Clogged tank screen - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tree Frog · #1 09-13-2008, 11:16 AM

Okay, I had some fuel delivery problems, as seen here:

Fuel delivery issue-please help!

Anyway, I went today to pull the screen. After I'd put the rear end up on jack stands, I pulled the fuel line. Fuel was coming out in a very slow drip. I attempted to unscrew the tank screen, but couldn't get a wrench on it...I was hoping to get it out w/o pulling out the tank, but no go.

So, I opened the tank cap, and put a blowgun into the fuel line. I blew in 100 psi...There seemed to be a very slight hesitation before I heard bubbling in the tank. I gave it another good long blast, and removed the blowgun. What had been a drip was now a gush. Woohoo!

I hooked the fuel line back up, reprimed the system, and she started up! Again...woohoo!

So, here's my question: Instead of pulling the tank, could I blow out the screen, say on a weekly basis, to keep the tank gunk suspended in the fuel and off the screen? If I were to do this, would the gunk ultimately be broken up small enough to pass through the screen and make it's way to the fuel filters, where it can be easily monitored and changed?

Thanks in advance for the help!

tangofox007 · #2 09-13-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tree Frog

I attempted to unscrew the tank screen, but couldn't get a wrench on it.

Try unscrewing the strainer hose fitting. As often as not, the strainer will unscrew from the tank, instead of the hose fitting unscrewing from the strainer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tree Frog

I was hoping to get it out w/o pulling out the tank, but no go.

You might need to remove the tank for cleaning, but there is no need to remove the tank in order to remove the strainer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tree Frog

So, here's my question: Instead of pulling the tank, could I blow out the screen, say on a weekly basis, to keep the tank gunk suspended in the fuel and off the screen? If I were to do this, would the gunk ultimately be broken up small enough to pass through the screen and make it's way to the fuel filters, where it can be easily monitored and changed?

That's entirely possible. A good dose of your favorite fungicide might also help. I would recommend putting a little more effort into removing the strainer, however.

Tree Frog · #3 09-13-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Try unscrewing the strainer hose fitting. As often as not, the strainer will unscrew from the tank, instead of the hose fitting unscrewing from the strainer.

You might need to remove the tank for cleaning, but there is no need to remove the tank in order to remove the strainer.

That's entirely possible. A good dose of your favorite fungicide might also help. I would recommend putting a little more effort into removing the strainer, however.

Thanks. I'll try unscrewing the strainer hose fitting. I didn't even think of that...just saw the bit ole fitting on the strainer and figured that was the way to go.

Once I can get the car back home (it's currently at work, where it died. Since I have some semblance of fuel flow now, I'll try to drive it home this weekend), I'll dump in some fungicide.

Chad300tdt · #4 09-13-2008, 11:45 AM

I would run your tank low and pull the strainer to clean it. Also keep an eye on your fuel gauge now. If your strainer was that clogged, your FSU might be gunked up too or will get gunked up, especially since you just re-suspended all the crud in your tank.

EDIT: Oh yeah, Kerry posted a way to run your tank low. Disconnect your fuel return line under the hood and run it into a fuel can. Run the car until it stalls and your tank will be empty (make sure your can is large enough to catch all the fuel in your car). This will also filter all the fuel as is empties it so you can just dump it back in your car when you're done with the tank strainer.