1995 E300D Fuel Filter replacement help
 

Can someone please provide me with instructions on replacing the fuel filter on my 95 e300 Diesel. The car experiences the same problems listed on other discussions. Several times it starts, runs for a mile or so then quits. After I put some fuel in it she starts and runs fine, until the next time. It also sometimes won't start in the morning (like now).
Thanks.

Sounds like your plastic fuel lines are leaking, or sucking air. Replace these.

To replace the Secondary fuel filter, you will remove the "STOP" valve on top of the fuel filter with a wrench. Replace the fuel filter and put the valve back on....To replace the primary, disconnect the plastic tube on top of the black housing (next to the secondary fuel filter). Put in the new fuel filter, tighten the fuel filter bolt and attach the line. Make sure you order the O-Ring!!!!

I think your problem is a leak somewhere

O rings
 

Or just replace all the O rings on every line if indeed there is/are fuel leaks. Also check the large black rubber fuel supply and return lines, and the small diameter cloth covered return lines on the injectors for leaks.

I'm curious- where exactly do you add fuel after "a mile or so then it quits. After I put some fuel in it she starts and runs fine"? If you're putting it in the tank, maybe you're fuel gauge is misreading and you just don't have enough fuel in the tank?

Also, if you have some clean fuel, fill the canister filter with it as you install it, to make it easier to start the engine.

I doubt your problem is a fuel filter, but it won't hurt to change it/them. Remember new O rings for the prefilter. It does take a lot of cranking to get it running again, even when you have filled the filter canister with fuel.

I doubt your problem is the lines, from your symptoms. You can look to see if there are bubbles in the plastic lines when running. If so, you have leaks. If those lines have not been changed in a while and are so brown you can't see the fuel inside, change them. Suggest getting Viton O rings instead of the stock ones also.

My guess on your problem is the lift pump. After it stalls, open your fuel tank cap - do you have a big woosh? Changing the lift pump eliminated a start, run for a while then stall problem I was having, and stopped the wooshing... It's relatively cheap to change, so you might as well, if you are doing the fuel lines.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 278K

Maybe the stop valve isn't open all the way and you are starving the motor?

I'm curious as to whether there is a loss of power while driving it or does it just stop suddenly?