Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-24-2009, 08:40 PM
funola's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,245
tips on changing fuel filter?

Changed the fuel filter in the 300D today what a mess! Got any tips on not spilling any fuel? My first mistake was doing it on an incline with nose down instead of facing the other way. Second was I just filled the tank. I had to loosen the return banjo bolt to get to the center nut. When the banjo was removed, fuel runs out of there at a pretty good rate. After the big filter center bolt was removed, fuel gushes out of there at an even higher rate. I tried to work fast and thread the new filter in but had a lot of trouble getted the thread started (imo, no need for such tight thread tolerance there). I must have lost a gallon.. I guess I should have pinched the supply and return hoses before I started huh? Anyone replace the Mercedes fuel filter head with an aftermarket unit? I am seriously considering doing that.

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-24-2009, 09:29 PM
bgkast's Avatar
Rollin' on 16s
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Vancouver WA
Posts: 6,528
Quote:
Originally Posted by funola View Post
Got any tips on not spilling any fuel? My first mistake was doing it on an incline with nose down instead of facing the other way. Second was I just filled the tank.
Don't do either of these things and it won't leak a drop.
__________________
1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-24-2009, 10:34 PM
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Blue Point, NY
Posts: 25,396
Quote:
Originally Posted by bgkast View Post
Don't do either of these things and it won't leak a drop.
X2.

And, make sure the filter is filled to the brim before you secure it with the bolt.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-24-2009, 10:40 PM
funola's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,245
I kinda knew it was going to leak but not that much. I was lazy and didn't feel like turning the car around. Live and learn,
__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-24-2009, 11:01 PM
Jeremy5848's Avatar
Registered Biodiesel User
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sonoma Wine Country
Posts: 8,402
Use a clamp on the hose from the metal fuel line to the primary filter to keep fuel from running out of the tank. I bought little clamps made specifically for this purpose (and very cleverly called "hose clamps") but just about anything will work – I have used vice-grips (carefully!) in the past.

Brian has the best idea so far for filling the new secondary filter: fill the filter about 3/4 full with clean diesel fuel and then get it into place. Now use a tool – hose, funnel, whatever – to fill the filter all the way full and put in the bolt to hold it. That way you don't spill from a full filter trying to wiggle it into place.

Jeremy
__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-24-2009, 11:51 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 678
I changed both filters today, it was easy & painless. I just loosened the bolt on top with a crescent wrench, unscrewed the primary filter, filled the new one with ATF ("benz abuse") and screwed it on, tightened the bolt. Then I changed the secondary. Then when I took the car to the carwash I cleaned up the diesel I always spill on the motor mount.

Also my mechanic said the top bolt breaks about 1/3 the time he changes filters for some reason.
__________________
1980 240d
1999 SL500
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-25-2009, 12:17 AM
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Blue Point, NY
Posts: 25,396
Quote:
Originally Posted by derburger View Post

Also my mechanic said the top bolt breaks about 1/3 the time he changes filters for some reason.
Hmm.........let me guess...........he tightens it to 150 lb.-ft.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-25-2009, 09:38 AM
funola's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,245
What size wrench is that bolt? Mine is pretty big. I think about 27 mm. A socket or box end won't fit. Neither will an open end because the wrench is too thick. Also, where can I get those aluminum washers (on the banjo bolt) locally?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Carlton View Post
Hmm.........let me guess...........he tightens it to 150 lb.-ft.
__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-25-2009, 09:44 AM
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Blue Point, NY
Posts: 25,396
Quote:
Originally Posted by funola View Post
A socket or box end won't fit. Neither will an open end...........
If so, you'd be in a heap of trouble using that pipe wrench............
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-25-2009, 09:55 AM
TX76513's Avatar
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Brandon, Mississippi
Posts: 5,209
On the main filter I use my vacuum oil extractor to remove fuel from filter before the tilt to remove. I put the new filter back in place and fill it through the bolt hole to the brim and then tighten.
__________________
BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 02-25-2009, 09:57 AM
LuckyEddie's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 202
O ring seal

Quote:
Originally Posted by funola View Post
I kinda knew it was going to leak but not that much. I was lazy and didn't feel like turning the car around. Live and learn,

Did you open the tank to relieve the pressure?? Open the cap and you will find that it has pressure in the tank(at least the three Mercedes I have keep pressure in the tanks). Until the pressure is gone it will spew fuel all over the place. (ask me how I know)
The bolt does not require much torque to seal the filter it is the O ring on it that will not seal and people tighten the ____ out of it in a effort to stop the leak. Get a new O ring every other filter change and it will be no trouble. Treat the filter like a oil filter - lube the rubber ring on the can and when it touches the housing then about 3/4 turn more.

Robert
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-25-2009, 09:59 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 18,350
Quote:
Originally Posted by derburger View Post
I changed both filters today, it was easy & painless. I just loosened the bolt on top with a crescent wrench, unscrewed the primary filter, filled the new one with ATF ("benz abuse") and screwed it on, tightened the bolt. Then I changed the secondary. Then when I took the car to the carwash I cleaned up the diesel I always spill on the motor mount.

Also my mechanic said the top bolt breaks about 1/3 the time he changes filters for some reason.
Just to avoid people from being misled by terminology, I believe you have the names of the filters reversed. Primary is the plastic one, secondary is the 'spin on' type.
__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-25-2009, 12:19 PM
funola's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,245
Due to the vent, there should be no pressure or vacuum in the tank, unless the vent is blocked.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LuckyEddie View Post
Did you open the tank to relieve the pressure?? Open the cap and you will find that it has pressure in the tank(at least the three Mercedes I have keep pressure in the tanks). Until the pressure is gone it will spew fuel all over the place. (ask me how I know)
The bolt does not require much torque to seal the filter it is the O ring on it that will not seal and people tighten the ____ out of it in a effort to stop the leak. Get a new O ring every other filter change and it will be no trouble. Treat the filter like a oil filter - lube the rubber ring on the can and when it touches the housing then about 3/4 turn more.

Robert
__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-25-2009, 12:25 PM
funola's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,245
That bolt needs either a 24 or 27 mm wrench. That's a big bolt! I wouldn't let that mechanic who breaks it 1/3 of the time anywhere near my car.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Carlton View Post
If so, you'd be in a heap of trouble using that pipe wrench............
__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-25-2009, 04:50 PM
LuckyEddie's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 202
Vent

Quote:
Originally Posted by funola View Post
Due to the vent, there should be no pressure or vacuum in the tank, unless the vent is blocked.
Are you sure?? I have three of them 84 300sd, 85 300sd, and 84 300cd and they all keep pressure in the tank even for days. There is a check valve on the side of the tank but I thought that it was to keep from having a vacuum. It is aggravating at times when the pressure will bust a return line and leak for several days if the tank is half full.

Where is the little sucker and how do I fix it??

Thanks for pointing that out I thought that they were like that.
Robert

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:29 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page