Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-02-2009, 01:28 PM
benhogan's Avatar
CPA/Greasemonkey
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chapel Hill
Posts: 1,092
To drain or not to drain, that is the question

I'll be starting work the on the 220d today. The fuel has been in the tank for three years. The volume is unknown at this point. Ideally, I'd like to drain the fuel if possible. Does this car's fuel tank have a drain plug somewhere or should i just find a different way of doing it?

I appreciate your advice!

-Ben

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-02-2009, 02:01 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Nashua, NH
Posts: 3,956
Actually my advice would be to not drain it unless you suspect it is contaminated. Diesel fuel can easily last 3 years without significant degradation. If it was stored someplace very warm you might have fungus in it though. If you do decide to drain it you can remove the tank screen at the bottom of the tank and clean it out too which is a good thing to do.
__________________
Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-02-2009, 05:22 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: central Texas
Posts: 17,281
There is no way I would NOT drain that stuff out before proceeding...

Here is the easy way to do it...if you have air pressure available..
get a good sized hose which will reach from the bottom of the tank up and out through the filler nozzle... and then down to the catch can... suggest five gallon plastic cans...
Put the hose in.... wrap around it with a cloth and stick the air nozzle in and block the air escape.... as soon as it starts you can stop the air and it will continue to flow...
and may bring up some UGLY stuff ... then when you pull the bottom to clean the lower tank filter you will not have too much fuel running down your arm.
Now, not to waste it... if it still is good.... strain it and put it back into your car and burn it a few gallons at a time mixed with good new fuel.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-02-2009, 06:08 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 18,350
I'd burn it not drain it. People on here have used fuel much older than that. What is three additional years going to do to a fuel which is already millions of years old.
__________________
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
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-02-2009, 07:15 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Middle TN
Posts: 4,154
Startron Diesel Additive- http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/141656/377%20710/0/diesel/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=diesel&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=diesel&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=6&subdeptNum=169&classNum=764

I had a bad case of what I thought was algae in my 85SD. The engine would crank but not start & tank was nearly full. First I changed filters. Glow plug system tested good. Still no start. I dumped Startron in & let it sit until the weekend when I had more time to work on it. Cranked it & rattle, rattle rattle just like normal. At least try to start it before you go to the trouble of draining. Diagnose if you have a problem. These cars have a reputation as bullet proof for a reason.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page