Mercury – Fuel Filter Screen | Under-Cowl Fuel System | Fine Mesh Polymer | 87946K04

Overview
There’s a certain comfort that comes from knowing your outboard is being fed clean, dependable fuel every time you hit the water. Anyone who spends their weekends chasing calm mornings or evening tides knows that fuel contamination is one of those hidden problems that can ruin a trip fast. The Mercury 87946K04 Fuel Filter Screen offers the kind of quiet protection you rarely think about—but absolutely rely on. It’s a simple, lightweight piece of your fuel system, yet it plays a big role in keeping your engine smooth, steady, and confident whether you’re weaving through mangroves or cruising across a wide-open bay.

Key Features

• Replacement fuel filter screen designed for under-cowl fuel filter assemblies

• Fine mesh filtration helps prevent debris and contaminants from entering the fuel system

• Compatible with screw-on white filter bowl assemblies (top and bowl both white)

• Gasoline-only application for Mercury and Mariner outboards

• Built to Mercury Marine’s precise filtration and durability standards

• Lightweight, corrosion-resistant material for long-lasting performance

Engine & Boat Compatibility

• Fits Mercury and Mariner outboards equipped with under-cowl screw-on fuel bowl assemblies

• Works with white-color filter systems, including both the bowl and mounting collar

• Common on a wide range of mid-horsepower outboards used on:

  • Aluminum fishing boats

  • Center consoles

  • Pontoon boats

  • Inshore skiffs

  • Multi-purpose runabouts

Performance & Practical Benefits
When you’re relying on your outboard to push you miles from the dock, the smallest part can have a big impact. The 87946K04 Fuel Filter Screen helps keep the fuel flowing clean and steady so your outboard responds exactly how you expect it to—tight, smooth, and consistent. You’ll notice fewer stumbles at idle, more reliable acceleration, and less worry about contaminants sneaking into sensitive fuel components.

Installation is quick and intuitive; the screen fits snugly inside the screw-on bowl and seats securely without forcing or fiddling. Once in place, it quietly does its job, catching the grit, flakes, and sediment that tend to accumulate in tanks over time. It’s the kind of maintenance task that pays off trip after trip, protecting your injectors, pump, and overall engine health.

Because it’s built from corrosion-resistant material, the screen retains its shape even after repeated fuel cycles, temperature swings, and long seasons on the water. It’s designed to simply work—no swelling, collapsing, or loosening. Just steady performance and clean fuel delivery.

Why Buy OEM
If you’ve been boating long enough, you already know—fuel system components are not the place to experiment with aftermarket shortcuts.

• Mercury OEM screens match the exact flow rate and filtering needs of your engine

• Proper fit prevents bypassing, leaks, or misalignment

• Designed for gasoline-only marine environments

• Longer service life compared to generic mesh filters

• Protects the investment you’ve made in your outboard

Choosing OEM means fewer surprises and more reliable days on the water. It’s simple, smart, and cost-effective over the long run.

FAQ

Q1: Which Mercury systems does the 87946K04 Fuel Filter Screen fit?
It fits Mercury and Mariner outboards with white screw-on under-cowl fuel filter bowl assemblies.

Q2: What makes it different from aftermarket screens?
Mercury’s OEM screen matches factory flow specs, fits perfectly, and uses higher-grade filtration material.

Q3: How do I know if it’s the correct replacement for my engine?
Check that your under-cowl filter bowl and top piece are both white—this screen is designed for that assembly style.

Q4: Can it be used in both saltwater and freshwater?
Yes. It’s corrosion-resistant and built for any marine environment, as long as the fuel is gasoline.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?
Very. It simply seats inside the bowl assembly and is replaced during normal fuel filter service