W123 Fuel tank filter (screen)
 

My '80 300D (W123) has been suffering from fuel starvation for a couple of weeks. I replaced the fuel filters in turn, and have deduced that the problem is the filter in the tank becoming clogged. I removed the pipe from the filter and only got a dribble from it.
I used compressed air to blow out the crud and re-primed the fuel system, but the problem came back after a couple of kilometers.
I removed the fuel tank and swilled fuel around and poured it into a drum. I repeated this a few times and reinstalled the tank.
This fuel starvation has not come back.
There is a lot of crud in the bottom of the drum I used for the dirty fuel.
Is there a special tool for removing the filter from the tank to allow cleaning?

I did notice that the fuel return line seems to go to the bottom of the fuel tank (this is how I drained the tank).

Is there any good reason for me not to swap the fuel delivery and return lines on my 300D if the problem comes back? ( I carry spare clear fuel filters to replace these on the roadside).

Did you actually remove the tank screen? Hard to tell by your description. Suposedly the screen is easy to remove and clean or replace from the tank. I say supposedly cause I did not do it yet .

Do a search here for I recently asked a simular quesion. Use my name in the author blank to help it pop up faster.

Here is my tank screen thread

Also do a search in here for algaie.

Have a Greasy time Tony

New thread
 

This new thread just popped up that relates to this one. Where to get the tools to remove screen cover

Thanks
 

Thanks for the link to your previous thread, I tried searching on strainer and filter and fuel + tank and starvation, but got too many hits to be able to wade thru. :(
I was not able to remove the strainer, so I have swapped the fuel supply and return lines today. :cool:
I went for a drive and the fuel starvation problems have disappeared. ;) I have a good supply of in-line fuel filters and can change them in 5 minutes or less.
I will post again when the tank has gone to the Reserve level.

Re: Thanks
 

Well thats an interesting way to go about it. I guess your assuming the "in tank" fuel return pipe is close or near to the bottom of the tank like the fuel outlet is. My assumption would be much the opposit. Guess time will tell. If it works sounds like a good way to suck some jumk out of the tank with out having to remove the screens etc.

Due to the blocked strainer, the fuel flow from the pipe in the strainer (the fuel delivery pipe) was a slow dribble. When I removed the return line, the fuel flow was good. In fact it almost completely drained the tank, with less than 1 litre of fuel remaining in the tank when I removed it. I am confident that I will not lose ANY tank capacity by reversing the fuel lines.