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.

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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