How often should you change the secondary fuel filter? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jbach36 · #1 03-02-2008, 12:21 AM

When I got my car 2 years ago, the parts place told me to replace the secondary filter maybe once every 30,000 miles. The other day, I was talking to the same place, he said "should be changed every 2-4 months"! Some of you fancy guys out there might have the Mercedes maintenence schedule, but I didn't get that with my car.

How often should that be changed? I change the primary filter when it gets dark.

Thanks,

Jeff 1991 300d, 118k

Skippy · #2 03-02-2008, 12:48 AM

It depends on who you ask. NCF has typically done fuel filters on every 02 service, or once every 120 days. Many manufacturer manuals for the exact same equipment say "as required" as in change them when you think they're getting clogged.

I changed mine on purchase on both cars. I changed both fuel filters on the white car after it sat for a while with no fuel filler cap (still not sure how that happened-I was out of the country at the time). I haven't done the yellow car again since '05, 12,000 miles ago and no hints of clogged filters. The white one might actually be due again, due to some things it's been doing.

TMAllison · #3 03-02-2008, 01:01 AM

I suspect most of us change it more often that MB recommends.

IIRC, for my 99 the schedule states every 30k. Suspect your model is the same.

The most important factor is the condition of YOUR tank, compounded by the type of (alt?) fuel YOU use.

pawoSD · #4 03-02-2008, 01:30 AM

I've changed my secondary maybe 3 times in the past 62k of owning/driving my car. I usually do it if I think the car remotely feels sluggish....or if its been a while and I just feel like it.

The pre-filter I've done maybe 3-4 times also....it never really gets much in it....most of the dirt is on the outside of the filter.

#5 03-02-2008, 01:43 AM

Filters are cheap insurance. I'd rather pay $8 for a filter every oil change than have to replace a single one on the side of the road.

imagesinthewind · #6 03-02-2008, 04:32 PM

Since I also burn veggie, I change both filters probably every 5-6 weeks. Way more than needed but I don't want to find on the road that I need a new filter. I also keep at least one in line in the trunk with a cresent wrench and philips screwdriver.

TylerH860 · #7 03-02-2008, 05:31 PM

I was told it was every year or 15,000 miles. I also keep an extra set in the trunk, too.

markg612 · #8 03-02-2008, 07:28 PM

After 25 years of dieseling, Every year or 12 months sure seems to work nice-along with every other filter other than the oil and Xmission.--Had one plug up after 3 months--really through me too having never had a problem like that before--(power loss and sluggish performance.)