Fun Video of my 240D - Changing fuel filters
 

I changed the fuel filters on my 1980 240D this weekend & shot video of it for a tutorial I did on how to get an old diesel Merc ready to use Biodiesel (I run a Biodiesel supply company that I make tutorials for occasionally--part of the reason I picked up the 240D).

Anyway, thought I'd share the video.
How To Get A Diesel Ready For Biodiesel - Mercedes 240D - Utah Biodiesel Supply - YouTube

I also shot some video of doing the valve adjustment too on it (it sure helped it idle smoother when I was done!). Wasn't the greatest video, but if I decide to throw it up on YouTube I'll share it here too.

Not a bad video, but a few problems with your car, and methods.
first thing I noticed, your glow plug controller flashed the light on you after start up, you may have an issue there.
next, I'm unfamiliar with those style primary filters, but it is not transparent, so I don't recommend them, and are you certain it's installed in the correct direction?
next, on the secondary spin on filter, you did not pull the center bolt, and replace the o-rings. odds are good you will have a leak if you do not.
also, filling the filter with transmission fluid will get the car started, but it's not good for the pump, and it will not lube things up well, as you stated in the video. diesel, biodiesel, or diesel cleaner/treatments are fine, kerosene is also a bad idea, as it's not a good lubricant as diesel, and as such can score the IP.
lastly, after you installed the spin on, you did not run the primer pump. you should have. your engine stumbled when the gulp of air (larger than the one that was left in the primary filter) hit the pump... and everything smoked for a second... always run the primer. always.

I was thinking that old a model would have the early fuel filter head, necessitating a crush washer. It may leak there also.

Early units have the part #615 092 01 08, the one in the pic is of a late style, note the 02 circled.

Great hands on video and explanation of each step of the process.

You have one nice clean 80 240D, looks like a carbon copy of mine except for the auto trans.

I notice it has the Oil Separator like the 82 - 83 240 uses, the engine may have been changed, so you may have the fuel Filter head with "02" number.

I agree with not using kerosene as it is pretty dry, but I would think ATF would lube ok as it is used in the auto trans.
I use ATF when I fill mine (would use Diesel Purge if I had it) this way Iam filling the Filter from a clean uncontaminated source. There "could" be a chance of dirt, water etc... in a storage container of Diesel.


Charlie

Thanks for the awesome feedback.
Yep. Definitely not a perfect video on the methods.

1- Later I pulled my bolt out as it was leaking & it uses the two o-rings. I had some on hand so I replaced them.
2- I thought it was odd that the replacement filter wasn't transparent either. It's the Mercedes Benz part though (came from Peach Parts and I bought the Mercedes Benz branded one; it even has the Mercedes symbol on the side).
3- On flow...I'll double-check the fuel lines
4- Yep. Should've run the primer pump again.
4- I really think this engine is newer than 1980. It's definitely not original.
- The oil separator is on it, the EGR is on it (but disabled), and there's just other things all over it that indicate it's not an '80 engine.
If I pull the engine code, is there somewhere I can find out which year it is?
5- Yep. Kerosene not the greatest.