'85 MB 300DT - was a daily driver until a couple hours ago. Replaced the fuel filter twice in the last two days and had no problems getting it going. Now, I can't seem to get the car started. Primed, etc. (Significantly leaky, but appears to get fuel to the filter) First time no problem. Second time it doesn't start. Even put the original fuel filter back on to see if it was just the wrong part (first time it was the wrong filter even though parts store said it was right).


So, having issue after replacing fuel filter. Is it possible that over tightening fuel filter bolt will prevent aspiration of the fuel pump? After checking and trying to bleed hard lines, cylinders 1,2 and 3 do not appear to be getting fuel. 4 and 5 show fuel when cracked, but have not opened them up all the way. Trying to decide if there is debris in the lines between the IP and the cylinders or if I am just not doing something right. With 1,2 and 3 open, no matter how much cranking am not getting fuel delivery.

Just a bit of forum etiquette (and common courtesy to those trying to help you): Please don't post the same question to multiple threads.

From your other post: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/3695889-post22.html

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

My apologies. I wasn't sure how active the room / threads are.

No problem, the Diesel forum tends to be pretty active, you usually will get a reply from someone within minutes or hours of posting, especially on common issues.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Why was the filter replaced a couple times in two days? It sounds like you got some bad fuel if everything was fine than all of a sudden two filters clog. There are plenty of threads on a small fuel supply to isolate a possible fuel tank problem.

@sloride, just had the wrong part, put the original filter back on. I will take a look at the fuel threads, thanks.

Also the fuel tank indicator can be erratic, make sure you have fuel in it. I know that sounds to simple but maybe pour in a few gallons after replacing the filter again. It has happened.

If all else fails, try running it from a five gallon jerry can of diesel. You might have a clooged fuel tank strainer if you are not getting fuel.

__________________
2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 91K (hers)
2005 Corvette 55K (fun car)
2002 VW Jetta TDI 231K (mine)
1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 196K (kids)
1994 Ford F150 4WD 249K (firewood hauler)
1983 Mercedes 300D 376K (diesel commuter)

If the primer pump is leaking, you may NEVER get it started until that is fixed.

__________________
Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC

Don't over-tighten the bolt, all you need is enough to hold the rubber seal tight - similar to an oil filter. The fuel pressure runs only ~10 psig at the main filter. The manual shows to loosen the outlet banjo bolt (smaller one, 17 mm?), while pumping the hand primer, and tighten slowly as fuel dribbles out. That should get most of the air out. If you still have the white hand pump, better to install the smaller black one that leaks less. Costs <$10. I fill a new fuel filter to the brim w/ diesel before installing. If you got air bubbles into the IP and high-pressure tubes, you will probably need to crack each tube nut at the top of each injector until they dribble fuel while cranking.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
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