Check the Fuel Filter

[gjlockyer]

Had access to a hoist so I checked out the fuel filter - more out of curiosity than anything. Since the plastic cover over the pumps and filter does not seal against the body I was surprised how clean everything was under there. The filter had the year 2000 stamped on it. It could have sat for a bit on the shelf, but I decided to change it as I had a new one on hand. Not sure what the change interval is - I got quite a range of intervals and recommendations on a web search. I've had the car for just over 12 months now: It has a complete service history from MB Dealers and Independents, and is due for its 200,000, but I have heard that it sometimes gets forgotten. Out of sight, out of mind?
It's a fairly simple procedure. The results? Smoother idle, better response in mid- range acceleration and an improvement in fuel economy ( after 3 tank fills) of 1 litre per 100 ks.
The main fuel hose from the tank is hard and needs replacing. Just as well that it didn't need clamping off to change the filter as the vacuum in the tank seemed to hold the fuel in. The only "spill" I had in changing the filter was the fuel in the old filter itself. This hoses seems no longer available and would be expensive anyway. Anyone know of a Melbourne firm who could make a new one up using the existing metal bits?

[John Green]

You interval will be in the log book, I would guess at 60000kms. Maybe the fuel in Germany is cleaner, as we have have plenty of cars with less than 60000kms and blocked filters. Given the price, we change them every 20000kms on our customers cars.

If you have the opportunity, put the old filter in a lath and cut it open to check what is going on in the fuel tank.

[gjlockyer]

Good idea John, but I just tossed it in the bin unfortunately. By the time I thought it would be a good idea to check inside, it was well gone. Opportunity missed. Will pulling the tank screen give any idea? If so, next time I have it up on the hoist, I'll make sure that the tank is almost empty and I'll drain the fuel and check it.
60,000 ks sounds like way too long. After all, it only takes one tank of bad fuel to stuff it up! As you say, the cost of a new one is not that much - so your shorter interval makes much better sense. I'll make it a new habit to swap it every 2nd Service.

[John Green]

Good idea John, but I just tossed it in the bin unfortunately. By the time I thought it would be a good idea to check inside, it was well gone. Opportunity missed. Will pulling the tank screen give any idea? If so, next time I have it up on the hoist, I'll make sure that the tank is almost empty and I'll drain the fuel and check it.
60,000 ks sounds like way too long. After all, it only takes one tank of bad fuel to stuff it up! As you say, the cost of a new one is not that much - so your shorter interval makes much better sense. I'll make it a new habit to swap it every 2nd Service.

The tank screen is very coarse and does not catch anything like what the filter does, so most likely no point.

[gjlockyer]

Thanks John. Never had one out, so you've saved me the effort.

[merc-304]

You know.....if you dont pull the in tank filter ...youre always going to be wondering ?

[dhaigh]

Had access to a hoist so I checked out the fuel filter - more out of curiosity than anything. Since the plastic cover over the pumps and filter does not seal against the body I was surprised how clean everything was under there. The filter had the year 2000 stamped on it. It could have sat for a bit on the shelf, but I decided to change it as I had a new one on hand. Not sure what the change interval is - I got quite a range of intervals and recommendations on a web search. I've had the car for just over 12 months now: It has a complete service history from MB Dealers and Independents, and is due for its 200,000, but I have heard that it sometimes gets forgotten. Out of sight, out of mind?
It's a fairly simple procedure. The results? Smoother idle, better response in mid- range acceleration and an improvement in fuel economy ( after 3 tank fills) of 1 litre per 100 ks.
The main fuel hose from the tank is hard and needs replacing. Just as well that it didn't need clamping off to change the filter as the vacuum in the tank seemed to hold the fuel in. The only "spill" I had in changing the filter was the fuel in the old filter itself. This hoses seems no longer available and would be expensive anyway. Anyone know of a Melbourne firm who could make a new one up using the existing metal bits?

I just changed the fuel filter on my 1988 300CE - it had done over 100,000kms since the last change so was LONG overdue.
However, what gets forgotten is that there is an inline fuel filter where the fuel inlet pipe joins the fuel distributor. It only costs $15 and has a microscopic strainer within a brass nut, designed to catch any small ferrous particles in the fuel line after the primary filter at the rear. Well worth changing at the same time as the rear one.
Fuel pumps sound quieter as a result but I could be dreaming!

[gjlockyer]

Can you supply the part number for that inline filter at the fuel distributor? I've done a search and come up empty.

[MMWA]

Can you supply the part number for that inline filter at the fuel distributor? I've done a search and come up empty.

000 074 60 86

dime a dozen on eBay.

I never thought much about them, read someone talking about them on here I think then changed mine out of curiosity. To my astonishment the one on the car was practically 100% blocked. "orally tested"

didn't really notice any difference to the car, pumps are still as noisy as hell but not worried about them as never drive it anyway.

[dhaigh]

Can you supply the part number for that inline filter at the fuel distributor? I've done a search and come up empty.

Mercmad is correct. There are plenty on eBay.
Here is a link for a parts distributor in Sydney that I used, seller: "PartsNavigator" -
https://vod.ebay.com.au/vod/FetchOrderD ... noapp=true

However, you can also get them at a reputable OEM parts place such as Unique Auto Parts in Dandenong. Very good service, genuine parts from Germany and Europe and they deliver to your door quite cheaply.

[Honey500]

Hi Gary, I changed out my pump and filter in my 126 (man what I would have given for a hoist). I also discovered my rear lines hard, cracked and weaping. I think you were looking for replacements? I found that the main tank out let hose and tank strainer are available as a genuine part about $120 I think was the price. I discovered however that places like Enzed hoses will strip and replace the hose using the existing fittings. Think the main tank line cost $28 . This was useful as I found it hard to get fittings that would have worked with the brass lines etc.

Not a name local to you but the guys at Enzed wingfield were very good, haven't had an issue since!

[gjlockyer]

I would never have been able to get to it without a hoist - a recent stroke has left me a little (and frustratingly!) limited in what I can do - on the ground under car work is definitely out.
I put the hose rebuilds in the too hard basket, but circumstances just changed; a few weeks back, P Plater ran into my car while stopped at traffic lights, so even with minimal damage the car is now my spare parts department. The Insurance payout covered the purchase of a 91 300E 2.6 with only 150,000 ks on the it - although the service record is patchy and it will need some time and money to bring it to where I want it mechanically. Fortunately most of the parts needed are near new on the old car. There was even enough of the Insurance after purchase to pay for a flight to Qld and the trip back home with it!
I supect that the hoses on my new aquisition will also be at the end of their safe life. If so, after a check, I'll raid my spare parts department and use those hoses for the rebuild and keep my new car on the road.
The price at Enzed sounds good, so I'll try them first.

[Honey500]

Hi Gary,

Sad to hear of it becomming a parts car. Seems I have picked up an old thread :Doh:

Anyway hope my experience with fuel lines is of assistance to others.

For amusement I attach a pic of changing out my pump. I say that a hoist would be good but anything is better than the street!

Cheers Stuart

[merc-304]

Wheel Chocks ? :naughty:

[Honey500]

Yeah not ideal for someone that deals with health and safety!