cleanable prefilter for 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

coachgeo · #1 06-07-2004, 09:18 AM

anyone see a reason to NOT use a cleanable prefilter to replace the plastic prefilter. I have a glass prefilter that is cleanable that I have left over from another project. I also have a need to replace my prefilter. I thought I would just screw a 90 degree copper elbow onto it and then the nipple and whallllaaaaaaaaaa.. cleanable prefilter custom for MB.

P.E.Haiges · #2 06-07-2004, 10:15 AM

Coach,

I consider the original or replacement filters cleanable. Just put some gasoline in the output end and blow compressed air thru. Might have to do it twice. Check by how easy it is to blow thru by mouth.

There eventually comes time when the filter can no longer be cleaned and then must be replaced.

P E H

Hatterasguy · #3 06-07-2004, 02:17 PM

I wouldn't bother there only $2. They don't get dirty really fast so if you change them every 2 years that's $1 a year.

RockinWagin · #4 06-07-2004, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hatterasguy
I wouldn't bother there only $2. They don't get dirty really fast so if you change them every 2 years that's $1 a year.

Agreed.

P.E.Haiges · #5 06-07-2004, 11:14 PM

My prefilter has been in for 6 years, guess that's only $.33 a year. But its still $2 or more to replace it when and if it ever plugs. So I will still clean it and reuse (recycle) it. I don't subscribe to the throw away world if I don't have to.

Years ago, MB recommended cleaning the fuel filters and even made a tool to clean the cartridges in the old style fuel filters. I guess it wouldn't pay for most people to do that anymore at today's outrageous labor rates. But my labor is free, so it still pays me to clean my fuel filters and reuse them.

We have to update Ben Franklins statement of a "Penny saved is a Penny Earned" to "A Penny Saved is 2 Pennies Earned Before Taxes".

P E H

Jimmy Joe · #6 06-07-2004, 11:25 PM

Those of us experimenting with bio-diesel and veggy oil will be changing em more frequently. I like the idea of those marine, see through pre-filters with the cleanable screen. I guess my question is, will it filter to the spec of a MBZ throwaway?

compress ignite · #7 06-08-2004, 12:31 AM

J.J.,

Those are "Grosse" materiel filters.

The "Pre-filters" you are refering to are so much finer in
filtration media.

coachgeo · #8 06-08-2004, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by compress ignite
J.J.,

Those are "Grosse" materiel filters.

The "Pre-filters" you are refering to are so much finer in
filtration media.

From what you wrote; I cant make heads or tails as to which filter you refer to in each of your statements.. Can you specify and give some details to back up your statements?

My quick search shows the glass filters with plastic filter & screen are around 40 micron. What is the micro the MB pre-filter suppose to be?

(glass filter link listing micron rateing http://www.thinkauto.com/electricfuelpumps.htm)

coachgeo · #9 06-08-2004, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hatterasguy
I wouldn't bother there only $2. They don't get dirty really fast so if you change them every 2 years that's $1 a year.

There about 4 dollars these days and as I experement w/ vege fuels, deal with algae, and just age old fuel tank etc. I estimate I will go thru about 4 to 6 a year.

Jimmy Joe · #10 06-08-2004, 06:17 AM

I'm betting Ignite means OEM filter when saying
"pre-filters...much finer in filtration media," implying low micron rating.
Where do we get that spec?...

So nice to have the data...

kamil · #11 06-08-2004, 11:57 AM

I change the filter everytime I do an oil change and that is about every month and a half. I buy the filter for $1.56 so it is no biggie at all.

P.E.Haiges · #12 06-08-2004, 03:03 PM

Kamil,

Why do you change the fuel filter every month and a half? You must be under the mistaken theory that a new fuel filter filters better than one that has been in the fuel system for a while.

As a fuel filter starts to load up with particles, it stop passing particles that are smaller and smaller. Thus it filters better up until it will no longer pass enough fuel for the engine to develope full power. THat's when it time to be changed or cleaned and replaced.

P E H

Hatterasguy · #13 06-08-2004, 06:38 PM

coachgeo Fastlane has them for $2. I can see your point P.E.Haiges but my times more valuable to me than that. I'd rather spend 15-20mins fishing or working, than with my hands in gas trying to get some more life out of a $2 filter. I'm 18 and my summer job pays me $15 an hour so I'd be better off working for 15 minutes and just buying a new filter. However I see your point.

pdxwaker · #14 06-08-2004, 06:54 PM

I've also been contemplating using a prefilter on my 'dual filter' WVO setup. I was a little concerned about the ability of these filters to withstand temperature (let's be optimistic and say the fuel is at 80C). The Racor 500FG fuel filter is rated to 120C... will these plastic inline filters withstand the heat of WVO?

-John

coachgeo · #15 06-08-2004, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hatterasguy
coachgeo Fastlane has them for $2. I can see your point P.E.Haiges but my times more valuable to me than that. I'd rather spend 15-20mins fishing or working, than with my hands in gas trying to get some more life out of a $2 filter. I'm 18 and my summer job pays me $15 an hour so I'd be better off working for 15 minutes and just buying a new filter. However I see your point.

only takes seconds. You soak the dirty one and install a clean one. Blow out the one soaking a few day later when you walk by it. Blows clean in a second. Put it with you other filter (they come in a three pack).