79 300D tank strainer

[79Mercy]

I have been helping out a friend the past few days with some things on this 300D NA. Well I discovered yesterday that he had a bad fuel leak at the tank strainer. I think its leaking at the tank but everything is wet and hard to tell. He wants to go ahead and replace the whole thing, hose, copper washer, and strainer. Pretty easy job but my question is, what size is the tank strainer nut? Thanks

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

I have been helping out a friend the past few days with some things on this 300D NA. Well I discovered yesterday that he had a bad fuel leak at the tank strainer. I think its leaking at the tank but everything is wet and hard to tell. He wants to go ahead and replace the whole thing, hose, copper washer, and strainer. Pretty easy job but my question is, what size is the tank strainer nut? Thanks

If a 79 300D is a 123 the Socket size is 46MM (1.811 inches) and this is close to 1 13/16 of an inch which is 1.812 inches. So a 1 13/16 socket will work.
Go under the car and use a tape measure to see if is 1 13/16 inch acroos the flats of the Tank Screen Nut. Or, go to and internet parts place and see if the 1979 and 1984 (mine) models use the same tank screen. If they do the socket will be the same size. I bought a 1 13/16 inch socket for mine.
{The crimped collar on the Tank Hose can be filed or ground off and a regular fuel hose with a clamp can be used on the existing hoes barb.}

The easiest to find sockets are 3/4 drive so if you do not have one you will need to get a 1/2 inch drive to 3/4 drive adapter.

Also because the Tank Screen Nut is thin if you can get a socket that does not have too much "Radius" (see thumbnail). The one in the thumb nail is mine that I bought cheap but I intend to belt sand it down so that most of that Radius is gone so that it will get a better bite on the nut.

[tangofox007]

Sometimes, loosening the hose fitting will result in the screen backing out instead. No guarantees, but it might be worth a try before you start looking for a socket.

[toomany MBZ]

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Sometimes, loosening the hose fitting will result in the screen backing out instead. No guarantees, but it might be worth a try before you start looking for a socket.

Happened to the fella that did mine.

[Richard Eldridge]

The hose is the probable culprit, and should be replaced. The fuel strainer is very durable and can easily be cleaned and reused, at least mine was. brush off all the crud you can, then soak it in degreaser for a few hours,and blast it with water. It is under $25 in most places, bit why buy it if you don't need to?

[79Mercy]

Thanks