Which way does the fuel filter spin on?

[jbach36]

I'm trying to change the spin on fuel filter on my 1991
300d.

I love when the instructions on the box say to put on hand tight. I can't get my hand around the old filter to take it off, and my oil filter wrench won't fit in that area, either.

As you're looking at the filter, which way does it screw on? You have to screw it up onto the bolt. If it's a normal thread, then it's to the right to put on, to the left if you want to take the old one off.

Also, what do you grab the filter with? I can only a get a few fingers on it, not my hand.

Added after I took the old one off: I got the old one off by tilting it out, but I can't seem to get the new one back in there the same way, unless I undo the brake vac line, which I don't really want to do.

Thanks,

Jeff

[pmari]

Since you looking at the backside it's going to be to the left. Visualize the bolt turning clockwise to the right when looking down on it and realize what the filter threads want to do.
BTW if you don't have it off already, don't try using a wrench on the filter it's self. Loosen the bolt first, then spin it off. Plus you may want to change the o-ring on the bolt.

[sixto]

I don't spin the filter at all. Remove the top bolt then remove the filter.

Fill the replacement filter with fuel or Diesel Purge to reduce injection system bleeding time and effort.

Sixto
87 300D

[jbach36]

Originally Posted by sixto

I don't spin the filter at all. Remove the top bolt then remove the filter.

Fill the replacement filter with fuel or Diesel Purge to reduce injection system bleeding time and effort.

Sixto
87 300D

Taking the top bolt out worked well. I had vague memories of changing the filter previously. Changing your fuel filter is probably one of the best ways to douse your entire engine and electrical components with diesel fuel. This time I used a plastic bag around it though.

Something tells me I should have taken off the brake vac line (which I really don't want to mess with), because now I can't get the new filter to tilt back into that area.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

jeff

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by jbach36

Something tells me I should have taken off the brake vac line (which I really don't want to mess with), because now I can't get the new filter to tilt back into that area.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

jeff

Something told you correctly.

Or, shove the filter into place while tilted and only about 1/2 full. Then, get a hose and siphon some fuel from the tank to fill it up completely before securing it in place with the bolt.


Whatever you do, DO NOT shove the completely filled filter into place and secure it with the bolt.

[jbach36]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Something told you correctly.

Or, shove the filter into place while tilted and only about 1/2 full. Then, get a hose and siphon some fuel from the tank to fill it up completely before securing it in place with the bolt.


Whatever you do, DO NOT shove the completely filled filter into place and secure it with the bolt.

Oooh man, I don't like messing with brake lines, but I took it off. It's the only way to get the filter back in. I don't even know how I got the old one out without undoing the brake line, but putting the new one in, I feared ruining the rubber gasket, so I took the brake line off. What a stupid design! If they'd made the brake line 1" longer, you could change the filter without taking the brake line off. Why did they do that????

Now that I have the new fuel filter put in, the car runs a touch better (it was getting slightly rough at idle), but not 100%. One day I'll have to do the molly lube thing. I guess at the next fuel filter change perhaps, I'll do that.

jeff