So, maybe try and look into the tank and see what's in there before pulling it?

WOW
 

Seriously, take the time and remove the tank and pressure wash it. You'll never get all that ??? out any other way, that I am aware of. You will feel a whole lot better about it, if you do a thorough job now. It's not an awful job; but the peace of mind, after you are done, is worth it. As far as the old fuel - just strain it (through an old t shirt for instance), and put it back in the tank. Leave the last bit of the fuel in the can/bucket, if you even THINK there is water in it.

FYI
 

This is the most effective procedure short of fuel tank removal.

First Biobor KILLS the infestation....

Biobor, what is it, why do I need it???
Biobor, what is it, why do I need it??? - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Then StarTron breaks down the dead infestation sludge

Algae Clogged Filter Pic StarTron WORKS !
Algae Clogged Filter Pic StarTron WORKS ! - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum


*************************************************


Algae/Fungus fixation...
Algae/Fungus fixation... - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Biobor, what is it, why do I need it???
Biobor, what is it, why do I need it??? - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Filters, Fungus, Biocide, etc.
Filters, Fungus, Biocide, etc. - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum


240D fuel tank removal and cleaning
Good for any W123 sedan.
240D fuel tank removal and cleaning - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Changing the Fuel Tank Strainer on a Mercedes Diesel
Episode 1: Changing the Fuel Tank Strainer on a Mercedes Diesel - YouTube

Check out this fuel pickup screen
Check out this fuel pickup screen - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

W123 Fuel Tank Screen Replacement
W123 Fuel Tank Screen Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

.

I don't think you will need to pressure wash it. Unless something has really gone wrong in that tank there's no rust in it and the pink slime should come out easily with some soap/degreaser and normal hose pressure. I have never seen anything look like that...I hope my other cars aren't "infected". We sure have some weird stuff growing around here but ,if anything, what I see in diesel tanks is the usual black/green crud. Never used anything but diesel in that car

Whunter,

So biobar and then startron?

Rick

I noticed some flecks of crud in the predicted before I changed it and they looked like rusty flakes but it could have just been this crud.

if the line mentioned is clogged it will not allow the fuel system to provide more fuel as rpm and or boost rises. I don't know if it will actually cause the car to slow but it will definitely cause low power.

Odd acceleration issue
 

Tom, did you see the picture of the tank strainer. I've never seen one so plugged up!


I just felt around the strainer hole and I could feel some sediment in the tank. Feels like rust sedimet. Awesome!?

Guess I'll have to pull the tank and rinse it out? I didn't feel any sludge

The usual algae kind of looks like dark flakes. I have used both Biobor and Startron in it very occasionally, but it never really had any issues with it when I was running it regularly.

Other than getting all the fuel out of it, yanking the tank is not a big deal. The hardest part is getting the strainer off, which you did. It's just 4 bolts and maneuvering it out of the trunk. Be sure to disassemble the float and clean it out.

I have come to appreciate the MB in-trunk design. I have a a BMW gas tank issue now and straps are all rusty, the mounting points, probably the top of the tank, the seams. Miserable...

I cleaned the sender once but the gauge still jumps.

Read above I mentioned I could feel sediment in the tank. I suppose that's normal for a 30 year old diesel tank. I can pull the tank and rinse it with some purple power and dry it out and put it back in and just run some startron and biobar.

Odd acceleration issue
 

Pressure washed the tank as best as I could. Used a vacuum to dry it out for an hour, regulars the seals back on, and stuck the tank back in the car. I put 2 gallons of fuel in her, swapped filters and primed the system and she's back to life. Now to go fill the tank up and take her out for some sea trials.

Sunday I'll pick up some startron to dump in with the fuel just for added safety.

I'm leaking fuel from but it's not from the supply. Fuel is collecting in the trunk after a short drive.

Only thing not connected is the vent rubber line because I couldn't get it back on. I hope I didn't screw the tank up.

I did see that diesel giant mentions 30 ftlbs for the strainer. I just pulled the tank and the return,vent side was dry. The supply side was wet but that could have been from yanking the tank out. However I did notice some weeping from one side of the rubber gasket.

I have a 1/2" drive torque wrench but I don't think it's fine enough to truly click off at 30. So I just used my ole trusty beam type and torqued to 30. I hope it doesn't leak now!!!!

Did you put a new o ring on the strainer? And confirm the one on the sender was still seated in?

Yes and yes. I only put 3 gallons in so it wouldn't have come out the top anyways.

So I torqued it to 30 ftlbs and it's still leaking like a sieve. I'm tired of this. -insert multiple explatives here-

Odd acceleration issue
 

So I torqued it to 30 ftlbs and it's still leaking like a sieve. I'm tired of this. -insert multiple explatives here-

Will someone give me a fraking answer!! I'm getting really tired of getting drenched in diesel fuel.