How often do you change your fuel filter?

[Grdenko]

I recently changed my fuel filter myself for the first time after running through a tank of B90. I started with about B30, then about B60 and then almost all biodiesel. The biodiesel guy said that is should change my filters immediately, but i believe my exact words were "bah!". he was right and i could definitely tell by that 3rd tank that my filter was backed up. I changed the filter (a whole different thread!) and i noticed a difference immediately. its like a new car, i highly recommend it (MB probably does too!)

Anyway, i was wondering how often youre supposed to change the main fuel filter, the big one. I probably hadnt had mine changed in 20,000 miles almost, but i really have no idea. I havnt seen any recommendation on it anywhere, and im just wondering what the forum thinks. So, WITHOUT running biodiesel, how often do you change your fuel filter? or, if you do run B100 how often?

thanks

[bustedbenz]

Without ever seeing biodiesel, I have never had the power loss that suggested I needed to change.

I'm planning to run mine... we'll it's already been in there over 20k. Probably every 30 or 40 thousand I'll figure "Hey, why not change the fuel filters" - the other time I change the big one is if I see the little prefilter getting too grungy... as in, if I can see trapped particles in it starting to build up or look problematic, I'll change both at the same time.

Actually... more than mileage, that's my general rule. When the prefilter looks like it needs changing, go ahead and change the canister too.

[TMAllison]

I believe the MB recommendation has generally been every 30k; of course that data was based on new car maint.

After 20-30 years, vehicles operating in areas having suspect fuel quality or that use alternative fuels may need to do so more often.

Every oil change, which is about 7-8Kmiles for me.

[babymog]

Every oil change to every 2nd oil change. The filters are relatively cheap, I order them at the same time as the oil filters, and I'm already wearing gloves. Besides, the longer cranking helps to pump oil around the engine before it starts.

I do pre-filll my filters also, helps to reduce cranking time (602/603).

[gatorblue92]

i do it about every 6 months or so

[JackG]

I voted before I read your post.
The big filter is NOT your main filter, It is your secondary filter.
I change that one ever third oil change.
The small clear inline filter is your main/primary filter.
That is the one I change ever oil change.

[Skippy]

I change them when they seem to need it. Upon purchase I changed them, and I haven't done the 300D since. The 240 spent some time sitting without a fuel cap (still not sure how that happened), and I changed filters afterward. It still hiccups once in a while, so I may need to do the filters again. I probably should clean the tank strainer too, but I'm a little lacking in places to do that.

[Grdenko]

well, the clear filter is the primary filter in that the fuel reaches it first in the line. But i figure the big spin on one is the main because it is the most important. The clear one really isnt necessary other than to filter out the biggest particles and to get an idea of how clean your fuel is. Ive never seen any engine other than a mercedes diesel with a coarse mesh pre-filter like these have.

anyway, i think mine was last changed about 3 years ago, about 35k miles. I guess thats alot. It makes a huge difference, even compared to before i filled up with b90. so i think it should be at least an every second oil change thing, at least thats what im gunna do from now on.

[babymog]

Unless M-B is different than the big diesels, the large filter is considered the primary and the small one considered the secondary filter, even though the fuel flows through the small/secondary first.

M-B might not be this way, I guess I could consult the trusty FSM but then it wouldn't be any fun.

[Hatterasguy]

I change mine every fall before my car goes into storage for 4-6 months. Just because thats how I have always winterized boats so I carried it over to the SDL. I figure that the 603 isn't much different then a diesel in a boat.

If I didn't store the car I would probably just change them at whatever mileage the FSM indicates.

[bgkast]

When ever I buy or sell a car.

[wrench56]

I change them every oil change. Filters are cheap, it's always better to change them at my convenience rather than on the side side of I10 at 5 in the morning.

Wayne

[Cervan]

Whenever the car starts stalling i change them

[PaulH]

1. Use a clear prefilter so that you can put a shop light "behind" the filter and see inside the filter to see if there are any particles caught by the filter. The last time that I changed the filter was at approx. 50,000 miles and it really had few particles caught by the filter. But, since I have about 10 spare filters....... 2. I've found by experience that the spin on filter needs changing every 20-25,000 miles. So, if I'm going on a trip and nearing these figures, I change the filter. AND, ALWAYS carry more than one spare fuel filter, with proper wrenchs, in the trunk. You can get bad fuel anywhere.