A simple way to check the tank strainer is to reverse tha connections of the fuel supply and return lines. If the fuel starvation goes away, the strainer is clogged.
It will not harm the car to drive it like this, but you may need to change your prefilter more often.

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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.