Afternoon all. For a few weeks now, I have been trying to get my fuel supply problems fixed. After repeated fuel filter changes and trying straight diesel instead of veggie blend, the car still lacked power and had no flow out of the suction side of the tank. I tried switching the suction and return lines to no avail. I finally pulled the tank today to inspect and there was a little black film on the bottom of the tank but it really didn't look bad. Much better than I expected after seeing several pre-filters clogged with gray stuff. The old tank strainer is clear. A little dirty but clear. Maybe some stuff washed off it after running the fuel lines in reverse. I was not able to see much of the tank through the strainer hole or the level sending unit hole, though. I ordered many new parts from Fastlane including new filters, both fuel hoses at the tank, strainer, hollow bolt sealing ring (per FSM) and o-rings to seal up everything. My underhood fuel hoses are newer. So that is the whole back story. Here are the questions:

1)Per the FSM, there should be a copper sealing washer at the return hose where it meets the tank. The original hose had nothing and Fastlane sent me an o-ring. What is correct?

2)What is the best way to clean my tank? I have a radiator shop near me that can probably dip it. Good? No good? I need it done right, I can't get into the tank to clean it very good myself. Suggestions?

3)My fuel line was plugged before as I could not suck through it and the car was having definate running problems (the lift pump is good). I fully expected a plugged tank strainer and crud galore in the tank. There is not much of either. Could the stuff have washed off and gone where I can't see it in the tank?

This is my '82 300SD with 283,000 miles. Sorry for the long post, I just needed to cover my bases. Thank you everyone. Eric.

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1984 300D, 246k, veggie, sold
1982 300SD 301k