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?