FCC Canister Removal

Hi All - I know this is going to seem like a silly question but I need to tap in to your expertise to set me straight on a few items.

I will be changing out the fuel filter this year for the first time since I owned the boat (its long over do, 200 hrs I've put on it, but its run like a dream and only zero ethanol marine gas). My concern is I know these things can be hard to get off and I am afraid if I go in the wrong direction thinking its just being stubborn I will ruin the canister causing much more damage that I would like.

Long story short, I have done my research, found a lot of great info on this website and planet nautique on steps/instructions how to complete this task. Getting hung up on two items:

1. Direction to unscrew the FCC Canister

- Mine is located on the driver side (Stbd) right at the front corner of the engine bay.
- Its says unscrew counterclockwise. Using the principle of "lefty loosy, righty tighty)
- Facing in the direction and looking toward the back (stern) of the boat, I interpret that to unscrew it in the direction toward the passenger side or port side of the boat.

I this youtube clip where a DIY'er replace his PCM FCC filter and turned it clockwise to remove it.

Start to watch at 1:22 - 2:15.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmrRSFN0n-0&t=622s

Not sure if his set up is just completely backwards or I am just losing my mind.

Can you help me out ?

2. Grease the gasket

To grease the gasket what do you use ? Lithium grease ? Engine oil ?

3. Recommendation on what tool to use to remove it ?

I've heard a filter wrench or strap wrench will do the trick the majority of the time. But knowing my luck, this thing will be a pain. Any other suggestions ?

If you have any other tips that would be great as well.

Hope everyone is doing well and keeping safe.

Tyler

I wouldn't pretend to know anything about your mind, but like Gun Driver's analogy with the jar, he's turning it the right way in the video

The canister has right hand threads.

Wow...Finally the light bulb went on....Thanks 8122 and Keno thanks for the extra details. I finally got it.   

Thanks for clarifying. Hopefully, some other DIY'er finds this helpful.

Keno - You were spot it. Thanks again and I fully agree with you

Glad we got that all straightened out

I used a LARGE pipe wrench. 30" or 36” I believe. I wrapped 2 layers of black duct tape around the canister to keep the wrench teeth from marring the canister. Bingo. Very minimal marks on the canister.

JQ

While I definitely am a fan of preventive maintenance, why not take the dealer's recommendation, wait for the end of the season? I'm sure your filter is overdue but then again it doesn't seem likely that this will be the season it will plug up and restrict fuel flow and cause problems. My 2 cents.

1) TAKE THE FILTER OUT OF THE BOAT!!! (The 5 hoses take a couple minutes to disconnect).