both the 10-micron filter element and a black plastic water warning sensor that alerts you when water’s present in the fuel. It’s built tough to resist corrosion, easy to service, and absolutely essential for keeping your engine running smooth and strong.

Key Features

• Purpose: Removes water and contaminants from fuel before it reaches your engine.
• Design: Includes a 10-micron filter element with integrated black screw-in water sensor.
• Material: Built with corrosion-resistant steel housing and internal epoxy coating for superior durability.
• Performance: Traps dirt, debris, and power-robbing moisture to ensure clean fuel flow.
• Maintenance: Recommended for replacement every 100 hours or during annual service.

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Mercury and Mariner V6 EFI outboards manufactured in 1995 or earlier.
• Common on bass boats, center consoles, offshore rigs, and performance fishing boats.
• Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments.
• Can be used on setups that require a fuel/water separating filter with black sensor plug.

Performance & Practical Benefits

A good fuel filter is your first line of defense against engine trouble. The 18458Q3 Water Separating Filter Kit captures fine particles and separates water from the fuel before it ever reaches your injectors or carburetors. The 10-micron element traps the smallest contaminants, while the integrated sensor alerts you if water collects in the base.

The result is smoother acceleration, consistent power, and reduced risk of corrosion or fuel system failure. With its heavy-duty coating and marine-grade materials, it stands up to long hours, rough seas, and ethanol-blended fuels. Replace it regularly and you’ll keep your outboard performing like it should — clean, steady, and dependable.

Why Buy OEM

Fuel systems are not the place to cut corners. Cheap filters might look similar but often use thinner metal, weak seals, or low-grade media that can collapse or let water pass through. The Quicksilver 18458Q3 is a genuine Mercury Marine part, built to factory specs and tested under real-world marine conditions.

It’s designed specifically for Mercury and Mariner EFI systems, ensuring the right fit, flow rate, and sealing pressure. With OEM parts, you get reliability that’s proven — no leaks, no clogging, and no second-guessing when you’re far from the dock.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines does this fuel filter kit fit?
It fits 1995 and earlier Mercury and Mariner V6 EFI outboards.

Q2: How often should the filter be replaced?
Replace every 100 hours of operation or annually during winterization.

Q3: What’s included in the kit?
It includes the water-separating filter element, o-ring, and a black water warning sensor.

Q4: What makes it different from aftermarket filters?
It’s an OEM Mercury Marine part, built with 10-micron filtration media, thicker steel housing, and corrosion-resistant coatings.

Q5: Can it handle ethanol-blended fuels?
Yes. It’s designed to perform with today’s ethanol-mixed fuels while maintaining water separation efficiency.