Water in Fuel - Preview Samples

[CJPJ]

Re: Water in Fuel -

It's always good to be skeptical but... the manufacturer has specifically stated that the product is designed to filter water and has provided an explanation of how the filtering mechanism works , along with a drawing. Is it remotely possible that rather than the drawing being absolutely wrong that we are (from the single view available) simply missing or misunderstanding something in the design?

Clearly any filter has limits as to what it can do and in extreme cases it can and will become overwhelmed and fail, but beyond that I'm not sure I understand the refusal to accept even the possibility that the filter does what the manufacturer says it does. Are you saying that they are confused about their own product, or intentionally misrepresenting the filter's capabilities, or ..?

.

from: Operators Manual


Draining the fuel filter

WARNING: Fuel is highly flammable. Improper handing of fuel creates a risk of fire and explosion.
Avoid fire, naked flames, smoking and creating sparks under all circumstances. Switch off the ignition and auxiliary heating before carrying out work to the fuel system. Always wear protective gloves.

Environmental note: Dispose of the water-fuel mixture in an environmentally responsible manner.
If the indicator lamp lights up, drain the fuel filter with water separator immediately. Otherwise, the engine may be damaged.


Vehicle with a diesel engine:

http://www4.mercedes-benz.com/manua...bols/mbsymb1b_inv/mbsymb1b_inv_003a-large.png if the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes on, drain fuel filter with water separator immediately.


Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have this maintenance work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Park the vehicle safely and secure it from rolling away.

Switch off the auxiliary heating system more.

Switch off the engine.

Open the bonnet more.

Place a suitable receptacle under drain hose

Turn the key to position 2 in the ignition lock.

Open drain plug immediately until the water/fuel mixture flows out of drain hose

Screw in drain plug as soon as approximately 0.2 litres of the water/fuel mixture have been collected.

The electrical fuel pump halts the flow of the water/fuel mixture after 30 seconds.

After draining, turn the key back to position 0 in the ignition lock.

Dispose of the collected water/fuel mixture in an environmentally responsible manner, e.g. at a qualified specialist workshop.

Check drain plug. The drain plug must be closed.
When the engine is running and drain hose is open, fuel is lost through drain hose

Close the bonnet.
If the indicator lamp does not go out after draining:

Drain the fuel filter again.


If the indicator lamp does not go out after draining for the second time, have the cause checked immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

 

[220629]

Re: Water in Fuel -

...

WARNING: Fuel is highly flammable. Improper handing of fuel creates a risk of fire and explosion.

Wet fuel maybe less so.

...
Avoid fire, naked flames,

...

Yes. Very dangerous!!!

vic

 

[CJPJ]

Re: Water in Fuel -

Wet fuel maybe less so.



View attachment 75486

Yes. Very dangerous!!!

vic

​

I'm getting A indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (:dripsarcasm:) .. got to go and drain the fuel filter water separator immediately.

Otherwise, may damaged the engine.

​

 

[talkinghorse43]

Who left the "Danger Zone" gate open?

 

[220629]

Who left the "Danger Zone" gate open?

Sikwan left a key for me.

Just trying to lighten things up. It's not like I flamed you personally.

Well, maybe I did... If yes, you look damned hot in that outfit.

Back to topic.

vic

 

[talkinghorse43]

I've been trying to understand the intended significance of CJPJ's post of the filter draining procedure for, I guess, an NCV3. I'm thinking now it was meant to show that MB labels the OEM filter as a "fuel filter with water separator" - as if that label could fully describe its capabilities. Here's the verbiage from my owner's manual, circa 2001, pp. 10.2 & 10.3:

"Draining Fuel Filter with Water Separator
Diesel fuels and diesel fuel mixtures must be disposed of properly; we recommend water be drained from fuel filters by an authorized Sprinter Dealer.
NOTE: The fuel filter must be drained as soon as the indicator lamp lights up.
CAUTION
Delaying draining of the fuel filter for a considerable time after the indicator lamp lights up may lead to engine damage.
NOTE: Turn water drain screw (2) on and off only by hand.
After draining, the engine may run briefly but stall for lack of fuel. If this occurs, bleed the system.
Draining Fuel Filter
- Stop the engine.
- Prior to opening water drain screw (2), place a suitable receptacle underneath.
- Open the water drain screw (2) about 3 turns (counterclockwise).
- Open the bleed screw (1) about 4 turns (counterclockwise) and let fluid drain completely.
- After draining, close the bleed screw (2 (sic, should be 1)) and water drain screw (2)
Bleeding the Diesel Fuel System
The diesel fuel system is bled automatically during the starting procedure.
- For this purpose, start the engine continuously for up to 60 seconds until the engine runs evenly."

Should I be confident that because MB labels my fuel filter a "fuel filter with water separator", that it will protect my engine from all types (drop sizes) of water contamination? I was confident until I found that it wouldn't.
Should other owners be confident that their fuel filters, also labeled by MB as "fuel filter with water separator", will protect their engines from all types (drop sizes) of water contamination? Hopefully, the technology of the OEM fuel filter has changed over the years, but I wouldn't believe it w/o proof.
Labels are easy, performance is harder. (as an aside, I already posted in a previous thread (maybe Peas & Carrots) that I tested a filter cartridge that Donaldson touted as being 95% efficient in removing emulsified water from fuel and it failed.)

 

[talkinghorse43]

Thanks to Avanti on the Winnebago/Itasca forum I found the below video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oWo-yE1b4Y

The significance of this video for this thread is that Shell has recognized that the problems caused by fuel dispensed containing emulsified water ("wet" fuel) are significant and is trying to do something about it. The video shows a comparison of settling rates of dispersed water in fuel meeting minimum standards and in their FiT fuel. Basically, water from the latter will settle out in a reasonable time period, but water from the former will not. Most likely, they have added a chemical (de-emulsifier) to accelerate the settling rate (makes the water drops bigger). This is all in the context of the diesel station's underground storage tank where there is plenty of time to let the water settle out. Unfortunately, this "dry" fuel is presently only available in the Seattle, WA area, so it doesn't help most of us.
For those of us not in the Seattle, WA area, the only guaranteed effective way I see to make sure fuel containing dispersed water doesn't damage our high pressure fuel systems is to preview every fill - if cloudy, reject, if not accept. Other possible fixes are iffy at best.
Installing filters, absorbers, etc. that will remove the emulsified water are theoretically possible, but my testing has shown that at least the filter makers claims are suspect. And, wouldn't Shell have taken one of those routes if workable?
Seems to me adding a chemical similar to that Shell has probably added - a water de-emulsifier is also not sufficient, because the tank in our vans is not a quiet place and the water won't separate by settling.
However, for me, where fuel is sucked from the tank by an engine-mounted fuel pump, adding a fuel filter claimed to effectively separate dispersed water AND a de-emulsifier might just work - something I've already done. For the majority, where the low pressure pump is mounted in the tank, I doubt my approach will work because the turbulence/shear in the pump will likely emulsify the water again (make the drops smaller) even in the presence of the de-emulsifying chemical.

 

[CJPJ]

Re: Water in Fuel -

Mercedes-Benz recommends installing a fuel filter with a water separator if the vehicle is mainly operated in countries with increased water content in the diesel fuel. You can obtain information about this from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.





from Sprinter Owners Manual

 

[smiller]

Re: Water in Fuel -

View attachment 75614Mercedes-Benz recommends installing a fuel filter with a water separator if the vehicle is mainly operated in countries with increased water content in the diesel fuel. You can obtain information about this from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.

Does anyone know what MB's official recommendation is (i.e. what make/model of filter, plumbed where, etc.)?

I've been looking around and while it's easy to find any number of inline diesel water filters it's not so easy to find one that can handle the 60+ psi low side fuel line pressure used on the NCV3.

.

 

[CJPJ]

Re: Water in Fuel -

Does anyone know what MB's official recommendation is (i.e. what make/model of filter, plumbed where, etc.)?

I've been looking around and while it's easy to find any number of inline diesel water filters it's not so easy to find one that can handle the 60+ psi low side fuel line pressure used on the NCV3.

Scroll down to > 12 Water separation—life insurance for the injection system

... Two-stage water separation fuel filters are installed in series production by well- known automobile manufacturers and are available in the maintenance and repair market under the MAHLE Original and Knecht brands for vehicles from Chrysler, Jeep, Mercedes- Benz, Mitsubishi, and Smart, among others.

http://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/me...48_906_mahle_news_1_2012_en_onlineversion.pdf

 

[talkinghorse43]

Re: Water in Fuel -

Scroll down to > 12 Water separation—life insurance for the injection system

... Two-stage water separation fuel filters are installed in series production by well- known automobile manufacturers and are available in the maintenance and repair market under the MAHLE Original and Knecht brands for vehicles from Chrysler, Jeep, Mercedes- Benz, Mitsubishi, and Smart, among others.

http://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/me...48_906_mahle_news_1_2012_en_onlineversion.pdf

Great get! This, of course, looks like the earlier posted diagram from China and physically explains how the water is separated. So, if this is the present OEM filter design (seems likely), newer Sprinter owners may not have to worry, like I do, about emulsified water. I wonder why Shell doesn't rely on this technology to perform the emulsified water separation they accomplish with an additive - maybe only small filters are made?
Smiller uses Mann WK 842/23x, but maybe that is made under license to MAHLE?
Are MAHLE KL 228/2D, KL 490D, and KL490/1D familiar part numbers for newer Sprinter filters?

 

[smiller]

Re: Water in Fuel -

Scroll down to > 12 Water separation—life insurance for the injection system

... Two-stage water separation fuel filters are installed in series production by well- known automobile manufacturers and are available in the maintenance and repair market under the MAHLE Original and Knecht brands for vehicles from Chrysler, Jeep, Mercedes- Benz, Mitsubishi, and Smart, among others.

http://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/me...48_906_mahle_news_1_2012_en_onlineversion.pdf

Thanks, great find. As noted in talkinghorse43's post above the filters depicted look very similar to the MB OEM filter, at least externally (general size and configuration, WIF/heater probe, etc.) and so I have the same question, i.e. is the OEM filter a 2-stage filter as depicted (be it Mahle, Mann, or another approved OEM replacement) or something less? And if it's less can it be upgraded in place by using a different (and no doubt more expensive) part number? I guess the answer to the first question could be determined by an autopsy on a used OEM-spec filter, which I will do at my next change.


.

 

[220629]

Re: Water in Fuel -

...
Are MAHLE KL 228/2D, KL 490D, and KL490/1D familiar part numbers for newer Sprinter filters?

Added: First. Do we know that Mahle doesn't use the same design for all Sprinter filters. Someone who really cares could contact Mahle customer service.
The Mahle KL228/2D filter fits NAS aka NAFTA 2004 - 2006 Sprinters. There are other "KL228" variations.

The Water In Fuel probe monitor function/design is the same. It shouldn't take much as a DIY project to adapt one of those filters to any Sprinter. A proper fitting WIF probe unit would be needed. The different differential pressures and WIF drain requirements of the OM612 engine (suck pump) may be problematic to retrofitting.

It's just up to the [NAS 2004 - 2006 T1N] owner to decide if including the newer Mahle design is worth the effort and expense for the optional Mahle KL228/2D filter.

vic

************************************


The Mahle KL228/2D 2004 - 2009 fitment distilled down to basics...

Per my 2004 Dodge and 2006 Freightliner 2.7L OM647 engines.

The filters on my 2004 and 2006 are exactly the same style/dimensions. To me, that means we can ignore any references to 2004, 2005 vs 2006 Sprinters.

The Mann WK 842/23 x fuel filter is 100% the correct style filter for my 2004 and 2006.

The Mann WK 842/23 crosses over to the Mahle KL228/2D filter with "patented and improved" water separation technology.
http://infopart.org/mann-filter-wk84223x-part

The Mahle KL228/2D fuel filter appears to be an optional replacement for NAS aka NAFTA 2004 - 2006 T1N Sprinters with OM647 engine. The KL228/2D is listed in the Mahle PDF as having the newer patented water separation technology. Note that there are other "KL228" options. Does the KL228/2D designation indicate that it has the newer water separation?
Mahle Page 13
http://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/me...48_906_mahle_news_1_2012_en_onlineversion.pdf

MAHLE Original KL 228/2D Fuel Filter: Automotive. ... OEM Part Number, CHRYSLER:05117492AA

Manufacturer CHRYSLER
Number 051 174 92AA
Description Fuel filter
Cross numbers
A.L. FILTER ALG2216
ACDELCO XD9280E
ALCO FILTER SP1298
ASHIKA 3000012
BLUE PRINT ADA102302
BOSCH F026402056
CHAMPION L483
CHRYSLER 05117492AA
CHRYSLER 05175429AB
CHRYSLER 71775532
CLEAN FILTERS DN1925
COOPERS FSM4252
COOPERSFIAAM FILTERS FP5783
CROSLAND 5129
DELPHI HDF563
DONALDSON P550790
DT 466667
FIAT K05117492AA
FIAT K05175429AB
FILTRON PP8417
FLEETGUARD FF5692
FLEETGUARD FF5698
FRAM P10148
GUD FILTERS MP14
HENGST FILTER H278WK
JAPANPARTS FC012S
LAUTRETTE ELG5342
LUCAS CAV HDF563
MAGNETI MARELLI 71761635
MAHLE FILTER KL228
MAHLE FILTER KL2282
MAHLE FILTER KL2282D improved WIF?
MAHLE FILTER KL2283
MAPCO 63857
MAPCO 63858
MEAT & DORIA 4853
MEAT & DORIA 4860
MERCEDES-BENZ 6420920101
MERCEDES-BENZ 6420920501
MERCEDES-BENZ 6420920701
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460900252
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460900852
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460920201
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460920601
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460920701
MOTAQUIP VFF562
P.B.R. AG6132
PURFLUX CS736
RYCO Z706
SCT GERMANY ST6088
TECNOCAR RN266
UFI 2410700
VALEO 587535


************************
The info below is from my earlier searches. I'll leave it all intact for any value which it may still have.

Added:
It appears these filters are used on at least some Sprinters.

MAHLE KL 228/2D

2006 2.7L 2500 OM647 = my 2006 Freightliner has the exact same filter as my 2004 Dodge.

http://www.amazon.com/MAHLE-Origina...automotive&vehicleId=2&vehicleType=automotive

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fuel-Filter-MAHLE-KL-228-2D-/261800482819#vi-ilComp

Chrysler 05117492AA = KL 228/2D
MB 6420920701 = KL 228/2D

MERCEDES-BENZ 642.820
Engine Designation: 642.820 2987 CC (3.0 L), DOHC, 24 Valves; V 6 3.27" (83.0 mm) Bore

2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 CDI - WIF sensor
Part #: 000-153-95-13-M22
$125.00
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/3839/MBZ_3839_FULFUL_pg1.htm#item3
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Be...er-BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-0001539513-/151485485774

This part generally fits Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes models such as E320, GL320, GL350, Grand Cherokee, ML320, ML350, R320, R350, Sprinter 2500, Sprinter 3500, Vito with the trims of Base Cab & Chassis 2-Door, Base Standard Cargo Van 2-Door, Base Standard Cargo Van 3-Door, Base Standard Cargo Van 4-Door, Base Standard Passenger Van 3-Door, Base Standard Passenger Van 4-Door, Bluetec 4Matic Sport Utility 4-Door, Bluetec 4Matic Wagon 4-Door, Bluetec Sedan 4-Door, Bluetec Wagon 4-Door, CDI Sedan 4-Door, CDI Sport Utility 4-Door, Laredo Sport Utility 4-Door, Limited Sport Utility 4-Door, Overland Sport Utility 4-Door . The engine types may include 2.1L 2148CC 131Cu. In. l4 DIESEL DOHC Turbocharged, 2.7L 2687CC 165Cu. In. l5 DIESEL DOHC Turbocharged, 3.0L 2985CC 182Cu. In. V6 DIESEL DOHC Turbocharged, 3.0L 2987CC V6 DIESEL DOHC Turbocharged, 3.2L 3222CC l6 DIESEL DOHC Turbocharged. This part fits vehicles made in the following years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.

From Mahle
http://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/media/local-media-north-america/product-files/fi-20-15.pdf

Page 169

SPRINTER 2500 (2006?) = my 2006 Freightliner has the exact same filter as my 2004 Dodge.
SPRINTER 2500;2.7L L5 165 CID;
VIN: 4
2006 LX 511/1
LX 513/1
OX 153D3 ECO
HX 81D
Hydraulic /
Transmission Filter
cartridge
with 722..600-722.699
Transmission Code

KL 228/2D
With Water Level
Sensor Preparation
with Sensor Fittings

LA 83
LAK 83

**************

Sprinter 2500 (2004, 2005) and = my 2006 Freightliner has the exact same filter as my 2004 Dodge.

2004 - 2005 OM647 = KL 100/2 Might be wrong... checking cross numbers. Mann WK 842/23 x is 100%correct. KL100/2 is not a cross to that.

Amazon gives thumbs up for 2004/2005 Sprinter. That is wrong.
http://www.amazon.com/MAHLE-Origina...automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive

Sprinter NAS aka NAFTA 2004 - 2006 Sprinter. MB #A0001539513 WIF sensor (switch) is for the OEM style filter (aka Mahle KL228/D2, Mann WK 842/23x, etc. ).

*******************

MAHLE KL 490D (heated)

OEM Part Number
MERCEDES-BENZ:6420901752, MERCEDES-BENZ:6420901852, MERCEDES-BENZ:6420902052, MERCEDES-BENZ:6420920301
http://www.amazon.com/MAHLE-Original-KL-490D-Filter/dp/B0068MZHWU

MAHLE KL490/1D (Heated/deeper)

MERCEDES-BENZ:6420902252, MERCEDES-BENZ:6420902352, MERCEDES-BENZ:6420920401
http://www.amazon.com/MAHLE-Original-KL-490-1D/dp/B0068N1YW6
"Amazon says this is the correct filter for a 2011 Sprinter. The one for my Sprinter is KL 490 D, not KL 490/1 D. The /1 is taller and the WIF sensor/water bleed pickup will not reach down to the bottom where water accumulates."

 

[hkpierce]

I don't know about others, but that download took forever. Here is the relevant page:

View attachment 48_906_mahle_news_1_2012_en_onlineversion 13.pdf

 

[220629]

An update for the Mahle patented WIF/water separation technology.


The Mahle KL228/2D 2004 - 2009 fitment distilled down to basics...

Per my 2004 Dodge and 2006 Freightliner 2.7L OM647 engines:

The filters on my 2004 and 2006 are exactly the same style/dimensions. To me, that means we can ignore any manufacturer references for differing fuel filters on NAS aka NAFTA 2004, 2005 vs 2006 Sprinters.

Further confirmation.
Europarts lists "2004 - 2009" Sprinter. (No breakout for 2004/5 vs 2006)
http://europarts-sd.com/mfg-subcat-item.asp?cID=106&scID=246

* Use caution when using the "It Fits!" on Amazon, or "Compatible Vehicle" lists on eBay. They can be inaccurate. Always double-check.

The Mann WK 842/23 x fuel filter is 100% the correct style filter for my 2004 and 2006.

The Mann WK 842/23x crosses over to the Mahle KL228/2D filter that has "patented and improved" water separation technology.
http://infopart.org/mann-filter-wk84223x-part

The Mahle KL228/2D fuel filter appears to be an optional replacement for NAS aka NAFTA 2004 - 2006 T1N Sprinters with OM647 engine. The KL228/2D is listed in the Mahle PDF as having the newer patented water separation technology. Note that there are other "KL228" options. Does the KL228/2D designation indicate that it has the newer water separation?
Mahle Page 13
http://www.mahle-aftermarket.com/me...48_906_mahle_news_1_2012_en_onlineversion.pdf

MAHLE Original KL 228/2D Fuel Filter: Automotive. ... OEM Part Number, CHRYSLER:05117492AA

Manufacturer CHRYSLER
Number 051 174 92AA
Description Fuel filter
Cross numbers
A.L. FILTER ALG2216
ACDELCO XD9280E
ALCO FILTER SP1298
ASHIKA 3000012
BLUE PRINT ADA102302
BOSCH F026402056
CHAMPION L483
CHRYSLER 05117492AA
CHRYSLER 05175429AB
CHRYSLER 71775532
CLEAN FILTERS DN1925
COOPERS FSM4252
COOPERSFIAAM FILTERS FP5783
CROSLAND 5129
DELPHI HDF563
DONALDSON P550790
DT 466667
FIAT K05117492AA
FIAT K05175429AB
FILTRON PP8417
FLEETGUARD FF5692
FLEETGUARD FF5698
FRAM P10148
GUD FILTERS MP14
HENGST FILTER H278WK
JAPANPARTS FC012S
LAUTRETTE ELG5342
LUCAS CAV HDF563
MAGNETI MARELLI 71761635
MAHLE FILTER KL228
MAHLE FILTER KL2282
MAHLE FILTER KL2282D improved WIF?
MAHLE FILTER KL2283
MAPCO 63857
MAPCO 63858
MEAT & DORIA 4853
MEAT & DORIA 4860
MERCEDES-BENZ 6420920101
MERCEDES-BENZ 6420920501
MERCEDES-BENZ 6420920701
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460900252
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460900852
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460920201
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460920601
MERCEDES-BENZ 6460920701
MOTAQUIP VFF562
P.B.R. AG6132
PURFLUX CS736
RYCO Z706
SCT GERMANY ST6088
TECNOCAR RN266
UFI 2410700
VALEO 587535

*****************

I have added the above information to my earlier post.

vic

 

[talkinghorse43]

I guess this means that, simply by buying & installing the non-OEM KL228/2D filter cartridge made by MAHLE, '04-6 Sprinter (and maybe other later models) owners could enjoy much improved water separation performance. (That's assuming the filter performs as claimed.)

 

[220629]

I guess this means that, simply by buying & installing the non-OEM KL228/2D filter cartridge made by MAHLE, '04-6 Sprinter (and maybe other later models) owners could enjoy much improved water separation performance. (That's assuming the filter performs as claimed.)

Yep.

Europarts lists "2004 - 2009" Sprinter.
(No breakout for 2004/5 vs 2006)

* Use caution when using the "It Fits!" on Amazon, or "Compatible Vehicle" lists on eBay. They can be inaccurate. Always double-check.

http://europarts-sd.com/mfg-subcat-item.asp?cID=106&scID=246

My plan is to install a Mahle KL228/2D filter in my 2006 as OEM and feed that with a Mahle KL313 pre-filter. From there I will change the less expensive KL313 on a maintenance schedule with the KL228/2D schedule yet to be determined. My 2004 will likely just get my Mann 842/23x spare.

vic

 

[talkinghorse43]

Yep.

Europarts lists "2004 - 2009" Sprinter.
(No breakout for 2004/5 vs 2006)

* Use caution when using the "It Fits!" on Amazon, or "Compatible Vehicle" lists on eBay. They can be inaccurate. Always double-check.

http://europarts-sd.com/mfg-subcat-item.asp?cID=106&scID=246

My plan is to install a Mahle KL228/2D filter in my 2006 as OEM and feed that with a Mahle KL313 pre-filter. From there I will change the less expensive KL313 on a maintenance schedule with the KL228/2D schedule yet to be determined. My 2004 will likely just get my Mann 842/23x spare.

vic

So, maybe an "oil" thread that paid off!
If you get a WIF warning after you make the change to your '06, you can drain and "keep on truckin'". The future's not so rosy for me since I fear the '02-3s will at least need an electric inline fuel pump to use the Mahle filter. I've grown accustomed to previewing the fuel, so that's my new normal.

Note1: You might want to re-think using a pre-filter, because, in the event of water contamination, that will cause coagulation of the dispersed water (like mine did) and cause the internals of the pre-filter to rust. The Mahle will catch any rust particles, but then the pre-filter just becomes a liability and not an asset.

Note2: I wonder how the Mahle handles slug water, since slug water would have to be driven through the cellulose element to reach the water collection sump. Plus, looking at Mahle's diagram, it will collect upstream of the element - no water drain in the chamber before the cellulose element. Might need a water knock-out before the Mahle.

 

[220629]

So, maybe an "oil" thread that paid off!

I agree.

Note1: You might want to re-think using a pre-filter, because, in the event of water contamination, that will cause coagulation of the dispersed water (like mine did) and cause the internals of the pre-filter to rust. The Mahle will catch any rust particles, but then the pre-filter just becomes a liability and not an asset.
...

A liability?
I believe that you are over-thinking.

The Mahle KL313 is the standard OEM filter on many Mercedes Benz engines. So it is designed to work stand alone even with no water separation/WIF sensor.

Pre-filtering.

That leads us to the reason the pre-filter solved the problem. Suddenly the main filter had a much more manageable task: all it had to do was catch the small fraction of larger particles that made it through the pre-filter. The percentage of water and other contaminants making it through to the injectors dropped dramatically. The presence of a good pre-filter along with proper maintenance in keeping with the main filter service intervals generally allowed the early Duramax injectors to run quite happily.

I'm no expert.


According to the DMax article author, a pre-filter does help the existing water separation capability to do the job.

Who is really going to sample their fuel at the pump every time? [Well... I think that I know one person. ] How do you properly dispose of the sample that you pulled? A funnel back into the tank? It all sounds like a sloppy inconvenient process which will quickly be abandoned by most operators/owners.

The Mahle [KL313] Pre-filter concept.

According to the DMax author a pre-filter helps.

The initial cost for the Mahle filter, connecting hose, clamps, and 2 each hose unions will likely be under $40.00 total.

The filter can be supported with a bracket formed by perforated strap or other metal. The filter can be clamped to the bracket using a worm drive hose clamp. There is room in my OM647 engine bay.

My service schedule.

Initially change out the existing OEM fuel filter [to a Mahle KL228/2D] and the new added KL313 pre-filter at the same time. After the pre-filter is in service then change that on whatever service schedule that the owner feels appropriate. Leave the original OEM filter alone.

The Mahle filter is about $25.00 per change. In the TIN the filter will be up where accessible. It will only require R&R of 2 each hoses for the change. The cost avoidance of not needing to change the more expensive OEM WIF filter will pay for the pre-filter.

On the OM612 engine just changing the added pre-filter means that the problematic air leak filter system is disturbed less often. Remember, 2 hoses for the pre-filter.

Gelling in the Mahle pre-filter. There is more risk of gelling with any added pre-filter. What cheaper added aftermarket filter system will have fuel pre-heat built in? I believe that I can safely answer "None".

I'm actually considering adding the pre-filter to my 2006. I hate the access to the fuel filter now. Having a fuel filter accessible and only needing to deal with 2 hose connections is attractive.

A self designed aftermarket filter may be more effective (or maybe not...), but it is expensive and not easily installed.

I see no serious drawbacks to installing a Mahle pre-filter. I actually believe that there is benefit.

vic
...

More information is here.
T1N and NCV3 Fuel Pre-filter
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45146

Regardless, I have what is needed to install a Mahle KL313 pre-filter and that is what I will do.

vic

 

[dickknapp]

I'm lovin' this thread! Will switch to the newer Mahle filter.