X250 diesel fuel filter replacing in pictures PART I

[Techno]

So that fuel filter then, as you can see its pretty buried away there

Maybe mechanics practice Gynaecology? I think it is easier to remove the trims and headlight, let the dog see the rabbit.

Now the Fiat service course says to disconnect the battery but I doubt anyone does that in the real world but of course ignition OFF

After removed the three bolts the headlight pulls forward and is only attached by the multi socket
This is removed by pulling back the grey plastic retainer and then unplugging. Place the headlight out of harms way so you wont trip over it!

Now we're in

At this stage you can if you wish open the bleed screw and drain the diesel but without getting a long piece of pipe and something to catch it in my option was to not drain it.
The amount of fuel that will come out of the pipe connection isn't huge so I caught it with an old tea towel initially then drained it fully when off the vehicle.

So first the upper electrical connection. This is locked by the yellow plastic part, just slide it back and then with a finger behind the orange nib that it was covering pull it away from the housing.
LOCKED

UNLOCKED

Now the fuel lines. The grey collars effectively grip the tubing so have to be pushed towards the body first before pulling the fuel line out

Subtle difference
SECURED

UNSECURED only a couple of mm difference

So I first removed the top pipe and then with a tea towel under the lower pipe that too.
The lower electrical connection is easier to do with the housing lifted clear. Yes it just lifts upwards out of it's bracket (quite tight) .Keep the fuel spouts uppermost to avoid leaking the fuel.

The bracket

The spring needs compressing to free the connector then pull it clear.

Now you can fully drain the filter housing into a suitable container by undoing the bleed screw a few turns.

Now link to Broken Link Removed

Then reconnect the bottom electrical connection before relpacing the unit

push downwards to the stops

Replace fuel lines and top connection.

Turn engine over and it will fire up within 10 seconds.

 

[jhorsf]

Thank you for taking the time and trouble to take pictures and write this up:thumb:

 

[Techno]

Thank you John I hope I've been as clear and concise as possible given there's not much light up here

 

[DonA4000]

Great Stuff your posts will come in handy for me when I start doing some odd jobs round the van Thanks

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Thanks for that. I'm pretty sure that mine was bolted to the bracket but could be mistaken. Anyone who disconnected the pipes with ignition on would end up with wet feet!

Lastly, the RAC man recommended to turn on ignition for 5 secs, turn off for 5 secs, repeat a few times and then fire up, but as you say - it self primes.

Thanks again for posting it

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[Techno]

There are no bolt holes in the filter housing, that is a clue Perhaps you unbolted the mounting bracket?

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Wasn't me - it was the RAC man. As I said - could be mistaken, but I thought he took a socket to it.


Mind you, I am getting old and the memory is failing.....:Blush:


I'd make a good Daily Fail journalist - never letting the facts get in the way of things!

 

[Techno]

Even the RAC are not familier with every vehicle so he probably unbolted it because he didn't know it lifts out.
I'm with the AA :thumb:

 

[mick noe]

thanks so much ANOTHER first class post

 

[Techno]

thanks so much ANOTHER first class post

Cheers Mick
The best forum is getting better :thumb: as if that were possible

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[mick noe]

will be doing the forced drain down mod this weekend if parts arrive, my van is very similar to yours and tank/pipework/pump identical so job will be simple. Also ordered fuel filter tool. Thanks again, I know I would have struggled/broken the fuel filter without the above info.:thumb:

 

[Techno]

Good good :thumb: I just put 15 psi in my system today as we're going away Wednesday night and we had a frost last night. I'll know if it's safe to fill with water in advance now

A forum Elf (Mike B) has put the forced drain down in the Download section too :thumb:

I paid £34 for the filter tool so you gained there by my loss oh:

 

[Techno]

I've put my guide on camping car Rapido (French forum) A local has translated it to French within half an hour

 

[Techno]

So that fuel filter then, as you can see its pretty buried away there

Having looked at a right hand drive X250 it is now easy to see why I opted for removing the headlight unit for access on my LHD above . However the French forum friends of Campingcar Rapido took it as normal :Cool:

RHD is a doddle

 

[Gizmouk]

Excellent tutorial !
Many thanks for taking the time :thumb:

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[Scottyboy]

I'd just like to say thanks to Techno for an excellent tutorial, I managed to do mine without taking the headlight out but I,m a boiler man so am used to confined spaces No leaks and all good, If anyone in the Hastings area wants to borrow the tool they are welcome as its not going to get much use sitting in my garage.

 

[Techno]

Anyone wanting a spare ? I found this tonight and 2 left at under £90
Broken Link Removed
Ignore the image as it is generic

Cross referencing
http://www.findpart.org/part/ufi-5514800/

 

[DonA4000]

How often should the fuel filter be changed?

Thanks

 

[Techno]

250 service schedule says every service but this is meant to be 25 to 28k mile intervals (engine size dependant). Motorhomers tend to service annually regardless but IMHO I would not change this filter at this frequency.

The link I posted is a COMPLETE housing with filter but a service is the element only so don't buy this as a service item! it is for those who have suffered housing leaks and worry about it occuring when on holiday.

 

[Techno]

For RHD vehicles as pictured above where access is easy unlike the LHD version. I venture to say that the complete unit can be swapped without any tools at all.

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[DonA4000]

Ok thats great

Thanks again for your picture tutorial and advice

 

[Techno]

Just dropped sub £60 but for how long?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261583954298?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Techno]

thanks so much ANOTHER first class post

RIP Mick

 

[Mike800966]

Thanks for the detailed pics and write up, but does anyone know how to find part 2 to this helpful guide to changing the fuel filter?

Thanks

Mike