today, my plans are to drain and pull the tank, then wash out the inside and treat it with algicide, which i would empty out of the tank before filling with fuel again. this work will be accompanied by a fuel line, return line and filter replacement. however, the only algicide i was able to find is made for swimming pool treatment (bioguard inhibit). is this alright to use in the tank or should i order one of the brands specially made for diesel?

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1980 240D, 197580 miles - "The Stuttgart Stomper"

Your pool algicide will likely not kill the bacteria or fungus in your tank. Algea need light to grow. The stuff in your tank is either bacteria or fungus. You'll want to use a diesel biocide or, if you can assure that you rinse it out completely some other biocide. Diesel biocide will burn harmlessly in your fuel, other biocides may not.

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Use AlgaeX fuel treatment--it works wonders on dirty fuel systems

Squeeze the algae and make biodiesel outa it

Actually you have the Seed of good idea there.

Grow the stuff you are going to use as Fuel right in the Fuel Tank.

But, I think it will take a while for technology to catch up with that one.

Maybe some time in the future they will be able to genetically alter something that would grow and turn into Fuel right in the Tank (don't tell Big Oil).

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I already have a rudeimentary plann you get a flat style tank -like those spare tire replacement tanks, you cut the top off and you install a hinged lid/press kinda like an old forge billows that squeezes the alge filled tank, then you employ a midget to sit in the trunk pushing down the billows lid squeezing as you drive along--of course you are runnin the ooze thru a raycor filter to strain /clean the slime out tween the tank and motor!

Startron sold by Westmarine. You may not need to drain the tank. I was surprised.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

regardless of how you clean your tank, change your fuel supplier !! otherwise the infection will continue.

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

usually just using the boicide and new filters will do the trick. I would not pull or drain the tank until I tried that. Personally I have never drained a tank for bacteria, the biocide will kill it and render it able to run out through the filter and burn off.

Good luck!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The pool algecide is intended for use in water systems and is probably a water based product. You might very well make the problem worse.

Shop at a marine, boat, etc. supply store. They should have several products intended for diesel fuel. I prefer and use Soltron. I've never drained my tank or cleaned the in tank fuel screen.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html