changing fuel filter for biodiesel

**sprintersurf** · 01-18-2006, 02:35 PM

I want to start running my Sprinter on biodiesel and was told that I would need to change the fuel filter frequently. is this a simple job for someone with very little expertise? I know where the filter is- that's about it.
any tips?
thanks and let's get this site going Sprinter owners!!!

**Sprinterhead** · 01-19-2006, 08:32 AM

Sprintersurf, I wouldn't think it would be to hard. I haven't done it yet but on my wifes VW TDi it is very easy to do. I just disconnect the lines on the top of the filter and put the new one in its place. To help starting i also fill it with diesel fuel before installing the new one.

**tech** · 01-27-2006, 12:41 PM

DO NOT USE BIO DIESEL!!! Here in MN we have just had legislation change to allow more bio-diesel in the fuel. This has caused nothing but problems for sprinter owners. You will end up getting codes for fuel pressure solenoid failures. Daimler Chrysler does not recomend the use of Bio-Diesel in the Sprinter Vans.

**HKPierce** · 02-20-2006, 01:40 PM

Changing the fuel filter on the 2001-2003 models are a pain - but the filter is relatively cheap. But in 2003 and again in 2004 they redesigned the filter to make it easier to replace - at 2Xand 4X respectively the cost. There is a DIY guide for 2001-2003s posted on the Yahoo Sprinter site. Watch out for loosing your prime - it can be a pain re-establishing it on the Sprinter.

**marytom777** · 03-18-2006, 11:41 AM

What about straight (recycled) vegetable oil? I hear alot about this & apparently you really don't need any deisel. I read that Henry Ford & Edwin Deisel envisioned their engines running on Hemp Oil -- very cheap & easy to grow. Our government really screwed up making hemp illegal. Probably the best agricultural/industrial product on the planet!

**tech** · 03-24-2006, 12:57 PM

Are you serious???? I dare you to run vegatable oil in your sprinter.

**Sprinterfleet** · 08-14-2006, 12:48 AM

We run 11% bio in some of our Sprinters. no problems. If you try to run over 20% then you will need to keep an eye on the fuel filters.

**sprintersurf** · 08-14-2006, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by tech

Are you serious???? I dare you to run vegatable oil in your sprinter.

I have a feeling that this person was referring to running veg oil via a conversion, which is totally do-able and trouble free. I personally know someone who has already converted his Sprinter with a Greasecar conversion kit and it works perfectly. I'm doing mine as soon as I save up enough $$ for the kit. In the meantime, I'm still researching how well Bio runs in sprinters- since they're relatively new, especially where I live in CA, there isn't very much data.

**GetarealVan** · 01-11-2007, 01:48 PM

Run all the grease you want but be sure to save the money you didnot spen on fuel because you will need it for pump and injector repair!

Bio(B-5-10) is another story IMO. This whole change your fule filter thing is a bit of a wives tale. It's not what everyone makes it out to be.

Happy New Year everybody!