350 MAG In-Line Fuel Filter Fittings

[riffraff]

I'm changing the filters and fluids in my '03 22V (350 MAG) for the first time on my own. After browsing the forums I thought I was armed with the info needed for a quick off season afternoon of maintenance. I'm near frustration with my in-line fuel filter and small leaks at the fittings.

I decided to make the switch from expensive Mercruiser filters to WIX filters. I bought a WIX #33481 for my in-line fuel filter conversion. The WIX is threaded differently than the OEM Mercruiser as pointed out here on the boards. My problem is that I can't find a high pressure threaded fitting to barb connection.

For those who have made the switch from Mercruiser, any luck finding tapered, threaded fittings to connect the fuel lines back to the WIX filter? Do you have a part number or link?

[boardman74]

How much cheaper is the Wix? Is it cheap enough to still be cheaper after the parts and your time to convert it?

[riffraff]

The Wix filters cost around $12-$15 each versus about $55 for the Mercruiser/Quicksilver filter. The conversion should be pretty simple assuming I can find a threaded-to-barb fitting for the Wix that can handle the pressurized fuel flow. Even if the fittings cost a little money I should come out ahead year over year after being able to use the Wix. The Wix are also much easier to come by locally.

[riffraff]

I surrender! I spent about 30 minutes in Napa yesterday working with staff to try to figure out the correct fittings for the fuel filter. Per the good folks at Napa you basically have to retain the factory fuel fittings in order to plumb the filter correctly and avoid leaks. That only works if your are replacing a like kind filter. In my case I'm trying to convert from the SAE threaded Mercruiser filter to the Metric threaded Wix/Napa Gold filter.

Chevrolet and other manufacturers have used this filter for a decade so they have to be getting the plumbing parts from somewhere. For this season I'm giving up and sticking with the Mercruiser part. I'm betting someone on this forum knows the secret, though.

To help everyone in the future, please post part numbers if you know of any tapered threaded-to-barb brass or zinc fittings you've had success with. I'm assuming there's a part from Jeg's, Summit or some other specialty shop. Thanks in advance for your help!

[dom w. forte]

Also you would need to make certain that the fuel flow stats are the same as merc, specd otherwise you could create other issues.

[ghollow]

I buy the Mercruiser filter at my local Walmart for $11-$12. You can also get them on line at www.skidim.com for a pretty reasonable price.