Water separator filter change/2008 Optimax 115

[Kenny Guess]

Those of you that have the 115hp optimax and have changed your built in water separator filter in the vapor system, can you tell me if I am correct in that it is located under the red cap with the slots in it? I assume you slid a screw driver between the slots to loosen the cap and remove the filter. I looked up the filter part (8M002049) and it is like $37. I also see two inline filters in the back , lower section of motor. One is a canaster type with vertical hook up and the smaller one below it is horizontal. Are they 'trash' filters and how often do you change them? Just got this motor on a used Z6 Nitro 08( sold my 04 PT 175 today, what a great 7 years I had with that boat....) Had it out twice, and so far I like it but it is fast for me....so I am trying to learn all I can about the motor because I plan on keeping it a few years. Any help is always appreciated, regards, kenny

 

[TritonGlenn]

Please do not use a screwdriver on that red "cap". If it's the same as my 225, that cap is the top of the actual filter. I was told by many to buy the filter wrench, but a marine mechanic where I bought my filter said to use a screwdriver turned sideways. He didn't have a filter wrench in stock, and didn't normally carry them. Well... Turns out that I almost jacked up the cap doing it with a screwdriver. I got it out, but that screwdriver was difficult to keep in the slots. I ordered the filter wrench for less than ten bucks including shipping on eBay. It's just a little metal piece with a socket square in the middle to install a socket wrench, but it fits that cap head perfectly and works a million times better than struggling with a screwdriver to stay in the slots.



All the best,

Glenn

 

[Kenny Guess]

Hey, Good point since a Merc. mechanic told me the same thing today....get the tool whick I will do. How often do you change the filter? Once a year I am guessing....? He also told me that was the only seviceable filter on the motor even thought I see two others down low in the back of the engine below the plugs so to speak.

 

[Bob Bourget2]

In addition to the VST filter, on some of the 1.5 Opti's, there is an in-line filter buried in the lower cowl.....follow your fuel line. The "other" filter is actually an air intake silencer. Looks an awful lot like a filter doesn't it?

There is also an in-line oil filter, just below your oil tank.

All should be serviced annually.

 

[Kenny Guess]

Got the tool to change the water filter- made it easy, only cost $ 7. Worth it. Have not changed other filters yet.