Author Topic: After replacing the fuel filter - expelling air and priming the fuel system  (Read 2987 times)

ChrisZeiss

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When one replaces the fuel filter there will be air in the filter housing - How does one expel that air and prime the system so it's full of fuel - and no air ?

Simply prime by letting the fuel pump run (before cranking the engine) - and then crank the engine (and fuel injection pump) until the air is out of the system ? Or is there a better way ?

Thanks for any advice.

Chris Zeiss
Edmonton, Alberta

Mike Hughes

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I would let the pump run for about a minute without cranking the engine to purge the fuel filter housing and fuel return circuit of air.  Then switch off and start the engine normally.  There might possibly be a few bubbles in the line between the filter housing and the injection pump, but not enough air to cause more than a momentary miss or two after the engine fires up.
- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
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Kevkeller

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Not sure if you need to or not but there is a bleed bolt on the top of the filter mount that you can crack open with the pump on until fuel runs out. I’ve done it.
1970 280 SL

ChrisZeiss

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Thanks for the tips, Gentlemen !

badali

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When I changed mine I just started the car normally.  It doesn't take long to get the fuel flowing.
Brad

1961 220 Sb
1966 230 SL (Sold)
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ChrisZeiss

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Thanks gents !

I guess I was a bit too worried - just by priming (i.e. switching on the ignition to set the fuel pump running, but not cranking the engine) the filter housing was filled very quickly (within less than a minute) - and the engine started immediately - as y'all indicated.

Dankeschoen !

C. Zeiss

Edmonton, Alberta