Fuel spill when changing fuel filter W124 1995 E300

[williammajor]

When I recently changed the diesel fuel filter and pre-filter on my 1995 E300D (215,000 mi), fuel seemed to leak everywhere, saturating the splash guard and forming a relatively large puddle on the ground. After the installation, no more leaks, however; the fuel smell lingers for days. I don't recall this happening before. Is there a check valve anywhere in the system that is supposed to prevent this? Has this happened to you? Thanks

[Zulfiqar]

I change the filter in a way that it does not spill over - and if you face that problem then you need to cover the belt and other bits with some rags first.

[giff]

It helps if you change the filters when the fuel tank is low versus full.....there's less push from a low tank.

Just replaced both filters with a semi-full tank on Saturday.....fuel went everywhere. Time before that, fuel was low(er) and not nearly as much came splashing out....

[williammajor]

Yes, my tank was full as well - interesting observation

[connerm]

Removing the fuel cap may relieve some pressure in the system.
Pull the shut off valve all the way out of the housing after you have unscrewed it from the filter. Replace o-rings as necessary. Then bend the upper radiator hose and slide full fuel filter sideways then out. Should only spill a drop or two. Fill new filter with fresh fuel or diesel purge and reinstall.

If you don't want to spill fuel, Murphy's Law says to place blue shop towels under the filter area, and wear nitrile gloves.

[williammajor]

The fuel spill was not from the fuel stored in the old filter. I was able to remove the filter without tipping it as you instructed. The fuel was spilling out of the fuel lines or the open cavity of the pre-filter housing. I placed a bunch of rags in the vicinity but they quickly became saturated with fuel accumulating on the floor.