How to transport diesel fuel?? '99 W210 fuel re-prime - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

anghrist · #1 03-11-2013, 06:38 PM

Since I ran my tank too low (3.5 gal), I now need to refuel my '99 W210 E300 to reprime the system.

I'm wondering if I should:

a. Re-prime the system off of a jug and then reconnect the fuel tank & such.

b. Get a couple of 5 gal cans and do a relay on-foot to the local fuel station (2 miles each way) and top off the tank before moving the car.

c. Find someone with a mobile pump tank (mobile diesel service??) and top off the tank before moving the car.

Orv · #2 03-11-2013, 06:49 PM

One 5-gallon can ought to be plenty to get it re-primed, unless your car is a lot harder to prime than the older ones.

kerry · #3 03-11-2013, 07:02 PM

Fill the 240d with fuel. Buy a length of 5/16 hose. Pull the 240d up alongside the W210, put the long piece of hose in place of the return line on the 240d with the open end going into the w210 fuel tank instead of the 240d return line. Run the 240d and have the engine pump fuel into the w210 via the return line. Drink a cup of coffee.

phyxer · #4 03-11-2013, 07:40 PM

Drop in 5 gallons and crank it up. Don't make it a bigger deal than it is. Relax and have a good time.

layback40 · #5 03-11-2013, 08:26 PM

An old oil jug full of diesel poured into the tank will be enough. Or if you are lazy, go raid the kitchen cupboard for some veg oil. You only need enough to get to the gas station.

vstech · #6 03-11-2013, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

An old oil jug full of diesel poured into the tank will be enough. Or if you are lazy, go raid the kitchen cupboard for some veg oil. You only need enough to get to the gas station.

X2
I've done it.
ran out of fuel, coasted to a stop, got a 2 quart jug of VO, and primed the car. I had to open the fuel return line, as the filter was DRY, but after a bit of cranking, the car started and ran fine to the station. all up hill I might add!

this is on a finicky 124 wagon no less...

anghrist · #7 03-12-2013, 01:16 AM

Well the leaky delivery valve seals, and the "nose up" parking arrangement might make it a bit difficult to prime. I think I will do the seals and then reprime off of a jug. Should be problem solved after that.

Orv · #8 03-12-2013, 01:47 AM

Related story: Shortly after getting my W123 wagon, I ran out of fuel. I called AAA and they told me they wouldn't bring a can of fuel to a diesel, they would only tow it to a shop, because diesels are so hard to re-prime. When the tow truck driver showed up, I told him I was quite certain it'd start once there was fuel in it, and we compromised on towing it to a fuel station that also had a repair shop. I started the tank filling and then went around front to prime it. The truck driver was utterly fascinated by this process, and wanted to have a go at the hand-operated priming pump.

(Naturally, it started on the first turn of the key.)

layback40 · #9 03-12-2013, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

X2
I've done it.
ran out of fuel, coasted to a stop, got a 2 quart jug of VO, and primed the car. I had to open the fuel return line, as the filter was DRY, but after a bit of cranking, the car started and ran fine to the station. all up hill I might add!

this is on a finicky 124 wagon no less...

I ran out in a supermarket car park. The nearest open gas station that sold diesel was about 10 miles away. Guess what I did? People in the car park assured me it wouldnt work. The look on their faces when it started & I drove off was priceless especially the guy with the 2 empty veg oil jugs in his hands !!