a little help for a simple person? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mowoc · #1 03-31-2009, 09:27 PM

I have a couple of questions I am sure y'all can answer:

1. I have noticed my car is not quite as powerful as it used to be. I gather that it is likley the fuel filters (at least I should start there). My first question is how many are there? I think two, right?

2. I have a complicated circumstance that puts me in Macon GA right now. I do not have a place to work, so I likely would have to have this work done locally. Any ideas where I should go and what it should cost?

Many thanks for any and all help.

lietuviai · #2 03-31-2009, 09:38 PM

Yes, there are only two filters plus a strainer in the tank. The filters can be easily changed with simple hand tools in a store parking lot if you have no where to work on it. Why pay someone to do this.
The tank strainer is a little more involved and requires a large wrench and a place with a good container to catch the draining fuel.

JackG · #3 03-31-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mowoc

I have a couple of questions I am sure y'all can answer:

1. I have noticed my car is not quite as powerful as it used to be. I gather that it is likley the fuel filters (at least I should start there). My first question is how many are there? I think two, right?

2. I have a complicated circumstance that puts me in Macon GA right now. I do not have a place to work, so I likely would have to have this work done locally. Any ideas where I should go and what it should cost?

Many thanks for any and all help.

Yes, there are two. I would change the "inline" filter first. A screw drive and
a new filter....couple of bucks at the parts store....change it yourself right there in the parking lot

LUVMBDiesels · #4 03-31-2009, 09:45 PM

There are two filters. One is a clear plastic pre-filter that is in the fuel line. The other is a larger main filter that looks like an oil filter up near the front left side of the engine. Check the plastic filter first as you can get them at most any autp parts store and you only need a phillips head screwdriver to remove and replace it. The other filter would be harder to get - if you need it immediately I would suggest going ot the dealer. This one can be replaced with an adjustable wrench and is pretty easy to do. Buy some Diesel Kleen and fill the filter befopre screwing it back on to save time cranking the car when you try to start it. If the main filter is dry it could take a long time for it to fill up and send fuel into the engine.

I would also look at the tubes going from the intake manifold to the overboost switch on the left fender and then to the ALDA (square box on top of the injection pump) If a line has comeoffor become clogged the injection pump will not know that the turbo ismaking boost and will not add the appropriate amount of extra fuel.

Good Luck!

vstech · #5 03-31-2009, 11:10 PM

since your car does not have a primer pump, I'd fill the filter with diesel before reassembling the spin on filter. also, try to do this when your fuel tank is low. or at least park the car with the front end uphill.

Bio300TDTdriver · #6 03-31-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

since your car does not have a primer pump, I'd fill the filter with diesel before reassembling the spin on filter. also, try to do this when your fuel tank is low. or at least park the car with the front end uphill.

Yes fill the filter with clean fuel, but I like to keep the nose down not up. I think it starts quicker with less cranking.

Bio300TDTdriver · #7 03-31-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mowoc

I have a couple of questions I am sure y'all can answer:

1. I have noticed my car is not quite as powerful as it used to be. I gather that it is likley the fuel filters (at least I should start there). My first question is how many are there? I think two, right?

2. I have a complicated circumstance that puts me in Macon GA right now. I do not have a place to work, so I likely would have to have this work done locally. Any ideas where I should go and what it should cost?

Many thanks for any and all help.

When was your last filter change? Are you getting boost from your turbo? You may need to clean the vacuum tubing coming out of your intake if you are not getting boost.

mowoc · #8 04-01-2009, 08:40 AM

thanks for all the replies.

I am sort of temporarily moving here to Macon. As a result I have an apartment with a bit of a tyranical manager. I think I should be able to find a way to do the inline filter though based on what you told me. One more question about this though - what type of filter do I get? I assume I get it from a regular parts store?

As for when the filters were changed I am not sure. I had used the dealer to maintain the car in CO as they were very good and usually pretty comptetitive on the rates. As far as I know they filters are there from when I bought the car (about 2 years ago).

Just how long do the filters last?

vstech · #9 04-01-2009, 08:45 AM

fuel filters last as long as the fuel is clean, and your tank is not contaminated... could be 10 years, could be 2 weeks. when they clog, you'll notice the lag in performance.

mobetta · #10 04-01-2009, 11:50 AM

I would go to the FLAPS with a 4 way screwdriver and a 8" cresent wrench. if you dont have these basics in your car, buy them.
get your 2 filters, and a quart of atf, seafoam, or diesel additive( or even diesel) to fill the spin on filter. change them there and dont worry about your apartment manager.

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