No fuel pressure after FCC filter and fuel water separator change - 2017 G21

[fredshilmover]

Looking for some advice on how to diagnose the source of this problem. When I went to launch, the engine turned over and fired. Then I got a low fuel pressure warning on the main display. Then the engine stopped running. After that I couldn't get it to fire. After replacing the filters, I didn't prime them. Meaning, I didn't fill the FCC canister nor the screw on filter with fuel. I did stop and start the electronics a number of times to get the system to self prime (read that in another article). After putting the boat back in the driveway, I took the screw on filter off and opened the FCC canister. Both had fuel in them.

When I start the electronics, the sound is not quite the same as normal. My friend thinks that there may be an air leak which is preventing proper pressure from building.

When I took the FCC off the first time, I unscrewed the three bolts (arrows in photo) and the brass fitting (circled in photo) to get the canister off.

Any advice on diagnostics or what I could have done wrong would be appreciated.

Fred

[Infinity]

Guess you already know that you don't want to take the FCC canister off that way in the future.... but did you use any "pipe dope" on the threaded brass bolt before re-installing it? The pipe dope seals the threads to prevent gas or air from leaking thru and at least from your description that sounds like the most likely place for an air leak to happen since that fuel line/fitting is under pressure (you can see the 90 degree brass fitting has red & white colored pipe dope on the threads). Where the stainless pipe goes into the threaded brass fitting, the stainless has a rolled edge and seals itself by using the correct pressure (tightening the correct amount)... so another possiblity is that you have an air leak between the stainless & that brass fitting?
You dont need to prime anything inside the FCC canister by pouring fuel into it before re-installing but you do want to prime the system with fuel before starting by turning the key to the "on" position" for 30 seconds or so (you will hear the fuel pump kicking on to prime and pressurize the fuel system) then turn key back off and wait 30 seconds or so...then key back on, etc. Owners manual calls out doing that 3-5 times before turning over the boat to start it up. Good luck getting her fired up!

Oh, one last thought. If after checking for air leaks and getting the fuel system primed back up so the boat will start and then the boat will still not fire up and run, its possible that perhaps you have a fuel pump going out? Just something to keep in the back of your mind tho I dont think having to replace a fuel pump is common on a 2017 model unless you run the fuel low on a regular basis and the fuel pumps get partially starved of fuel a few times. If the boat was running fine before you changed the FCC it seems highly likely that its something easier like air leak or air trapped in the fuel lines

[fredshilmover]

Yeah, I realized as I was doing it that this was the wrong way to remove the canister. I'm still not sure what the right way is. No, I didn't use anything when putting back the fitting. What material do I want to use? I also didn't use anything on the plug on the bottom of the FCC, but I imagine if at wasn't well sealed I'd have a leak.

I did that on off sequence, but didn't wait 30 seconds. I will do that after redoing the brass fitting.

(btw, we just moved down from Boston to Lake Norman. Maybe after I fix my boat you can show me how to get that much air surfing!)

[fredshilmover]

I just popped it off. Fuel came out, which made me suspicious as to that being the source of the leak or wouldn't fuel be coming out before I loosened it? That being said, it moved pretty easily, and having pipe dope would make for a much better seal. Also.....there is a red o-ring at the bottom of the tappet. The ring was crushed into 2 pieces. I probably did that when replacing it the first time... At least I have a lead on what to fix. Doubt I can get a replacement today though...

[fredshilmover]

Got it working! Replaced that o-ring. Luckily Napa stocked it since the parts are interchangeable with the car engine. I also wrapped the brass fitting with yellow tape since it says it's approved to be in contact with gasoline. Any comments on that? Want to make sure I'm being as safe as possible.

[charlesml3]

So the proper way to do this is to remove the band-clamp and slide the canister off. That's the only thing you need to remove. The filter will be at the bottom of the canister.

-Charles

[fredshilmover]

Thanks. I tried that but didn't see how to slide it off with the space I had.

[scottb7]

I think you just do it in the reverse steps that nautique used when they built the boat. You remove the engine/tranny/vdrive as a unit from the boat, and then slide the canister down.

Seriously, I had similar problem with my 2014 g21. I had to put a big tin foil container under the whole thing. Because to get the canister out I could not go straight down and had to spill gas.

[fredshilmover]

Good call. I will order an an engine crane for next year.....

I took the bolt off at the bottom of the FCC and drained so didn't end up spilling any fuel. Need a pretty specific shape container to get it out.