I have a 1986 300sdl turbo. I was told that i have 2 fuel filters. Is this true? I was also told that it is in the fuel tank is this also true?

Thanks in advance. Tee

 

All MB diesels I used to own (in 83-93 range) had 2 fuel filters.
One in mounted on the hose, clear plastic filter with 90 degree turn and the other is mounted on the top of the engine above injection pump. The second one is hold by center bolt.
Priming the big fuel filter is not recommended because of possible contamination, but the trick is to fill only inlet, outer holes, while keeping center outlet hole dry. Sometimes you can fit pipe nipple into the center hole to protect it from splashing the fuel in.

 

I did change the large filter. we did not prime it though we just replaced it and cranked the mot door until it started. was the right thing to do?

when i change the one mounted on the line is there anything specail i need to do besides remove the old one and install the new one? thanks again. Tee.

 

Cranking the motor to prime the filter brings lot of stress to the starter and battery, but since it worked, that's all it counts. Newer engines have better priming pumps, that can handle dry suction. Older MB had hand pump for this purpose. Once I had big CAT, that even after priming with hand pump and bleading the special valve still wouldn't start after about 1/2 of trying. Had to use starting fluid (not recommended) to get it running.
Smaller filter doesn't require much, so chances are, that the engine will run right away. It is advasible to carry small filters with you and replace them often. Occasionally you can get diesel from bottom of tank at small station, that has lot of contamination. So advise is to avoid small stations, that don't sell lot of diesel.