w163 ML500 ML320 Fuel Filter Challenge - Stubborn Fuel Line Connectors - How to Remove ?

[@PatrickStar-qb1sx]

Clean the mud using brush and dish soap. You want to get rid of all mud, and grease between retaining clips and fuel filter tips. Spray a little bit of PB'laster 16-SL Industrial Strength Silicone Lubricant - 11-Ounces on all connectors to make sure they are lubricated. You should be able to press the clips and release them from grabbing the fuel filter tips. You can use pick tool to slightly press then push out. Took me 2hr to get these remove. Main fuel line is very stiff and not much room to push from front to back. You can disconnect the main fuel line from engine and cover with rubber glove, rubber band to minimize fuel spilling all over your engine bay. unclip the black plastic fuel and break line holders from under body to give you a little more slack. Main fuel line replacement is not too difficult if you accidentally break it. You can swap it without lifting the body but easier if you remove the bolts and hockey pucks.

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Great Advice Patrick thank you ! I'm sure it'll help others. My son who has stronger finger grip & needed the $$$ was successful in swapping out the Fuel Filter. Hes a good tech & said it was "a miserable job" LoL. Universal sentiment on w163 ! But Praise God, my trusty ML500 is back in action - in fact we schlepped a cord of Oak in my trailer up a slope that used the AWD traction lo range to the max. What a capable off roader !

[@user-wf1ib1en5d]

Time is not on my side. Getting set up to do the same on this 98 -320! Thinking I'll have to drop the tank is my guess. Maybe you go first I'll keep in touch. It's my first as well! Thanks.