Hi,
a week ago I changed fuel filter on my 87 300td, and after that it is very hard
to start it in the morning. It was all OK before, but now it starts for a turn or 2 and stops and finaly after about dozen attempts it starts. When the engine is
worm it starts good and also runs good.
I am wandering if there is something else that I was supposed to do.
Thank you all for help.

You say filter - there are 2 fuel filters. Which one did you replace?

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I changed filter that is next to the engine and looks like oil filter on gasoline
cars. Do not know number at this moment but is the same as previous one.
Did not change anything else.

Did you use new crush washers? Did you torque the big bolt to spec? Did you fill the new filter with fuel or Diesel Purge?

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Filled the filter with fuel, but I do not know what is diesel purge. Read instruction in my diesel repair book how to change fuel filter. Did not torque
to any specs but tightened by feel. All rings are new as they came with the
filter.

In all likelihood you have an air leak - allowing air into the fuel system and fuel to drain back toward the tank when the engine sits overnight. There ARE two filters that should be changed regularly - in addititon to the large "main" filter the second is a plastic in-line filter that connects from the fuel supply line to the fuel pump.

There are several other things in the circuit that can cause the problem you are describing, but none other than allowing air to l;eak into the system that are likley to be triggered by changing the main filter.

Marshall

Is there 3 filters or just 2? The main filter and then the filter coming off the IP? Also is there a small fuel filter near the turbo?

Just 2, the main clear/white one (prefilter) and the spin-on filter (looks like the oil filter on a gasser)

yes, that's what i figured, but on my 300 sdl i've noticed a small in line filter on the left side of the engine near the turbo. what is that filter?

Attached picture...

Attached Thumbnails

 

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There is a small filter in thwe vacuum circuit on the passenger's side of the engine that operates the Air By-pass valve. When it plugs up, power WILL drop.

Marshall

Bonedoctor, now that the picture your showing looks simular to the in line filter thats next to my injector. The one Dr. Booth describes is simular to that one as well, maybe smaller.

Many techs have recommended that a filter similar to the one pictured above be added to the vacuum lines in case the vacuum pump should fail and allow oil to migrate alone the vacuum lines. They could be located anywhere along the vacuum line. I've seen MANY (3-5%) diesels so equipped. These were NEVER factory installed.

Marshall

zxdent,

That's what happens when you fix something that ain't broke.

P E H