VW "factory training" personnel at one time used to recommend a special step for changing fuel filters on their series A and B diesels (NOT TDIs, however, because of the nature of the fuel pumps): the trick was to fill the filter before installing it with type F or Dexron Automatic Transmission Fluid (not synthetics or those high temperature types for Chrysler boxes, which hadn't yet been introduced then anyway). The cars would start fine on the ATF, provided the motor was warm before the filter was installed, and the smoothing out of the motor's performance was always perceptible on my '85 Jetta whenever I did it.

Has anyone any experience with this trick on M-B Diesels???

I read a tecnical article about the misconception that A/T fluid is a good IP lubricant. It is not good, apparently. It turns into ash as it is combusted and that ash can pound up your valves. I think that the VW practice of filling filters is right, but those filters should be filled with Diesel Service or some such product. Red Line makes good stuff. So does Klween-Flo and Hawes.

I read a tecnical article about the misconception that A/T fluid is a good IP lubricant. It is not good, apparently. It turns into ash as it is combusted and that ash can pound up your valves. I think that the VW practice of filling filters is right, but those filters should be filled with Diesel Service or some such product. Red Line makes good stuff. So does Kleen-Flo and Hawes.

Using ATF in the filter when changing it and adding ATF to the fuel tank has been discussed/argued a lot. Do a search for old posts on this topic.

Good Luck!
Tom

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1977 300D: 300,000+ miles

American Honda: Factory Trained Technician & Honor Grad.
Formerly:
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