Fuel Filter Chaning Issues

[The Black Widow]

Hey Everyone!

Last night I changed out my fuel filter on a 6.0l MP engine. It's the filter in the fuel/water separator and everything went well except a bunch of gas spilled out into the bilge. This was my first time changing myself and didn't realize that much would come out. I have no way of lifting the trailer high enough to use a hose to wash out the bilge so do you think I will be ok letting it sit and dry out for a few days? Or should I figure out a way to wash out with water/soap?

Also, I forgot to add fuel to the filter before reinstalling and now I don't want to take it off to add some in case the o ring gets damaged (don't have a replacement). Will I be ok priming the pump/filter by cycling the key a bunch of times or is it required to have fuel in there?

[chpthril]

Yes on cycling the key.

I would not leave that fuel in there for a few reasons. It can soften the coating in the bilge, smell and what is you forget about. This could be a fire hazard and/or end up draining into the lake. Lay some rags across the bilge and hook up and go dins a steep drive to park on for a few minutes. Then pull the rags out and then flush the bilge.

[NHarp1]

When I changed my fuel flter (screw on type), I do not recall losing a lot of fuel. Note: when changing oil and fuel filter out, have a large lip lock freezer bag under filter to catch any spill over.

I suggest to use dish soap and wash everything down and take your boat to an area steep enough to drain out water using hull drain plug. The soap should neutralize the fuel enough to not worry about. Just my two cents.

[The Black Widow]

Yeah never had any problems with oil leaking but first time changing a fuel filter. It wasn't that much gas but will wash it out tonight just to make sure.