use spin on oil filters to replace fuel filter? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

odie · #1 01-13-2005, 12:41 PM

Not sure if this has been discussed before...

Has anyone even thought about using a spin on oil filter top replace the main fuel filter?

I can't find fuel filters at any local parts stores. Only the little inline filter.

I can mail order fuel filters for about $8-10 bucks each.

But if an oil filter will work, those are only about$2-5 bucks at most places. It's pretty easy to find one with the same threads and o-ring diameter.

Is there a major difference in micron ratings? My Harley oil filters are 10 micron and so are the Mobile One filters. Most diesel fuel filters are a 10 micron rating as well.

Another angle is many of us are running WVO, biodiesel or WVO blends. A filter designed for thicker oil might actually be a good idea.

I think some oil filters might have a bypass valve to prevent a plugged filter from causing oil starvation. Obviously not a great idea on a fuel filter.

In the end though, is a filter not a filter...

d.delano · #2 01-13-2005, 12:46 PM

[QUOTE=odie]

I can't find fuel filters at any local parts stores. Only the little inline filter. QUOTE]

No filters in Corpus Christi? What about the dealer? Phil has them and will get them to you quick.

Old300D · #3 01-13-2005, 12:54 PM

I thought most oil filters are 40 micron, but if a HD spin-on is 10 micron, that may work as well. I'd be a little cautious about using an oil filter with a bypass in it. If it clogs you do not want it to bypass! Biodiesel may not be nice to bypass valves either, then you would be putting valve parts into the IP and permanently bypassing the filter.

For running vegetable oil, you may consider separate filtering, bypassing the factory filter. I ran veggie through the main filter for a while with no problems, but it increases the purge time greatly. I'm currently designing a new veggie setup that filters the veggie separately with a 2 micron filter.

R Leo · #4 01-13-2005, 01:12 PM

WIX 33149 - Secondary fuel (spin on, 616, 617 engines)
WIX 33006 - Primary fuel (inline, 615, 616, 617, 603 ... engines)

odie · #5 01-13-2005, 01:36 PM

Thanks for the WIX numbers...but the trick is to find a place that actually carries that number.

I can cross numbers all day, doesn't mean anyone local is going to stock them.

I could go to the stealership but thats against my religion...and pocket book.

The new Harley TC-88 engine filters are 10 micron rated...the other Harley filters are lower rated.

My original thought is a low cost readily available substitute. Especially since running WVO I'm sure to plug filters much more often. Kinda hurts tossing a $10 filter every few weeks or sooner.

boneheaddoctor · #6 01-13-2005, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odie

Thanks for the WIX numbers...but the trick is to find a place that actually carries that number.

I can cross numbers all day, doesn't mean anyone local is going to stock them.

I could go to the stealership but thats against my religion...and pocket book.

The new Harley TC-88 engine filters are 10 micron rated...the other Harley filters are lower rated.

My original thought is a low cost readily available substitute. Especially since running WVO I'm sure to plug filters much more often. Kinda hurts tossing a $10 filter every few weeks or sooner.

Go to NAPA...........they will get them overnight..................Oil filters are not gonna filter at the level you want them to. IP's cost a lot more than the correct filter does.

KCampbell · #7 01-13-2005, 04:37 PM

Like he said - go to NAPA with the Wix number and they'll fix you right up. My local NAPA had it in stock ready to go.

The spin on fuel filter seems to last forever, it's the inline one that gets clogged first. My spin on filter was at least 10 years old.

Kevin

deeph8 · #8 01-13-2005, 04:43 PM

our local parts place (checkers) will not look up parts using parts numbers (for example bosch plugs). They insist on using their computer to check auto manufacturer's recommendations. If it doesn't show up there, they won't look on the shelf, even if it is right in front of them. Very frustrating.

odie · #9 01-13-2005, 04:52 PM

Thats because there are no more auto parts salesmen...

just salesmen.

Any idiot who can use a computer and cash register is hired.

long gone are the days when the guys behind the counter "lived" to work on cars...

KCampbell · #10 01-13-2005, 06:43 PM

Odie

Sorry to hear that's how things are where you live. At my local NAPA there's a guy I always work with that has a show winning Barraccuda, and his wife has a show car that she re-wired herself. I can take them in the air filter from my Iseki 3 cylinder diesel tractor, and they'll measure it and start looking for something that will fit.

Kevin

#11 01-13-2005, 06:57 PM

What he meant was that it's a trend, and if it hasn't caught up in your neck of the woods yet, it will!

BB

Hatterasguy · #12 01-13-2005, 10:07 PM

Well I have given up getting parts locally for my MB. Their are not many of these cars around so no one is going to carry anything. Autozone can't even get any parts for my SDL, 617 owners might have better luck. Just order the right ones from Phil or go to the dealer, I think they are $12 from the dealer.

bjcsc · #13 01-14-2005, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odie

Especially since running WVO I'm sure to plug filters much more often. Kinda hurts tossing a $10 filter every few weeks or sooner.

The real issue here may not be the filters at all, but that your WVO needs to be filtered better initially and/or you need to modify your filtering system so the heavy stuff can't make it to the spin-on filter.

odie · #14 01-14-2005, 09:47 AM

I called a few smaller parts places. It seems a few actually carry the big spin on filter. But they a about $10, I can get them from PP for $8 plus shipping so it's about the same.

My local autozone carries lots of stuff in stock for the old MB diesels. Just not that filter.

Quote:

The real issue here may not be the filters at all, but that your WVO needs to be filtered better initially and/or you need to modify your filtering system so the heavy stuff can't make it to the spin-on filter.

I cold filter the WVO to 5 microns. I 've been fighting algae problems so I'm going thru filters fast.

SD Blue · #15 01-14-2005, 02:07 PM

Do you have an O'really (O'Reilly) near you? They usually carry the WIX filters I need.

I have not had much success at Autozoo (Autozone) or Pep Girls (Pep Boys) either.

But best of all, if you can find a small independent import parts store and get to know them. They will usually go the extra distance to keep these basic parts on hand. Especially if they are near several indy shops that maintain MB's.

If you want real service stick with independent business owners.

Chains have forgotten this aspect of business it seems.

They rely strictly on volume.

(Hint: If an independent goes this extra distance, don't cut his throat over the cost of a cup of coffee!) I'm not saying you would, just that I see it too often. By the way Fastlane is one of these independents.

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