Diesel Fuel Filter for Mercedes OM636

[geegrrl]

Started getting white smoke from raw water exhaust today. Worried there is water in my tank. Want to replace fuel filter and then get water out of tank. Anybody know what fuel filter the OM636 uses? Also what should I do if there is water at the bottom of my tank? Here's a picture;

 

[PetiteFleur]

Looks like a CAV Filter head which uses the CAV Delphi 296 - most filter makers have the equivalent. Does it have aglass bowl underneath the filter? It all unscrews using the centre long screw. Good luck - I have just changed my filter for a screw on filter version, which is MUCH easier and cleaner to change. The new filter should come with a set of 'O' rings and rubber seals. Unfortunatly they often don't come with a replacement rubber ring between the glass bowl and the filter base.

 

[Trundlebug]

I would agree with PetiteFleur, and add that replacement filter elements are widely available from any motor factors for just over £1 each.

If there is water at the bottom of your tank you need to either drain it out if possible (but most boats don't have drain plugs on the bottom of their fuel tanks, frustratingly) or filter it out with a fuel polishing kit. You can make your own for less than the cost of getting someone in, just do a search on here for previous threads on "fuel polishing".

 

[bluerm166]

Would it be possible to drain your fuel tank using a Pela unit (normally for oil) when you can't get in except from the top,or would diesel used for a short period and then immediately cleaned through destroy the seals/plunger ?

 

[tillergirl]

Pela advise not to use with flammable liquids.

 

[pvb]

Pela advise not to use with flammable liquids.

There's no danger with diesel fuel, and it won't destroy the Pela's seals.

 

[bluerm166]

Thank you gentlemen.I can see that one wants to limit the amount of diesel sloshing about but the alternative would seem to be siphoning,giving less control.I couldn't consider taking out the tank and presumably the normal intake line stops well short of any 'sludge'.

 

[prv]

There's no danger with diesel fuel, and it won't destroy the Pela's seals.

Agree, I've used my Pela-sucker for diesel loads of times. Never occurred to me that there might be a problem.

Pete

 

[macd]

Pela advise not to use with flammable liquids.

Then their pump isn't fit for purpose. Last time I checked, oil burnt very merrily :ambivalence:

 

[rob2]

It may well be that the white smoke is just steam - often seen, particularly on starting, at this time of year. Quite simply, the cooling water which is fed through the exhaust hits the cold outside air and condenses immediately. When the engine warms up, the exhaust temperature is higher so the steam condenses further from the exhaust outlet. if there were water in the tank getting into the engine you could expect at least rough running or at worst the engine stops due to lack of fuel.

If the filter unit has a bowl beneath the filter, you should see any water collecting there which can be drained off through the tap at the bottom.

Rob.