"if that strainer is clogged, you can fill her up with all 24 gallons and she wont sputter"

Correctamundo!

You should know the condition of your tank strainer and anti-slosh bowl anyway. Pump out the fuel in there with a $5 pump from Harbor Freight, remove the fittings below, unbolt it from the trunk and take it out and inspect it for yourself. It will be clogged with slime and rust. Guaranteed. Clean it, replace the big o-ring, clean out the anti-slosh bowl, clean out the tank with a little bit of fresh fuel or carb cleaner and reinstall.

I've had a brand new tank and tank strainer clog within three years even though I religiously used Startron anti-fungal juice AND Stanadyne with EVERY tank.

Also, when installing a new secondary filter, fill it all the way full with diesel purge or clean fuel. This will reduce the amount of air you have to purge from the system saving your starter and battery.

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2009 E320 Bluetec 117,000
1995 E300D 306,000 Sold
1996 Ford Taurus LX 130,000 Sold
1985 300TD Still 225,000 Sold
2016 Ford Fusion 24,900