Hey all,

i am looking for a water separator for my w123. I have read around here that some people used a racor water separator for the w123? I am looking for something that will help with potentially mediocre or bad diesel that might be coming into my car in next bit and was wondering where/what i should buy.

I am not sure the part # for the racor or if there is another brand that is recommended.

Furthermore, where does this actually go. I have read a few posts saying in different places. Once suggested it goes between the tank and the plastic filter that goes into the IP. Another suggestion was between the IP and the screw on metallic spin on filter. Is there a correct spot for this?

Thanks!

Amazon sells the Racor water separator. Given that you live in the SF Bay area I am not sure why you have a concern of water in your fuel.

If you have access to good fuel, there is no reason for another filter on your vehicle. As an anecdotal data point, I've got about 100k miles on my current stock filter, and no sign of fuel pressure change (yes I monitor fuel pressure).

In counterpoint to the above, I used to have a Perkins Diesel engine in my vehicle and would cross the border to get fuel in Mexico (18 cents a gallon!) that looked more like pea soup than diesel. To run that fuel I had a pre-filter, a Racor and the stock engine filter to be able to run that fuel.

Just fuel up at high volume stations and you'll be just fine...carry a spare just in case, but don't sweat it.

If you decide to proceed, here's some light reading - http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/359626-large-sediment-bowl-type-fuel-filter.html

__________________
Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

moving this car to another country where the diesel quality is questionable at best.

Is there a model # for the racor?

I do not know the model number of the Racor water separator that you need for your 240. Racor has a website. Contact them and get their recommendation on model and mounting location.

I use the Racor 200FG model. have one in the 80 240D and one in my 82 Datsun Diesel PU.
Been using one for about 35 years. really collects some crap in the bowel and the 2 micron I use is usually pretty dirty.
Actually gets pretty black, and no I do not have a algee problem, I have never had this problem all the years I have had diesels.

One thing I like about this filter, if the paper filter element inside it get plugged up and you don`t have a spare with you.
Remove the top, take the paper one out, top off the fuel level and drive off.

There is also the next size up, 500FG but is too long for a 123. I does come with a fuel heater though.
I did find one at PNP in a 80 300SD.

Here is a thread I ran across with a few pictures.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/282148-should-i-remove-my-water-separator.html

Fuel filter/water seperator? - Mercedes-Benz Forum


Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

where do you attach it to? In the pics in the threads you have posted it seems like it connects to the spin on filter somewhere. But in which part. This filter connects to the IP in two places and goes to the return tank.

On m 80 240D I eliminated the little plastic pre filter.

The Racor is mounted on the L/F inner fender.
The rubber fuel hose that went to the pre filter, now goes to the inlet of the Racor.
The out let hose now goes to the feed pump or lift pump what ever you choose to call it.

If you want, you can still use the pre filter leading into the Racor.

Here is a quick Google search showing some pictures.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Racor+200fg+filter+mounted+in+a+mercedes&biw=1012&bih=482&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwit18KIsrfOAhUE7WMKHXUnCTIQ_AUIBygC#tbm=isch&tbs=rimg%3ACTno6cGawasCIjie5xcPx2M3shyk-O7cSaikb1fjrmZB3-OwaHssIo2esSfLOC0Hb6f0ij8jPnCBaTRLi85cNsQMWyoSCZ7nFw_1HYzeyEZ7p37MzN4p1KhIJHKT47txJqKQRHQniJv1dF94qE glvV-OuZkHf4xEAAoUfZh940ioSCbBoeywijZ6xES4ULPiIx5UlKhIJJ8s4LQdvp_1QRaP5AJS1XvFUqEgmKPyM-cIFpNBHhQiZShd6ZjyoSCUuLzlw2xAxbEZ7p37MzN4p1&q=Racor%20200fg%20filter%20mounted%20in%20a%20mercedes

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

They were dirt cheap on ebay years ago when I got them. No filter other than a washable mesh and some effort to control internal turbulence. Also a water presence warning electrical system and a small discharge tap are incorporated. Clear glass bowl for observation.

Today I might have a look around the junkyard for diesels that incorporate them. You might find something of a usable size. This because I no longer found them cheap the last time I looked.

If the unit has a filter it should be installed after the lift pump. That way if the filter in the water separator starts to obstruct it may present fewer issues.

The need is a real question mark. As mentioned filling at only large truck stop type places presents almost no risk. While filling at small low volume vendors does present some.

I have run across situations where small vendors where supplied with universal tankers where the last products load was not cleaned out properly before they loaded the diesel.

Water and other issues are not all that common anymore but they can still occur. Low volume diesel vendors do present enough risk to perhaps justify a separator still. For example if you get a lot of water at a fueling place you will know much quicker that is your problem.

In that situation, I'd be inclined to install a "boost pump" at the fuel tank to provide fuel to a "racor" under pressure before the stock lift pump. This pump should be low pressure (4-6 psi). I would definitely install a fuel pressure gauge as a way to monitor the health of the filters.

If the fuel is as bad as you're implying, the tank strainer may be a weak link.

I might also suggest employing some WVO-style fuel pre-treatment strategies. You might be able to source fuel into an aux tank or jerry cans which would be pumped into a storage tank through a fuel/water filter or treated with a centrifuge. Then pump the cleaned fuel into your car tank as needed through yet another filter. This would ensure that you only have cleaned fuel in the car keeping all dirty/untreated fuel safely out of the car.

__________________
Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

do you have a filter in the racor then? Are these easily replaceable. Is the water separator a different function than the filter. In essence, can i remove the filter and will it still act as a water separator? This way i can use the racor as a water separator and keep the plastic prefilter to filter out contaminants?

In post#6 I mentioned.....

"One thing I like about this filter, if the paper filter element inside it get plugged up and you don`t have a spare with you.
Remove the top, take the paper one out, top off the fuel level and drive off".


So yes, there is a paper filter in the Racor filter assembly.
It is replaceable.
Yeah I guess you could remove the paper filter and use the assembly as a water trap. but why?
The paper filters come in three sizes, 2 micron, 10 micron and 30 micron.

Your spin on filter is only 10 micron, and the pre filter is as good as a window screen to filter out anything.

West Marine has the paper filters, as well as any boat supply.
I did get one at a NAPA that was a Wix filter. Was 10 micron as I remember.
That was what they had in stock at that time.

That Google link has all kinds of info if you looked at it.

Here is a good link with pictures from a Sail Boat Forum.

Need help identifying this fuel filter with follow up questions. - SailNet Community

This Racor 200FG isn`t the only filter/water separator out there.
There are other types and brands to choose from. You will have to use what is best for you. These work good for me.

I have one on the Datsun Diesel for over 400K miles and the 80 240 has one on that MB installed back in the day for the original owner.
MB installed these because the fuel quality wasn`t the best, and or the few stations around that had diesel was not pumping a lot. so there was a fuel problem unless one went to the higher
volumne stations like a truck Stop.

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Doesn't the stock main filter separate water

-J

__________________
1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Water Separators with clear plastic or glass bowels usually have specs saying they can only go on the suction side.

What ever separator you pick read the specs and that will tell you where in the Fuel System you can mount it.

__________________
84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

The filter element in the Racor and other cartridge filters acts so as to coalesce the smallest water droplets which then drop into the bottom bowl where you can drain the water. They are easy to replace (if unlike my boat, you can get at it!) The filter will not work well as a water separator without the element, but may get you by. Racor have some cheaper filters that might work - Called SNAPP, but with them you replace the whole filter. It doesn't cost much more than a cartridge for the replaceable type.

There are various makes of these filter/separators and replacement elements are not standardized. So make sure you get a make and model that you can get elements for in the new location. Maybe check there first for a source for the filter and elements.

By the way, a Racor cartridge filter is not cheap! If this is a temporary situation or even if not, you could just buy a Fuel Filter Funnel. Boaters use these when re-fueling because diesel quality can vary quite a bit between marinas!

Racor Fuel Filter Funnels

__________________
Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5