tips on changing fuel filter?
Changed the fuel filter in the 300D today what a mess! Got any tips on not spilling any fuel? My first mistake was doing it on an incline with nose down instead of facing the other way. Second was I just filled the tank. I had to loosen the return banjo bolt to get to the center nut. When the banjo was removed, fuel runs out of there at a pretty good rate. After the big filter center bolt was removed, fuel gushes out of there at an even higher rate. I tried to work fast and thread the new filter in but had a lot of trouble getted the thread started (imo, no need for such tight thread tolerance there). I must have lost a gallon.:(. I guess I should have pinched the supply and return hoses before I started huh? Anyone replace the Mercedes fuel filter head with an aftermarket unit? I am seriously considering doing that.
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And, make sure the filter is filled to the brim before you secure it with the bolt. |
I kinda knew it was going to leak but not that much. I was lazy and didn't feel like turning the car around. Live and learn, :rolleyes:
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Use a clamp on the hose from the metal fuel line to the primary filter to keep fuel from running out of the tank. I bought little clamps made specifically for this purpose (and very cleverly called "hose clamps") but just about anything will work – I have used vice-grips (carefully!) in the past.
Brian has the best idea so far for filling the new secondary filter: fill the filter about 3/4 full with clean diesel fuel and then get it into place. Now use a tool – hose, funnel, whatever – to fill the filter all the way full and put in the bolt to hold it. That way you don't spill from a full filter trying to wiggle it into place. Jeremy |
I changed both filters today, it was easy & painless. I just loosened the bolt on top with a crescent wrench, unscrewed the primary filter, filled the new one with ATF ("benz abuse") and screwed it on, tightened the bolt. Then I changed the secondary. Then when I took the car to the carwash I cleaned up the diesel I always spill on the motor mount.
Also my mechanic said the top bolt breaks about 1/3 the time he changes filters for some reason. |
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What size wrench is that bolt? Mine is pretty big. I think about 27 mm. A socket or box end won't fit. Neither will an open end because the wrench is too thick. Also, where can I get those aluminum washers (on the banjo bolt) locally?
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On the main filter I use my vacuum oil extractor to remove fuel from filter before the tilt to remove. I put the new filter back in place and fill it through the bolt hole to the brim and then tighten.
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O ring seal
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Did you open the tank to relieve the pressure?? Open the cap and you will find that it has pressure in the tank(at least the three Mercedes I have keep pressure in the tanks). Until the pressure is gone it will spew fuel all over the place. (ask me how I know) The bolt does not require much torque to seal the filter it is the O ring on it that will not seal and people tighten the ____ out of it in a effort to stop the leak. Get a new O ring every other filter change and it will be no trouble. Treat the filter like a oil filter - lube the rubber ring on the can and when it touches the housing then about 3/4 turn more. Robert |
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Due to the vent, there should be no pressure or vacuum in the tank, unless the vent is blocked.
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That bolt needs either a 24 or 27 mm wrench. That's a big bolt! I wouldn't let that mechanic who breaks it 1/3 of the time anywhere near my car. :D
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Vent
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Where is the little sucker and how do I fix it?? Thanks for pointing that out I thought that they were like that. Robert |
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