Removing Fuel Filter from OM 617
 

I'm trying to get the secondary fuel filter off my 1984 300SD. It is too tight to turn off by hand. I tried to use an oil filter wrench on it but the power steering pump hanger brace casting won't let the thin band of my flexible handle oil filter wrench slide on to the fuel filter. I've looked at the variety of oil filter wrenches at Pep Boys. There were about 10 different types to choose from. There is one were the band can come off the wrench so it can be slid between the power steering pump hanger and filter and reattacted to the wrench handle. I think the hook on the band will not clear the hanger.

How about a Visegrip oil filter wrench or a Channel Lock oil filter wrench? How about a Craftsman strap wrench? Has any used one of these for taking the fuel filter off? Is there room to swing the handle?

But, the Craftsman strap wrench was just recently invented. How did you guys get the fuel filter off in those days?:confused:

WHOA!! You're supposed to loosen the bolt above the filter and then spin it off by hand! You need a 17mm socket or wrench.

isn't there a nut on the top of the filter housing? turn that and the filter cannister drops down.

You can use an adjustable wrench to lose the nut on top first, then use your hand lose the fuel filter and take out.
Make sure you fill up the new fuel filter with fuel first before you put it on.
I just replaced both fuel filters yesterday on my 1985 300D.

Good luck



David

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1985 300D

Thanks guys.

I didn't know what that bolt on top of the fuel filter was for. The last time I changed the fuel filter on a diesel was on a Kia diesel fuel filter mounted on the firewall. That one was a spin off type. The Mercedes one looked like an ordinary oil filter, so I thought it was a spin off type also.

I almost made that mistake the first time I changed the fuel filter.
I was just about to jam a screw driver though the side of the filter and turn it with that when the light bulb finally went off.
Oh yeah, that's what that bolt is for.....Doh!!!