WG 2.7ltr diesel fuel filter

[jeepjockey]

I was wondering if there were any tips for replacing the fuel filter in my wg grand 2.7ltr diesel.
I have an intermittent warning lamp which indicates "water in the fuel"
This comes on now and again and was wondering if there was anything else to check while changing the fuel filter.

[timhan4]

I did mine a few months ago and it was a little tricky to bleed up but then i found the perfect way to do it. well it worked for me someone correct me if it they have a easier or better way.

1 - Before i started i used a line clamp to clamp both the fuel supply and return line(return not needed but it did it anyway) and remove the hoses from the filter. I did this to stop fuel draining back to the tank in the lines and making it easier to bleed up in the end.

2 - Then be careful removing the hard plastic line that goes from the filter to the low pressure pump. The clips are normally hard and brittle and snap off but if u take it easy it will come off.

3 - There is 2 small screws holding the back return hoses on. Undo the screws and remove the black plastic hose connectors.
Then remove the filter by undoing the hex head bolt on the side of the filter housing.

4 - Unplug your electrical connector from the bottom of the water sensor.
Remove both the water sensor and the round water drain tap/plug from the side of old filter and inspect and or replace all of your o rings. I reused o-rings and they were fine.

5 - Install the water sensor and drain tap into new filter.

6 - Reassemble filter into car however dont remove the line clamp or connect fuel supply line to filter just yet.
To bleed the system i used a hand primer pump that i got from a boat shop for $10. I put the pump between the fuel tank supply line and the filter. remove the line locks and pump the system. The hand pump that i got has 2 one way valves in it and is directional. This stopping the fuel from going back to the tank and pumping it through the system.

7 - remove the bleed screw from the top of the filter and pump until fuel comes out of the bleeder hole. refit bleeder screw.

8 - The pump will become firm. You will be able to feel the fuel pumping through the system. I did about 5-6 pumps after it became firm. I also looked at the hard clear plastic line to make sure no air bubbles were going through the system. i then clamped off the fuel supply line from the hand pump and removed the pump from the system. I refitted the fuel supply line to the filter and removed the line clamp. Tighter and inspect all hose clamps and fittings.

start engine

like i said this worked best for me. i attempted to bleed it from the bleeder point with a sucker and it didn't bleed as good. open to any suggestions

[timhan4]

thats the pump i used

[Adrian D]

Best tip I have is to use a fuel filter for Sprinters, without the drain hole and water in fuel sensor, that way you have 2 less places where it could leak air in and cause headaches

[bodgie]

You may have water in the filter, you may also have a faulty sensor or even filter FWIW.

It is a pretty easy job to replace the filter, all you need is some common sense and you'll be good to go.

The sprinter filter is a good idea as I believe it simplifies things a little.

The primer pump timhan4 would be very useful. If you don't have one fitted, when the new filter is installed, fill it with diesel to make bleeding the system easier. There is a bleeder plug (gray plug) on the top of the engine you can use to suck fuel into the lift pump.

There are a number of discussions on here on how to bleed the system.

Jason

[jeepjockey]

Thanks to those who replied to my question I appreciate the feedback
The filter has now been changed and is working fine.
I hope my "water in fuel" warning now disappears but won't know until next time I take it out.

[drover]

I wouldn't advise clamping the fuel lines very often, eventually you will have other problems......description on how to is possibly here: http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...d.php?t=124984

Water in fuel light is common and most times it's just crap on the sensor, pull it off give it a wash and replace it.

A fuel bulb won't be much chop trying to bleed the fuel from the bleed point a syringe ($10 Supercheap ) does the job okay, just don't crank the engine with no fuel in lines the pumps don't like it..........the fuel return can be removed from the filter and run directly to the tank, just block the valve on filter or use another MB fuel filter.