bad morning - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Skippy · #31 11-21-2007, 07:36 PM

It looks like rust to me. I had a '63 Dart back in the 90's that kept clogging fuel filters with rust. I pulled the tank, drained it, mailed it off to a place in PA somewhere where they cut it in half, cleaned it thoroughly, welded it back together, and then coated it inside and out with a thick polymer coating. I don't remember too many specifics, but the outfit was called Moyers Fuel Tank Renu, and the work ran something like $200 around 1997.

Jordan G · #32 12-12-2007, 08:23 AM

Still plugging filters at an alarming rate -

Since my original post - I've probably switched out my prefilter 5 or 6 times (cleaned them with carb cleaner)....and the spin-on once.

Just this morning, I was having trouble getting it started (my wife parked the car last night on our steep driveway, head up) so I went to check the filter. I had just changed it on Sunday when I adjusted the valves.....and sure enough, clogged again. So basically, I can't see thru the filter after about 100 miles of driving. I pumped like mad on "the sadistically designed knurled knob of death" or whatever Jim so affectionately dubbed it and couldn't get it started. I know I've got air trapped, I just didn't have the time to screw around it with it (late for work).....and don't feel too bad (as if you would anyway) but I'm driving my old man's Vette instead. Frankly, it should be illegal to get out of a 240d and hop in a Vette, it's just not safe

.

Anyway - in the forum's esteemed opinion. When should I cry mercy? Changing the filters isn't really that bad.....but at what point should I cave and drop the tank and get it boiled/sealed?

The other influencing factor here - is that this car will now be my daily driver (after Sunday).....my pontiac is on ebay right now. What started as a cute little MB project will now be my daily steed.

Chad300tdt · #33 12-12-2007, 08:37 AM

If you can keep using your Dad's Vette, do it ASAP and take your time.

The boiling out won't take too long, but the sealer needs to cure for 3 days or more before fueling it up again. You'll be happy when the tank is done. Good luck with the "new" daily driver.

pimpernell · #34 12-12-2007, 10:29 AM

after looking at the pictures of the filter and bottle, I would also say that rust is the culprit. I have seen the exact same thing happen when fuel gas or diesel is left for long periods of time in the tank. Moisture will accumulate, and rust the exposed section of the tank. That rust usually gets suspended in the fuel as a fine "dust". When I would split open a filter covered with it, it felt almost like talcum powder when rubbed between the fingers. Good luck....

KAdams4458 · #35 12-12-2007, 10:49 AM

Such an amount of what seems to be rust must be coming from the tank. I've seen hard fuel lines spit out a lot of rusty gunk before, but hardly enough to clog filters more than one or twice before it passes.

Twice in my life, I have dealt with rusty automobile tanks. Both times, an Eastwood product solved the problem permanently. They were both gas cars, though. I have no idea if the same product is suitable for diesel tanks, but I suspect it might be. This is the stuff I used:

http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=382&keyword=10165z

But holy cow, it didn't cost so much back then. Darned inflation!

bustedbenz · #36 12-12-2007, 10:55 AM

What keeps that stuff from "sealing" the holes the fuel has to go through?

Jordan G · #37 12-12-2007, 10:57 AM

Thanks guys...I guess I should have done this first but I wanted to try and "drive" it all out.

And I guess once the rusting begins.....even keeping the tank full of fuel won't really impede the problem, will it?

I'll go with Por 15 or the Eastwood stuff. You just can't beat the feeling though - of having your reliable, modern vehicle on Ebay.....only to have your old MB promptly clog the life out of you. Oh well, I'm still happy I'm switching (I think).

Jordan G · #38 12-12-2007, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bustedbenz

What keeps that stuff from "sealing" the holes the fuel has to go through?

Not sure about the Eastwood stuff....but I read up in my por 15 catalog (unfortunately, all PA drivers are on por 15's mailing list).

I'll drop the tank, clean it out (repeatedly), dry it, use the marine clean and metal etch stuff......then pour in the sealant and shake it like a polaroid picture. Tank strainer is out. Let it dry and reconnect?

Chad300tdt · #39 12-12-2007, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bustedbenz

What keeps that stuff from "sealing" the holes the fuel has to go through?

It's not that thick. After you roll the tank around to coat the inside you let it cure over a bucket or pan so the excess can drip out. You can blow open any holes if they need it after you untape them. Be careful to thoroughly clean it off any threads.

Chad300tdt · #40 12-12-2007, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan G

Not sure about the Eastwood stuff....but I read up in my por 15 catalog (unfortunately, all PA drivers are on por 15's mailing list).

I'll drop the tank, clean it out (repeatedly), dry it, use the marine clean and metal etch stuff......then pour in the sealant and shake it like a polaroid picture. Tank strainer is out. Let it dry and reconnect?

My orders usually get here in a day or two.

Don't shake the POR-15, air bubbles aren't good. Slow rolling to coat the inside is best.

Mistel · #41 12-12-2007, 11:09 AM

I had a similar problem 2 summers ago. I don't think it is rust, I agree with TT on the previous page. I solved my problem with a biocide, forgot the name, got it from west marine. I would keep trying with biocide.

I buy prefilters 10 at a time and keep them in the back

Peter

vstech · #42 12-12-2007, 11:13 AM

Hey, if it were me, I would get one of those 20.00 large fuel filters and install it upstream of the primary to handle a larger amount of the "rust" this will give you a much longer time between plugging up, and KEEP the tank full of D2/D1/Bio... and keep the powerservice in high concentrations. ya gotta flush out the tank eventually.
I am in the HVAC industry, so I just put in a large fuel oil filter, and a snythetic filter, it handled all the gunk in my tank no problem. and when I was finished with like 2 or 3 fuel tanks full, I put it back on the primary only, and have only had a few flakes in the last 6 months.

rrgrassi · #43 12-12-2007, 11:23 AM

You could get a filter with a sediment bowl. I paid $50 for mine. I got the Stanadyne FM100 for $50 from Reliable Industries in Louisiana.

Emptying a bowl is messier, but you can then see what the problem really is.

Jordan G · #44 12-12-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistel

I had a similar problem 2 summers ago. I don't think it is rust, I agree with TT on the previous page. I solved my problem with a biocide, forgot the name, got it from west marine. I would keep trying with biocide.

I buy prefilters 10 at a time and keep them in the back

Peter

I buy my prefilters 10 at a time too....but seriously, I've used them all already AND I'm doing my best PEH impression and reusing the damn things. I just feel like my experience has far exceeded the normal "just change out your prefilter" routine.

I probably overtreated with Startron, which, unless I'm mistaken, is a biocide?

Chad, gotcha on the POR 15 shaking....I was just too quick to use my cheesy rap lingo reference

.

Jordan G · #45 12-12-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

You could get a filter with a sediment bowl. I paid $50 for mine. I got the Stanadyne FM100 for $50 from Reliable Industries in Louisiana.

Emptying a bowl is messier, but you can then see what the problem really is.

I was reading about your setup in another thread and I liked it....maybe it's time to give it a shot.

And thanks John....that's a good idea too. I think once this tank gets low (I'm about half a tank) I'm going to drop it and seal. I'm sick of dealing with this....

And as generous as my old man is (his Vette normally lives in a storage unit).....I doubt he wants it as my daily driver.