Mercury Mercruiser Power Trim

Mercury MerCruiser Oil Filters & Fuel Filters - Resources and Information

MerCruiser fuel filter replacements and oil filter replacements are among the most common repairs you’ll make to your outboard. For this reason, PartsVu offers a wide-range of filters to fit your specific model and year of MerCruiser 2-stroke outboard motors, MerCruiser 4-stroke outboard motors, and sterndrive models. Best of all, we offer fast same-day shipping and the lowest prices you’ll find for Mercury MerCruiser filters. 

Unsure of how often your MerCruiser filters need changing? Check out our helpful Mercury Outboard Service Schedule (MerCruiser uses the same intervals as standard Mercury engines). And to help you find the right Mercruiser filter parts and Mercury oil filter lookup, check out some of our helpful MerCruiser resources:

• MerCruiser Inboard Maintenance
• MerCruiser Maintenance Parts Library
• Mercury Outboard and Mercruiser Resources Collection

Mercury MerCruiser Filters FAQ

How do I perform maintenance for my Mercury MerCruiser motor?

As you may know, MerCruiser fuel filters and oil filters need to be regularly changed during the lifespan of owning your motor. There are also regular maintenance intervals that must be met for Mercury outboard engines, including 20-hour service, every 100 hours, 300 hours, 500 hours, and so forth. 

The following is Mercury’s maintenance schedule for 100 hour and 300 hour maintenance intervals, including external engine maintenance and all other required tasks: 

100 Hours/1 Year

300 Hours/3 Years

How do you perform a MerCruiser motor oil change?

Performing needed maintenance in a timely manner on your MerCruiser is the key to its overall longevity and reliability. The procedure isn’t complicated but can get messy if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

1. Loosen your oil filter to help vent the system.
2. Remove your dipstick, insert your oil pump, and once your oil pump is inserted into the dipstick tube, pull the oil out into your oil capture container.
3. Remove the old oil filter the rest of the way.
4. Prep the new filter for installation by applying a light film of oil onto the face seal of the Mercruiser marine oil filter.
5. Thread the oil filter onto the oil filter mount and hand tighten.
6. Remove your Mercruiser’s fill cap and insert your funnel to prepare to add the new oil.
7. Fill the engine with the recommended oil with the proper quantity of oil—4.5 liters for a 4.5L sterndrive and 4.7 liters for a 6.2L sterndrive. We recommend using Mercury 25W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil; however, you can use Mercury 25W-40 oil.
8. It’s a good idea to run the engine with the proper water supply to check for any leaks and make sure that the proper oil level is maintained.
9. For more detailed information regarding these maintenance steps and to verify any details that may pertain to your specific engine model, please refer to your Mercury Mercruiser owner’s manual.

To avoid a big mess, use one of our MerCruiser service kits to perform a quick and easy MerCruiser oil change.

Are all oil filters the same?

No, not all MerCruiser parts are created equal - and MerCruiser oil filters are no exception. Only OEM MerCruiser oil filters and Mercury Quicksilver oil filters

are manufactured specifically to protect MerCruiser engines, using the finest components and construction methods available. This includes using special filter media and metal filter media bases (instead of cardboard), to create oil filters capable of greater durability and filtration. From the quality of the materials used to their high-quality construction, MerCruiser oil filters outperform and out-protect aftermarket marine engine oil filter alternatives.

How do I service my Mercury 4-stroke outboard filters?

Use a filter wrench to loosen the existing MerCruiser fuel filter element and use caution when removing it as it will be filled with gasoline. A clear plastic or glass container is helpful to dump the filter and examine the contents. A small amount of debris is common, as is a small amount of water after the fuel has had a moment to settle. More significant amounts of water would warrant further investigation.

If your filter’s mounting location allows it, pre-fill the replacement filter with some gasoline to make re-priming the fuel system easier. It is also advisable to use a small amount of grease or engine oil to lubricate the o-ring before installation. Spin on and hand tighten only about a half turn to snug.

Move back to the engine and locate the filter element(s) on the engine. The scope of this service will only include the low-pressure fuel filter and fuel water separator if applicable by model. Mercury recommends that owners do not service their high-pressure fuel filters. Depending on your engine model, the water separator filter (or castle filter) may be removed by using a wrench, standard tools, and a little caution. Unplug the water-in-fuel sensor if applicable and spin the cap off of the housing. Replace the filter element with a fresh one, lube the o-ring with grease or oil, and carefully reinstall the cap.

How do I service my Mercury 4-stroke outboard fuel system? 

Depending on your application and style of boat, your Mercury fuel system may include a fuel-water separating filter. If you have not seen one, follow the routing of your fuel hose from the engine rigging tube backward through the boat. These vary in shape and manufacturer, so be sure to order the identical replacement size for the best fit. 

1. Use a filter wrench to loosen the existing filter element and use caution when removing it as it will be filled with gasoline. A clear plastic or glass container is helpful to dump the filter and examine the contents. A small amount of debris is common, as is a small amount of water after the fuel has had a moment to settle. More significant amounts of water would warrant further investigation.
2. If your filter’s mounting location allows it, pre-fill the replacement filter with some gasoline to make re-priming the fuel system easier. It is also advisable to use a small amount of grease or engine oil to lubricate the o-ring before installation. Spin on and hand tighten only about a half turn to snug.
3. Move back to the engine and locate the filter element(s) on the engine. The scope of this service will only include the low-pressure fuel filter and fuel water separator if applicable by model. Mercury recommends that owners do not service their high-pressure fuel filters. Depending on your engine model, the water separator filter (or castle filter) may be removed by using a wrench, standard tools, and a little caution. Unplug the water-in-fuel sensor if applicable and spin the cap off of the housing. Replace the filter element with a fresh one, lube the o-ring with grease or oil, and carefully reinstall the cap.
4. For most other models, the low-pressure fuel filter is inline where the fuel supply line passes down the side of the cowling. On applicable models, locate the Schrader valve on the fuel system. Cover the valve with a rag or towel and depress the valve stem to vent the pressure from the system before service. With the pressure vented, remove the inline filter and replace it with a new one paying particular attention to locate the clamps or zip ties securing the hoses to the filter.
5. Locate your engine’s primer bulb if applicable and use the primer to pump up the fuel system. You should feel and hear gasoline entering and filling the filter cup. Check for leaks and prime until the bulb becomes firm.
6. If you are not already regularly running Mercury Quickare and Mercury Quickleen through your Mercury fuel system, the 100-hour service interval is an excellent time for a “shock treatment.” Quickare is a fuel system cleaner and top-lube that will help to clean deposits from the tank, lines, carburetors, injectors, and pumps. It breaks up fuel system varnish and will help to prevent gumming.
7. Quickleen is a fuel system conditioner that also helps to remove carbon deposits. The standard dose is one ounce per ten gallons, but if you are not running the product regularly, you can double that ratio for more cleaning power. Pour the products into the fuel tank fill and run the boat. No additional work is needed. It is a great idea to inspect your fuel tank fill’s o-ring for damage when you add fuel or additives as a damaged o-ring can allow water from rain or boat washing into your fuel system.