Well OP, should you choose to install your new strainer, and then for whatever reason, clean the original, the methods above will likely work.

To answer your question, however, "Power Service 09016-09 Bio Kleen Diesel Fuel Biocide" (that's the amazon search string) is fairly potent. In theory, it should dissolve whatever's in there, allowing it to pass harmlessly through filtration. In theory.

Worth a shot.

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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.