Time for fuel filter change.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vwbuge · #1 07-20-2007, 01:15 AM

I started my car in the parking lot after work tonight. She idled for about a minute and then slowly began to die. I knew it was coming, I have been running roughly 50-60% WVO and 40-50% diesel fuel.

I changed both filters in the dark parking lot. I alway carry a spare and tools to change both. So when I got home I checked my maint. book. I had about 25k on both filters. I have been running my WVO/diesel mix about the last 5-8k miles.

Jeremy5848 · #2 07-20-2007, 01:29 AM

Interesting. What did the primary filter look like when you got it home? Can you post a picture?

How long did it take to accumulate those miles? I would think once a year would be appropriate for fuel filter changes with perhaps double that for "exotic" fuel sources.

P.E.Haiges · #3 07-20-2007, 02:47 AM

I'll agree it was time to replace one of the filters but not both. Small chance both filters plug at same time.

P E H

RichC · #4 07-20-2007, 06:01 AM

Hello

I have had to change the filters on any vehicles I switch fuels with.

The Vegetable oil seems to clean out all the residue the diesel left behind.

Even people switching to biodiesel have reported this.

After changing the filters twice I have noticed that I can go much longer between changes now.

I keep filters, and the tools needed to change them, in the trunk.

The smaller in-line filter can be cleaned out enough to get you home by blowing thru it in the opposite direction of fuel travel.
That has gotten enough of the gunk out of it for me before.

Thank You
Have Fun
RichC

vwbuge · #5 07-20-2007, 10:11 AM

The primary was definately cloudy. It was dark so I could only hold it up to the light. I tossed them both at work.
I probably could have gotten away with changing just the primary but I changed them both.

I don't put many miles on my car. I only use it for an occasional road trip and back and forth to work. It gets parked in a heated garage from November to March.

P.E.Haiges · #6 07-20-2007, 10:18 AM

RichC,

When I detect a loss of power, I take off the primary (in-line) fuel filter and blow thru it in the forward direction. If there is a lot of resistance, I know the filter is plugged and needs to be replaced. I always carry spares too.

If there is little resistance, the I reinstall the same primary filter and change the secondary (can type) fuel filter. This has always got me going. I have never seen both filters plug at the same time.

P E H

RichC · #7 07-21-2007, 05:47 PM

.

Hey thats a good idea.

You can keep tabs on the secondary filter that way.

Thank You
RichC

P.E.Haiges · #8 07-21-2007, 10:36 PM

RichC,

Only time I got fooled was when the tank strainer pluged from Fungus growing in the tank.

P E H

#9 07-21-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.E.Haiges

When I detect a loss of power, I take off the primary (in-line) fuel filter and blow thru it in the forward direction.

Not blowing through the filter (uck) is worth the cost/time of replacing both, IMHO. But I suppose that would work.

Brian Carlton · #10 07-22-2007, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

Not blowing through the filter (uck) is worth the cost/time of replacing both, IMHO. But I suppose that would work.

That primary is $2.00 Craig.........don't want to replace it if we don't have to............

RichC · #11 07-23-2007, 09:35 AM

.

I get stuck in " fix it " mode.

I forget there is a " buy new " mode.

Letting a dime get in the way of a dollar.

Thanks
RichC

.

P.E.Haiges · #12 07-23-2007, 10:24 AM

Craig,

Then I clean and reuse the fuel filters.

I got this idea from MB. It was specified to do in an owners manual for an old 180D. They even had a tool available to clean the fuel filter. It pumped a cleaning fluid thru the filter in the reverse direction.

P E H

#13 07-23-2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.E.Haiges

Craig,

Then I clean and reuse the fuel filters.

I got this idea from MB. It was specified to do in an owners manual for an old 180D. They even had a tool available to clean the fuel filter. It pumped a cleaning fluid thru the filter in the reverse direction.

P E H

Whatever works, I'm sure they can be cleaned and reused without a problem.

I just order another handful of them whenever I run low, I should have at least 2 or 3 still still in my trunk. I'm usually a couple of 1000 miles from home when I need one, so I'm not very interested in cleaning them.