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#1
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Fuel leak - thankfully it was diesel!
I replaced the primary and secondary fuel filters in my 300TD two weeks ago. It had a Mercedes secondary on it and I put a Hengst I had on hand. The Hengst is a bit bigger than the OEM filter. Drove the car for a bit in town and all seemed fine. Could feel a little wetness when running my hand under the filter, but assumed it was leftover from the bleeding. A couple of days I go, I drove to the cottage (over an hour of highway). On the way back, 15 minutes from home, I noticed the fuel tank was half empty (I had filled it up on the way to the cottage). Pulled over, popped the hood, and there was diesel fuel everywhere on the left side of the engine, it was dripping on the ground. Shut off the engine, took out some tools, checked for tight fittings and hose clamps, snugged one up. Decided to drive to the next exit and check it out again. On stopping, I noticed a trail of diesel behind the car, puddle under the engine, rear hatch and window covered with oily film. Even though I was only 10 minutes from home, I figured it was safer to call CAA and get it towed.
Went out and got a MB filter from the dealer, put it on, and leak went away instantly. Inspected the Hengst and looks like it was banged up in shipping because the bottom was dented and I could see the crack from which the fuel was pouring out under pressure. Lessons learned: always carefully inspect filter before putting on (for dents or cracks); don't dismiss any slight surface leak; and: I will stick with OEM Mercedes filters from now! One thing I am thankful for is that I drive a diesel. With a gas engine, my MB would likely be a charred write-off by now (and who knows about me and my passenger and my dog). One great advantage to us driving a diesel car!!!!
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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K |
#2
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This seems like an unusual circumstance.
I have read nothing in the forums to indicate any particular company makes bad Secondary Filters. However, the good quality Filters are not overpriced and are competitive with the cheapie ones so most people buy a decent make of Filter. Also the Hengst, Mahle and Mann versions are often priced slightly lower (on the internet) then the US versions. In general when spin-on Filters have a problem it is often with the rubber Seal on the Filter or some issue with the threads. If there is an issue inside of the Filter itself you normally cannot see that.
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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel |
#3
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Its cool to see a Mercedes brand filter, but I would think the cost would be three to four times that of a good filter from another company...I think you just had a freak accident, and no way does that require you to use a OEM brand filter....in my opinion...
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#4
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Glad you got it taken care of without having to call the fire department!
Also a good reminder that we should all be carrying spare filters.
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617 swapped Toyota Pickup, 22-24 MPG, 50k miles on swap |
#5
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I thought you meant carry fire extinguisher. I did and I always do. It saved my 300SDL as it caught fire due to an electrical fault on the freeway 3 years back.
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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed. W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html 1 X 2006 CDI 1 x 87 300SDL 1 x 87 300D 1 x 87 300TDT wagon 1 x 83 300D 1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry. |
#6
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Good points, no, GREAT points (reminders really as I should know better), to carry a fire extinguisher and spare fuel filters (and necessary tools to change them).
Yeah, the MB filter was $16 cdn, one can order 2 if not 3 OEM filters for that price (in the US I mean, because we get hosed in Canada with prices on this stuff - ex: one Canadian online parts distributor sells the Mann filter for $16 - at that price, I might as WELL get a Mercedes one! :-) I'm wondering if MB may have designed the diesel filter locations in such a way that a leak like mine would not necessarily cause a catastrophic fire...
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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K |
#7
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Diesel isn't flammable, its combustible.....you have to mix it with a certain fertilizer to make it flammable....it will cause a horrible mess but never a fire.....now mice eating the insulation off of wires under the dash, that will cause a fire...
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#8
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It's hard to burn diesel by itself. Pour some in a cup and try lighting it. You won't be able to ignite it no matter hard you try. Diesel soaked insulation is a different story. Put a piece of cloth in the cup of diesel and it will burn so you still need to be careful with diesel.
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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now 83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD! 83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked |
#9
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Quote:
Agreed. NAPA filters are actually rebranded WIX filters, (a good brand), so that's what I buy.
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"Senior Luna, your sense of humor is still loco... but we love it, anyway." -rickymay ____ "Your sense of humor is still loco... " -MBeige ____ "Señor Luna, your sense of humor is quite järjetön" -Delibes 1982 300SD -- 211k, Texas car, tranny issues ____ 1979 240D 4-speed 234k -- turbo and tuned IP, third world taxi hot rod 2 Samuel 12:13: "David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die." |
#10
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CAA is actually the Canadian Automobile Association (equivalent of AAA in the States). The annual fee pays for itself with a single tow. Good insurance for the road, driving older cars as I do...
Thanks for the tip about Napa filters.
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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K |
#11
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If you look closely at the Mercedes filter, you will see either Mann, Hengst or Mahle/Knecht on it.
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Len '59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta '83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD '88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out https://sites.google.com/site/mercedesstuff/home '99 E300 turbo 227,500 miles '03 SLK320 40,000 miles - gave to my daughter '14 Smart electric coupe 28,500 miles '14 Smart electric cabriolet 28,500 miles '15 Smart electric coupe 28,000 miles |
#12
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What was I saying about us getting hosed on car parts in Canada? I followed Jooseppi's recommendation on the NAPA filter so called my local NAPA store. Would you hazard to guess how much they are selling a secondary filter for an '83 300D? ... $28.50 !!!!
I immediately called the MB dealer and ordered three at $16, a real bargain! :-)
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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K |
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