Mercury – Water Separating Fuel Filter | High-Horsepower Outboard Fuel Protection | 10-Micron Contaminant Removal | 8M0166596

Overview

When you run a Mercury Racing engine or a V12 Verado, every detail matters. These engines aren’t just powerful — they’re refined, responsive and built to deliver reliable speed across long stretches of open water. And nothing disrupts that performance faster than contaminated fuel. With today’s fuel blends and moisture-rich marine environments, having a dependable water-separating filter is essential. The Mercury Marine part number 8M0166596 Fuel Filter gives boaters that confidence. It helps ensure that when you throttle up, your engine is breathing nothing but clean, consistent fuel — the way it was engineered to run.

Key Features

• Designed to remove 99% of water and harmful impurities
• 10-micron filtration captures damaging particles before they reach the engine
• Protects high-performance fuel systems from moisture intrusion
• Built to Mercury’s OEM engineering standards for exact fit and function
• Ideal for preserving horsepower, smooth operation and long-term engine life

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits Mercury Racing 4.6L V8 450R (serial 1E083006–1E099720)
• Fits Mercury Racing 4.6L V8 500Rhp (serial 1E099432 and up)
• Fits Mercury 7.6L V12 600hp Verado outboards
• Fits Mercury 500hp SeaPro outboards
• Ideal for offshore center consoles, deep-V performance hulls, heavy commercial rigs and long-range recreational vessels

Performance & Practical Benefits

High-horsepower outboards demand perfect fuel delivery, and even a trace of moisture can chip away at performance. Water in fuel causes everything from hesitation at throttle to power loss at speed — and over time, it can wreak havoc inside the system. That’s why this filter is engineered to remove up to 99% of water, capturing droplets before they make their way into injectors or internal components.

The 10-micron media catches the fine particles that slip past standard filters. When installed, you’ll notice how steady your engine feels: smooth idle, crisp hole-shot response and a confident surge as the boat climbs into plane. It’s the difference between powering across open water with trust — or questioning every sputter and hesitation.

Durability also plays a big role. This filter is built to withstand the vibrations and harsh conditions that come with high-speed runs, rough seas and repeated offshore trips. It maintains its integrity under pressure, giving your engine a secure, reliable fuel supply all season long.

For owners of V12 Verados and big-block Mercury Racing engines, this level of protection is more than advisable — it’s essential. These engines rely on tight tolerances and advanced fuel systems that demand consistently clean fuel to produce the horsepower they’re known for.

Why Buy OEM

With high-output engines, guessing isn’t an option. Aftermarket filters may look similar, but few are engineered to support the demands of a 450R, 500R or V12 Verado. Only OEM filters meet Mercury’s performance requirements for filtration efficiency, water separation and long-term reliability. When you choose an OEM filter, you’re choosing the part Mercury designed, tested and trusted for their most advanced outboards. It’s the kind of assurance you’d recommend to any fellow boater — because protecting a premium engine starts with using premium parts.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines does the 8M0166596 fuel filter fit?

Mercury Racing 450R, 500Rhp, Mercury 7.6L V12 Verado 600hp and 500hp SeaPro outboards.

Q2: What sets this apart from aftermarket filters?

Higher water removal efficiency, 10-micron filtration, and construction that matches Mercury’s OEM standards.

Q3: How do I confirm it’s the correct replacement?

Match your engine’s serial range or consult your Mercury service documentation.

Q4: Can this filter be used in saltwater and freshwater conditions?

Yes — it’s designed to handle both environments with strong moisture and corrosion resistance.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?

Absolutely. It installs cleanly with proper fitment and replacement procedures outlined in the service manual.