1980 Mercedes Benz 300sd replacing fuel filters

BLUEBALLBENZ

MEMBER
1980 MERCEDES BENZ 300SD
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
400,000 MILES

How bad is it for this car when I had the 2 fuel filters changed, they didn't know they had to unscrew the hand pump and manually pump gas into the new filters? I forgot too, and started it up and the engine cut out soon for lack of fuel. Did this about 5 times before someone pumped it enough so that the engine stayed running. Then it was fine. But I want to know if this process hurt the engine or could hurt the engine. How much do you have to pump with that hand pump to make sure the engine will stay running? Is there some trick to this or way to see when you will likely have it right? This always happens, and I keep forgetting about the built in hand pump that you have to use. Please advise.

1 Reply

DR LOOT

MECHANIC
2,311 POSTS

I will advise you in the correct procedure, first of all you never replace the fuel filter without filling it for fuel before installation, second of all the manual pump only assist you in pressurizing the system, when you feel the plump with resistance that is enough pumping. And improper procedure in replacing fuel filters can cause damage to your starter, for having to crank it over so many times. Better luck next time, I hope you don't have to replace the starter now.