I was just looking under my hood today of my 350sdl and decided to check the air filter.

The "blades" of the filter clearly have dust in them, but I'm not sure how bad it is - or if i need to replace them.

Is there a way to clean it or should I just buy a new one?

I will post a pic of it tomorrow. thanks)

I forget to add ... will a dirty air filter significatnly affect turbo performance?

My turbo seems "sluggish" but i've never driven a turbo before so dont have anything to compare to.

No, it shouldn't do anything to your turbo. The only part exposed to the "clean" air is the front compressor. The central cartridge is sealed.

What you are experiencing is turbo lag. (Does the 350sdl have an ALDA?)

I suppose you could try to vacuum the air filter. Might help a little, but it sure won't be as good as new. A very temporary fix, maybe.

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

that's what i've been trying to figure out - if it has an ALDA. I want to "mod" it and clean that banjo bolt. But I can't find it - i'm dying for someone to please show me pictures of where it is on my 350sdl (603 engine).

I will post a picture tomorrow of my engine and maybe someone can point out to me where it is.

so what will a dirty air filter have on performance?

thanks

Some diesels have a built in device to determine when the filter is too restrictive. If we could read the vacuum between the filter and engine we would have a guide.
Usual practice was to drop a filter on the ground and see how much dirt left the outer circumferance when checking it. On some designs blowing air through the filter in reverse can help clean it a little. But by and large if it is pretty dirty it is history.
Too obstructive and you will blow black smoke. Plus fuel milage will drop off. Try holding the filter to the sun and looking at the element. It is always nice to have a new one around for comparison. I think the turbo filter is pricey. So you want to resist changing it needlessly.

not a good idea to use compressed air to blow out a filter, the possibility
of creating holes in the paper. where I use to work we had large equipment, like road graders, dump trucks etc... and they stressed not to
blow out the filters. also if some of the dust get around on the inside part,
when the engine is started, it sucks it in.
I usually just stretch a pair of my wifes panty hose over the intake, and
spray K&N oil on it.
charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Cleaning a $5-$10 filter only loosens trapped dirt particles, making it much easier for them to enter the engine...in fact, I once read that 40-80% of an engine's wear is caused by abrasive (dirt) particles. Go ahead and spend the extra money for a little peace of mind!

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1982 300D-T (sold)
1988 300E (sold)
1994 E320 Wagon (sold)
1995 E320
1998 E300D-T
1999 E3204M Wagon
2001 E320
2005 E320 CDI

Wow. Well, nobody except Mad Max is going to recommend the panty-hose filter.

A search will bring up lots of information.
Another 603 ALDA story
I'm not that well acquainted with your car, but I think this applies to you.

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

Bang it out a bit, the air filter should be changed every 30k miles as per the factory service schedual if my memory is correct. Look at the owners manual to confirm the mileage.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

It's a $20 air filter. No point in cleaning it, just get a new one.

I agree... Not worth the time. One mistake in trying to clean it could let lots of dirt get by.....Not worth the chance......

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87 300SDL - 215K Miles !!
99 F-350CC Dually PSD - 190K
86 300SDL - 189K
All on B-100

Over $30 I think last time I bought one. But yeah I change mine once a year, never touch it in between.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200