Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: awolff280sl on May 05, 2008, 19:41:57
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After having cleaned the gas tank filter, the fuel pump filter and changed the main fuel filter, I got the urge to splice an in-line filter into the low pressure fuel line between the tank and the pump.
I wanted inexpensive and see-through with fittings compatible with the size of the fuel line. This was not easy for me to find. I found a Beck Arnley #043-0852, but I see a potential problem with it because with the pump running I see quite alot of air in the filter. With the pump off it still has an air pocket that I can't bleed off, and there seems to be even more air in the filter with the pump running. I have once blown the fuel pump fuse possibly related to sucking air. I have since adjusted the fuel hose lengths so that the filter output points downward so that the air pocket rises away from it. Nevertheless, when I look into the filter with the pump running, air looks like it's still sucked down to the output end. The car runs well (for now) but I'm concerned. Anyone who has put in an in line filter there have any suggestions?
Andy
Sarasota, FL
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Put the inlet of the extra filter right at the bottom the outlet of the fuel tank. Point the house down to the fuel pump witch still has to be lower than the fuel tank. Electric pumps push and do not pull. Gravity is their friend.
Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
350 SL4.5 #60
1967 250sl "California"
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IMHO, you might just be complicating your life.
The tank screen and fuel delivery system from tank to pump is sufficient; more often than not if a pump fails (after x decades of use) it's because of the brushes or motor as you'll read in other posts. If after 30+ years you need a new fuel pump for whatever reason, thank the people at Bosch for making something last so long, bite the bullet, and rebuild or replace it. Delivery pump damage from dirty fuel? Not too common, but if your fuel is that dirty you have problems elsewhere or inside your tank and an inline filter is at best, a band aid when a trauma center is needed.
Second issue to consider is are you impeding the fuel flow, either in pressure or volume? It's critical. Filters always cause a pressure drop. Will this cause you problems now or in the future?
Third, you are adding two more connections, that's two more things to go wrong. All filters need to be changed. So, that's another thing to do. If it never needs changing why put it there at all?
Fourth, and last, the most critical part of the fuel system is at the FI pump, not the fuel delivery pump. That's why the substantial fuel filter is there at the FI pump, not the fuel pump at the tank.
But hey, that's just my opinion.
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
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Michael, you make a great deal of sense.
Andy
Sarasota, FL