" his method is to put in a new screen and tank outlet hose, so he can just take out the old one and pop the new one in, skipping draining the tank, which would be time on the lift that they would have to charge for."

How much fuel was in the tank? If less than 2 or 3 , I can see jacking one side of the car up high so the tank screen can be removed without spilling fuel. If more than 2 or 3 gallons, I don't think it's possible to change the tank screen without draining the tank first.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 167,870 July 2025
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked