Yes, I'm really asking a stupid question

The inline filter on my 1983 190D 2.2 is waaaaaaaay under the air filter box and damn near impossible to reach. Is this normal or did some idiot "previous" owner cut down the fuel line

I've removed the cover of the air box and access is a little better. But there appears to be only an inch or two of hose coming off the fuel pump. I'm guessing the end of the hose was damaged during filter changes and whoever did it was too lazy/stupid to replace the hose and instead cut off the damaged end and now the filter & hose clamps are so far under the intake that you can't reach it anymore.

Is this "normal" and are you supposed to remove the entire air filter housing & air filter base for normal access? This seems most unusual.

And to top it off, the hose clamp that goes to the fuel pump points straight at the AC compressor so how did they ever tighten that one? I would have to vise grip the hose and twist until the clamped end rotates to un-screw the clamp.

I would think that the inline filter would be out in the open for easy access and replacement.

__________________
1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5

Mines the same way. I haven't changed it yet. I just went through hell changing the clutch master on this car and have just wanted to drive it and not work on it. I think you might have better access by taking off the secondary filter. It doesn't seem right and I assumed it was screwed up by the previous owner but after hearing about your situation I'm not so sure. I have the paper FSM for the 201 and maybe that will clarify. I'll let you know.

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual

Not a lot of room here really. I reversed mine when I had the air box off--put a new longer line off the engine block side and the shorter line from the filter to the steel line from the back. Helps a little.

So I guess I should plan to remove the entire air box to get to the filter?

Man, that's gonna suck.

__________________
1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5

Mine's the same. All I removed was the air filter cover. It wasn't that bad. The nice thing is that you don't have to worry about purging the filter. If you have the extra fuel hose, go ahead and make that connecting line longer. I didn't think about it.

By the way, does your A/C work and if so, does your compressor seem to turn on and off all the time?

__________________
Wayne

the triumph of evil requires only that good men stand by and do nothing

13 Audi A3 TDI, the Wife's!
85 190D 5 speed, 195,000 miles
75 Triumph TR 6 w/Toyota 5 speed
2000 Ford F-250 powerstroke
03 Ml500, 109000

AC seems to cycle somewhat frequently. Ususally a sign of overcharged. High pressure cut-out switch...

But mine just quit a couple days ago. I'm hoping I knocked a wire loose when washing/blasting the engine.

__________________
1987 300TDT
1981 VW MKI Caddy 1.6 diesel, waiting on engine swap
1983 D-50 Power Ram 4x4 "Mitsubishi" 2.3 turbo diesel
assorted gas powered crap and motorcycles

RIP: 1984 300TDT, 1982 300TDT, 1984 190D 2.2, 1992 300D 2.5, 1987 300TDT, 1982 Maxima LD28, 1983 Maxima LD28, Isuzu C223 P'ups X3, 1983 Holiday Rambler 6.2 Banks turbo diesel, 1984 Winnebago LeSharo 2.1 TD, 1985 Allegro 6.5