How to replace Fuel Filter / 124
 

I am going to replace the canister fuel filter on my wifes 96 E300D. It looks pretty straight forward but I just wanted to make sure I am not missing anything.

DO I just unscrew the black anodized bolt in the center of the mounting housing and drop the filter? I know I should fill the new filter with diesel so that there is less to prime. I was told (I think that there is no hand primer pump like on my 1977 240 I had way back when) that it will self prime.

Is there anything else I need to know?

TIA

David

One more thing. How do I avoid spilling diesel all over the place?

You got it. No primer on the 124. I use biodiesel to fill the new filter. I don't like to spill diesel all over. You could also use diesel purge also.

i just did this on my 602 powered 300D. I spilt fuel all over the place getting the old filter out. I would suggest putting in the new filter dry and then filling it through the bolt hole using a funnel. Then screw in the banjo bolt with new o-rings. Of course, I'm assuming your engine has a similar filter set up.

I like the idea of filling it up via the bolt hole but isn't the bolt what hold the filter on?

It's a fuel filter can (like the oil filters on some cars) with the center bolt.


What's a Banjo bolt?

Right. Just snake the dry filter into position and leave the bolt out so that you can fill it through the hole with a funnel or piece of tubing. I had to turn mine on its side to get it out and spilt lots of fuel in the process. Thats when I decided to intall the new one in dry (without bolt). Once it's filled, then install the bolt and spin the filter on. Banjo bolts are the term used for the bolt with the holes. Banjo fittings are the round fittings that the bolt goes through.

Done. The dry install worked very well. I loosened the two bolts on the housing to give my self a little extra clearance. That extra 1/2" was a big help.