Hello. I have found sand (or something similar) in my fuel filter so I'm assuming I have to remove and clean my fuel tank. Can anybody run me through the R&R procedure? It's an '81 300SD with a dealer installed oversize tank (45 or 50 gallons).

Thanks!

(and yes, I've done a search!)


rr

__________________
r2

'85 300SD 193k miles (parts)
'81 300SD 400k miles-sold
'84 300SD 205k miles-sold
'84 300TDT 270k miles-sold
'80 300CD 200k miles-sold

Why do you need to remove the tank? If the contamination is not excessive, the fuel filters will do the job.

I might go underneath and remove the strainer.........after draining the tank........just to see what comes out. But, I think you'll find mostly clean fuel.

If the contamination is massive.........then you could consider tank removal. But, you'd be going through filters at a rapid rate if this were the situation.

Could very likely be rust flakes, not sand in the filters.

__________________
Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

It doesn't look like rust flakes; it really looks and feels like sand. I have an inline glass filter before the pump and I changed it yesterday. Today there was a lot of sand in it. I also have a 4.5" Stanadyne filter in front of the pump and I have been going through those every 100-200 miles (should be several thousand). So, the problem is bad.

I'm not aware of a drain or strainer on this tank. Does anyone know how to remove it? Does the rear seat have to come out?

Thanks for all suggestions!


rr

__________________
r2

'85 300SD 193k miles (parts)
'81 300SD 400k miles-sold
'84 300SD 205k miles-sold
'84 300TDT 270k miles-sold
'80 300CD 200k miles-sold

The strainer is accessed from beneath the vehicle. Above the axles, you'll see two fuel hoses that lead to fittings on the bottom of the vehicle. One fitting is secured to the strainer. You'll see the strainer because it's got a 46mm nut that threads flush with the body. Once you disconnect the supply line and drain the fuel, the fitting on the nut might cause the strainer to loosen. But, if not, you'll need a 46mm socket to get at that nut. The problem is that you won't have all that much room for a socket wrench. I ended up using a large pipe wrench to turn the 1 13/16" socket.

Will a 50 gallon tank have the same features of the standard tank? I suppose it's possible but I suspect the tank could be quite different.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13