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).

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Tony from West Oz.
Fatmobile 3 84 300D 295kkm Silver grey/Blue int. 2 tank WVO - Recipient of TurboDesel engine.
Josephine '82 300D 390kkm White/Palamino int.
Elizabeth '81 280E, sporting a '79 300D engine.
Lucille '87 W124 300D non-turbo 6 cylinder OM603, Pearl Grey with light grey interior


Various parts cars including 280E, 230C & 300D in various states of disassembly.