Re: 1989 OMC 2.3 Fuel Filter. Same as Ford 2.3 Filter from Auto Zone?
You should have a bracket on that motor which holds the larger "marine" fuel AND water filter, right? It sits right above and to the stern of the oil filter and is about the same size and shape.
I have the same motor and when I bought it there was a cheap plastic in-line filter installed. I replaced the missing bracket and re-ran my fuel lines so it is back to the way it should be. The filters aren't expensive, and the system doesn't have to be OMC specific. Bass Pro Shop carries a filter set up like this for any use.