Hey,

I basically changed everything maintenence related on my car since I have owned it for about 20,000 miles. I have never been to the rear tank to check that filter or anything like that. I am getting somewhat of surging in my 240D. I do not call it surging maybe it's more like almost dying at idle.

Is that screen in the tank really important ? Thanks

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Audi TT

If your tank screen looks like those in your phots, there is no need to clean them.

A plugged filter screen would probably be more obvious at road speed, not at idle. If you have a clear primary filter (at the injection pump with right angle fitting) look for dark threads of algae. If that filter is clear then the screen is probably not plugged. Before removing and checking the screen I would blow air thru the lines (supply and return) from the IP back into the tank to see if that makes any difference. You can swap the two lines temporarily (at the IP) to see if the supply side is getting plugged (be sure you have at least 1/8 tank of fuel).
An idle problem sounds like bad injectors or IP problems.
DDH

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

If the screen is clogged it is important. A search for "tank screen" will give more information but I think Dieseldiehard is on the right track as to the cause of low-speed problems.