Fuel Filter - Replace Or Not?

[MakaveliX]

stevieturbo said:

At a minimum have a conversation with them about parts used and reasons for or against from both parties.

I've seen too many "mechanics" use worm drive clips for small hose, and other monstrosities.....so supply isn't always bad...but always have the conversation with whoever will be doing the work.

This is the exact reasoning I wanted to supply the specific clamps for fuel lines. Just in case they use worm drive/universal instead.
My mechanics are very good and have never let me down, thankfully. I always supply parts with no issues.

I will obviously be polite and ask if it is OK to use the fuel line clamps rather than worms/universal.

[Tony1963]

Pica-Pica said:

In that case it should be ‘install by’.

Why? It only deteriorates once fitted, or if poorly stored. It can be installed at any time, and that’s when the clock starts.

[E-bmw]

Tony1963 said:

Pica-Pica said:

In that case it should be ‘install by’.

Why? It only deteriorates once fitted, or if poorly stored. It can be installed at any time, and that’s when the clock starts.

Disagree, they are getting used & trapping bits when in use, the paper in the element is deteriorating when it is not encased in fuel, which is why I suggested it could be a shelf life thing.

[MikeM6]

Jordie Barretts sock said:

But then, so does Buxton spring water that's been underground for thousands of years!

That may well have much more to do with the plastic bottle it's in, rather than the water itself.

[E-bmw]

MikeM6 said:

Jordie Barretts sock said:

But then, so does Buxton spring water that's been underground for thousands of years!

That may well have much more to do with the plastic bottle it's in, rather than the water itself.

Although I have always assumed that this is because it is then designated a consumable food/drink item & all have to have a nominal use by date "just because".

[Tony1963]

E-bmw said:

Disagree, they are getting used & trapping bits when in use, the paper in the element is deteriorating when it is not encased in fuel, which is why I suggested it could be a shelf life thing.

So why this “ Mahle Fuel Filter packaging it says Expiry Date: None”?

[E-bmw]

Tony1963 said:

E-bmw said:

Disagree, they are getting used & trapping bits when in use, the paper in the element is deteriorating when it is not encased in fuel, which is why I suggested it could be a shelf life thing.

So why this “ Mahle Fuel Filter packaging it says Expiry Date: None”?

Perhaps it is made of a construction that doesn't deteriorate during storage.

Much more information needed before a categorical answer could be given obviously, just an opinion/guess currently, as was my earlier comment/assumption.

[Tony1963]

E-bmw said:

Perhaps it is made of a construction that doesn't deteriorate during storage.

Much more information needed before a categorical answer could be given obviously, just an opinion/guess currently, as was my earlier comment/assumption.

Even for aircraft, many such items have an infinite life, as long as they are stored in suitable conditions.
The clock starts ticking once the item is fitted to the aircraft. It’s not complex.
Other items, such as some nitrile seals, will have a shelf life. However, if stored correctly, the seal can be fitted to the aircraft one day before the shelf-life expiry date, and might be left installed for years.

[MakaveliX]

Had the filter replaced two days ago at the mechanic, used a Mahle KL82 which are supposed to be the best for this car. It now makes this concerning noise..
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/AVm5zibnvok

Noise didn't start right away, it was two days after install.

Any ideas ?

According to here, it can be caused by air in the system
https://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/media/media-glob...

Edited by MakaveliX on Thursday 22 August 16:35

[E-bmw]

According to that link there is possibly another cause for concern.

"4. During installation, pay close attention to the fl ow
direction (Fig. 2) printed on the fi lter. Equally important:
do not interchange the fuel lines and always replace
damaged hoses and clamps."

So have they fitted the filter the right way round?

[MakaveliX]

E-bmw said:

According to that link there is possibly another cause for concern.

"4. During installation, pay close attention to the fl ow
direction (Fig. 2) printed on the fi lter. Equally important:
do not interchange the fuel lines and always replace
damaged hoses and clamps."

So have they fitted the filter the right way round?

Yes I have checked, the arrow definitely points to the left
Also I do know the fuel pressure regulator is inside the unit itself on this car

[MakaveliX]

Must be a Mahle thing as another person on YouTube has the same issue. In the end they changed the filter to a different manufacturer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dIN403gf1Q

[MakaveliX]

I replaced the fuel filter with a Mercedes genuine and now the noise has disappeared and the car runs perfectly.

I am a bit concerned the engine could be running slightly lean as the MPG seems to be higher than before, and higher than what it should be around town according to the web.

No error codes, car runs perfectly. Any suggestions ? I did check for any leaks around the fuel filter after I fitted it and tightened up a couple of clamps and now seems to be dry.

[njw1]

If the car runs perfectly then I'd suggest that you're looking for issues that aren't there!

Also, are you using the trip computer for the MPG or working it out from fuel used as most OBC's tend to be optimistic.

Edited by njw1 on Saturday 31st August 23:00