I have that socket, bought it for my '85. I won't be able to pull the screen until the tank gets a lot lower, which will take a couple of weeks, as the wife doesn't drive a lot. I'll have to figure out how to get at the hose clamp on the line above the diff. Once that is off, I'll be able to drain the tank, unscrew the hose fitting, and then remove the screen.

Switching the lines is an interesting trick that is new to me, thanks. The tank is mostly full -- at least 3/4, as I recall.

I'll do one more test before the car goes to the mechanic tomorrow (Friday 26th). I'll pull the line from the secondary filter to the IP and crank the engine, see how much comes out of the hose when the fuel pump is helping, compare it to the "gravity dribble" test. It's possible that more fuel can be sucked through the plumbing than will drain by gravity alone.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .343,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 148,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 177,300 (2026 projected)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 668,300
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970