I like the factory clamps. On my first fuel filter change I was ready to replace them with the worm-gear clamps because I assumed I would break the factory clamp.


If you carefully wiggle the screwdriver in the right spot under the top "plate" it pops right open. Try not to twist the clamp out of shape.


I've now reused the clamps on the lines at the fuel filter at least 20 times.

__________________
Mark in MA
05 MB E320CDI 402k Granite Grey Metallic
05 MB E320CDI 267k Black
05 MB E320CDI 232k White
05 MB E320CDI 209k Tectite Grey
99 Dodge 2500 Cummins 5sp 148k
62 Jeep CJ-6 120k

This is the proper tool for these clamps...sets and removes them without damage.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z3PQHWM

__________________
The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

I've been trying unsuccessfully to upload a photo of the black fuel line, showing the pinpoint location of the hairline oozing of the fuel leak.

It's back of the clamp about two inches.
There's enough slack in the fuel line to cut it, and re-clamp. I'm going to do that for now. -If it works, that is.

Comments and questions;

1) My CDI only has 69K miles on it, so I'm certain the black hose fuel lines are original. I don't see 8' of fuel line, as one of you guys stated. Are there several feet out of view? Is fuel line a lot cheaper online than at the MB dealer?

2) how the heck would I get access to removing that front plate beyond the serpentine belt and radiator? Talk about a tight area!

SkidRow I would love to see the pictures. As you may have figured I am not much of mechanic but gain lots of knowledge from folks like you on the forum.

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06 MB E320 CDI 123k miles
14 Sienna (wife's DD) 36k miles
11 GL350 Bluetec 136k (Sold)
96 E300; 292k+ miles (Donated)
11 Sprinter 22K+ miles (Sold)

OK.....I did the slice and re-clamping at the fuel filter on the obvious leaking black fuel line hose.

Wiped the whole thing down drying off the diesel leakage. Started it up, and there's weeping from the other black fuel line hose at the fuel filter.

So, I've got to make a black fuel hose run to an auto parts store called Import Auto Parts about 6 miles from me.
My nearest MB Dealer is 18 miles away.

About the plate at the front of the engine that protects the fuel lines from the serpentine belt - held on by 3 screws, that the two fuel lines go to the front of the engine block from the fuel filter? I can get that if doing a double fuel line replacement. I studied it some, and I could do it.

Don't know why pics are failing the upload to the forum. Just tried again just now. Oh well.

No injector fuel leakage whatsoever on this 2006 I6 CDI.
Other than dusty, it's clean as a whistle.

You have 4 fuel hoses on top of the motor. I ballparked that they are each shorter than 2', so 8' of hose will easily cover everything. 1 hose from hard pipe to outer fuel filter fitting...65psi. 1 hose from inner fuel filter to inlet on HP pump...65psi. 1 hose as return line from HP pump to "T" at center of manifold...7psi, and 1 hose as return line from rear of engine (collecting return from rear of fuel rail and all the injectors) that goes to other side of "T" at center of manifold...7psi.


That front plate is a little tricky. 3/8" ratchet, 1" extension, torx socket. That puts the ratchet handle between belt and fan shroud, giving "fingertip" access to ratchet handle.

__________________
Mark in MA
05 MB E320CDI 402k Granite Grey Metallic
05 MB E320CDI 267k Black
05 MB E320CDI 232k White
05 MB E320CDI 209k Tectite Grey
99 Dodge 2500 Cummins 5sp 148k
62 Jeep CJ-6 120k

One of the fuel lines coming off the filter was the one that split on me while I was in a remote area in CO in 2015. Sounds like having some extra hose and/or razor blade may be a good thing to carry in the trunk for W211 e320 CDI owners.

__________________
-- Chris

'95 E300, 216k miles, Silver Surfer
'05 E320 CDI, 138k miles
'07 S550 4matic, 69k miles

Gone but not forgotten:

'76 300D, 350k miles?, SOLD in 1995
'75 240D, 300k miles, SOLD in 1991

Yes. The razor blade or pocket knife is key to make necessary cuts.

That was the one I saw with a hairline crack weeping fuel. It makes a turn where mine was oozing 2" back of the clamp.
The other hose is oozing @ the clamp. I'll report after replacing that 12" line of black hose.

Thanks for all yall ongoing support and help!

Is the 5/16" black hose fuel line @ O'Reilly, AutoZone, Pep Boys suitable/rugged enough for the CDI diesel fuel? I just didn't get to the import auto supply independent before they closed for the weekend.

Part numbers for the four rubber fuel hoses.

648-070-10-81 Distribution to pump
648-070-12-81 Filter to pump
648-078-07-81 Filter to fuel tank
648-070-11-81 Supply line to Y distribution

I don't have measurements, but I know the lines to/from the fuel filter are different sizes.
It only takes 2 days on average for online M-B dealer part vendors to get special order parts in (if not in stock).

Jay Bob - I'm extremely thankful for your information. I read it and will compare Torx fitting brands. Nice to learn of the 642 differences.

MB_FANADDICT - very helpful! Getting the actual MB part numbers.

Spark - thank you for above Teflon return lines info!

Thanks for posting those 4 hose numbers!

The All Imports Auto Parts had them on back order. I'm making a run to the MB dealer for the part.

The diesel fuel is flowing/fizzing out of the top of the assembly that is on top of the fuel filter. Right under the torx screws. The torx screws won't tighten - they won't tighten, but the screws aren't stripped. How is this assembly taken apart? I can't figure it out. The center screw in by fingertips black plastic screw has an o-ring at it's base that's intact. When I turned the ignition to the second turn, to refill with diesel fuel after replacing the short black hose - now it's apparent where the fuel's leaking from like crazy. Any help taking assembly off to inspect and maybe replace appreciated! No photos - can't get them to upload - sorry!

Are you referring to the water sensor on the fuel filter? If so it sounds like one (or more) of the rubber o-rings on the stem no longer seals. How long (many miles) ago did you replace the fuel filter?