Diesel Fuel filter intervals

[whitetdci]

Does anyone know the intervals for the fuel filter on the TDCI? I have noted an earlier thread where someone has taken their beast to a local mechanic to have it changed only to find out that he couldn't get it going after wards and the car had to be towed to the dealers to get it fixed. Also there is meant to be some sequence to starting if you run out of fuel. Anyone know this or where to find it? No I am not planning on running out of fuel, but while I am at it does anyone know when (or if) a fuel light comes on and how much is left?

[steve289]

my MB tdci fuel light comes on with approx 100km remaining.

[mik]

good question about the running out of fuel thing, in the old days pre computers you would have to possibly prime the pump and bleed the injectors, no idea what the go is on these electronic beasts, nothing in the factory how to booklet that came with the car?

[Batman105E]

Originally Posted by whitetdci

Does anyone know the intervals for the fuel filter on the TDCI?

Interval is 60,000km for filter replacement.

Filter replacement thread - Talkford

There is no primer pump, but the above link shows how to get around the issue.

Given the issues with priming the fuel system I would suggest that people avoid running out of fuel at all costs. However if stuck I would crack open the filter body and then turn the ignition on to run the lift pump (I reckon there is one), doing this a few times should fill the filter and allow the pump to prime.

I'll leave it up to the dealer to do my filter changes.

[GTMOND]

I changed mine at 60k, bit of a ***** to to bleed. I got a bicycle pump hose and put it on the valve near just before the fuel rail. and put that hose into a hole in the lid of a jar. I then put in another hole in the lid so that I could put a vacuum clean nozzle over it to create a vacuum in the jar which then sucks through the fuel into the jar. Make sure you fill the filter bowl though, even though it goes against everything i was told about putting in unfiltered fuel, but will save you a lot of time. Hope that all makes sense.

[ope126]

Here is a YouTube clip of a Fuel Filter change; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsjmYE2CJGY

I hope this helps...

[rondeo]

[QUOTE=ope126;5528892]Here is a YouTube clip of a Fuel Filter change; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsjmYE2CJGY

I hope this helps...[/QUOTE

Not likely. Watch the video closely, the guy says the filter has emptied while fuel is still clearly flowing like ****.
The only way to empty the filter is to disconnect the fule inlet, otherwise the flow will not stop, as illustrated in the video.
Read my earlier post on how to do it without problems.

[rondeo]

OK slight oversteer on my part. I think there are now two videos on youtube on changing the diesel fuel filter, both of which to my mind show only how not to do it. The 20 seconds 7 times bit is interesting, why not give it the 140 at once? I suspect the concern is not to damage the fuel pump, which is lubricated by fuel, maybe the idea is to give it a rest.

Better not spill fuel from the lines in the first place, by disconnecting and plugging them before draining the filter housing. If the new filter is primed the engine will start normally, and the fuel pump will be lubricated all the time.

When draining the housing attach pvc hose to the drain nipple and direct fuel into a jar. You will get 0.5 litres almost exactly and can save 50 cents by returning it to the tank!

Just my 2 bob's worth.

[Tassie f100]

When I had my Pregio I changed engine oil every7500 kms. Oil filter every 15000. fuel filter and belts every 200,000 seemed to work alright till it died at 410,000 because of a blown headgasket.

[NZ XR6]

Thanks. Mine is due to be changed, I'll probably do it along with the rear pads at Christmas.

Some of those YouTube videos are a bit dodgy, but they are useful to show you what you're dealing with.

[rondeo]

Removing the filter housing is easier if the lid is tight, only two nuts.
I take it off anyway, the last drops can be drained by inverting the housing,
no mess, and it's easier to see what you're doing.

1 - Fuel filter to fuel pump fuel supply line
2 - Fuel tank to fuel filter fuel supply line
3 - Water-in-fuel sensor
4 - Fuel filter drain screw
5 - Fuel filter mounting bracket
6 - Fuel filter housing

The filter must be primed with a hand pump.
Best not to get dirt in the green pipe.

[rondeo]

Previously I wrote:

' I suspect the concern is not to damage the fuel pump, which is lubricated by fuel, maybe the idea is to give it a rest.'

This can't be right because the low pressure transfer pump is integral with the HP pump (Delphi DFP3) and is driven mechanically by camshaft, so the engine has to be running for it to work.

As there is no transfer pump in the fuel tank I'm left wondering how
turning the ignition on achieves anything at all, and if the car in the youtube video eventually stalled anyway.

That's my understanding, please correct me if I'm wrong.

[rondeo]

Similar pump:

Tried to upload a small image but apparently 'exceeds my quota' LOL

[rondeo]

Even smaller: