My recently purchased '87 300TD may have some algae showing in the clear, in-line filter. I suspect the car had sat for awhile prior to my purchase. Located what I think I am going to need to address this as well as being good items to keep on hand. I believe I need to order a few spin-on filters, a box of CLEAR in-line filters, a couple of o-rings for the tank stainer and possibly a new stainer. Of course I can't forget a case of Diesel Doctor tubes. I am uncertain if after receiving my order I should start with the tank strainer, clean and reinstall it, move to the in-line filter, then replace the spin-on filter. I have thought about using the Diesel Doctor, as read on previous posts, until the in-line really looks contaminated, saving the filters for after getting most of the algae moved. What are the steps from those having gone through this? Am I missing a step or two?
Steve

My independent MB mechanic just cuts off the in-tank strainer and uses two clear in-line filters in series before the injection pump. He claims never to have had a problem.

Start with the Diesel Doctor. Follow the directions on the tube for a shock dose. Fill the tank and drive around so you are sure that the "Doctored" fuel sloshes all over inside the tank. As you drive the car watch your clear filter for algae building up inside. Replace it if it gets seriously black or if you start to feel a loss of power. Keep doing this until the inline filter stays clear. It may take one filter or several depending upon how bad the algae is. When the system is clear replace your spin on filter. Unless you have a really bad algae problem the tank strainer should be OK although you might want to clean it last just to be on the safe side. If the algae is really bad you may need to replace the spin on earlier as well but usually the in line filter gets most of the gunk and clogs first. The strainer can get clogged if the algae is really bad but this won't often happen and usually tends to be a factor when the fuel level is very low. When the system is clear use a preventative dose of the biocide for a while just to be sure you've gotten it all. The best defense from algae is to fill up at high volume stations and keep driving the car.

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LRG
1987 300D Turbo 175K
2006 Toyota Prius, efficent but no soul
1985 300 TDT(130K miles of trouble free motoring)now sold