Hi,
New to the MB and diesel world. What's the best way to clean an oil bath filter?
Thanks

Easy as pie,

Take out filter, dump out oil, use paper towel to clean out gunk on the bottom and all oil.

As for the filter, not really sure the "best way" or how easy it is toget a new fitler element. I've never looked (I'll do that when I have a bit more time). But I would guess any solvent or brake cleaner might work, but may be unecesary as oil can be dirty as it wants as long as it still catches more dirt, and I think just putting new oil in there would work more than fine.

If you find any info on the oil filter replacement post it as I would like toknow as well

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76 300D 130K "Stella" (Sold )
74 240D 299K (Donated to Highschool For Senior Project WVO)
83 300TDT 290K (My one and only)
Sanford, NC

the best way to deal with an oil bath filter is to remove it and throw it away, then use a little imagination and effort to devise a pleated paper filter replacement.

I have to agree with throwing it out. I'd be worried about all that oil in the intake air stream.

I don't know what you mean about throwing it out but I think you mean finding another one. As I think the oil filter baths do a better job than a paper element they "upgraded to" would. I think paper would work fine, but looking at my filter I think it is some sort of metal. Never really messed with it that much but it looks a lot like an sos pad. I'm sure if you could get some steel cloth and stuff it in there it might work....might be to fine though.

__________________
76 300D 130K "Stella" (Sold )
74 240D 299K (Donated to Highschool For Senior Project WVO)
83 300TDT 290K (My one and only)
Sanford, NC

Yes, it's basically aluminum (possibly steel) long shavings. You can clean it by pouring gas or any other solvent through it, from top to bottom, into a container, then keep pouring it through, then change the solvent, do it a few more times and that's it. I believe oil bath filters are very effective filters. They require cleaning rather than tossing away like a paper filter. I've kept my oil bath air filter on my 220D and see no reason to change to paper.