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#1
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126 fuel tank question.
I do not want to change the tank on an 85 SE even though I'm replacing the gas engine with a diesel. I've consider the many years it has set with ethanol and know it's dried and consider that the diesel will eventually dissolve the residue.
I've speculated on pouring something in there to dissolve some or most of the amber type buildup left when ethanol dries but I'm concerned that some of the solvents may damage the diesel engine. Is there a practical way to remove some of the buildup while the tank is in the car without risking damage to the diesel?
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84 300SD 85 380SE 83 528e 95 318ic |
#2
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Most diesel fuel around here contains 10-15% biodiesel. Unless there is a large amount, I would think that would clean the residue left behind.
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#3
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Paint (not lacquer) thinner works decent and won't affect the lines.
If the existing electric pump is still operable, dump in a couple of gallons and create a loop using the existing fuel lines. Don't include the fuel distributor in the loop. Let the thinner set for an hour or so, jumper the relay and let the pump run for an hour or so. Undo the return line, connect a hose and feed it into a bucket, energize the pump. Use a fine mesh strainer (think automotive paint funnel) to catch debris. You can re-use the mix if it isn't too nasty until most of the crap is gone. Pour in fresh thinner/mineral spirits, lather, rinse, repeat.
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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.” ― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now |
#4
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Plan on replacing the filter 2 or three times in the first thousand miles or less.
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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.” ― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now |
#5
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My experience is with 2 cars. W201 and W126. I swapped the gas engines for diesel engines. I never did anything to the tanks. I just drained the gas. Filled with diesel and drove. I never needed to change a fuel filter. Common sense would tell you to have a spare filter in the car, but I never needed it. YMMV
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Greg 2012 S350 BlueTEC 4Matic 2007 ML 320 CDI 2007 Leisure Travel Serenity 2006 Sprinter 432k 2005 E320 CDI 1998 SLK230 (teal) 1998 SLK230 (silver) 1996 E300D 99k, 30k on WVO Previous: 1983 240D, on WVO 1982 300D, on WVO 1983 300CD, on WVO 1986 300SDL 237k, 25k on WVO (Deerslayer) 1991 350SDL 249k, 56k on WVO - Retired to a car spa in Phoenix 1983 380 SEC w/603 diesel, 8k on WVO 1996 E300D 351k, 177k on WVO |
#6
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I think I'll skip the elaborate methods and let diesel do the trick. I change fuel filters with oil at 3000-4000 miles so a few filter changes won't bother me at all. I probably have half a dozen of each waiting in storage.
Thank you, gentlemen. I'm ready to snatch the gas engine and continue this process and just trying to get a feel for some of the new obstacles I'll face.
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84 300SD 85 380SE 83 528e 95 318ic |
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