Hope I can find someone who can give me some insight. I have a 1987 Mercedes 300D with the 603 6 cyl diesel. I had the engine rebuild and it sat for a while ( 2yrs ) I installed the engine, and just recently started it and drove it to verify everything was functioning, it was runnung excellent. I did work on it and it was in my garage for 3 weeks. Today, I drove it and it didnt seem to have much power. I changed the primary and secondary filters, now it wont start back up. It started this after I installed the secondary. I have checked all fuel delivery issues, cracked the injector lines to relieve any air pockets or whatever...nothing. It will start for 5-10 seconds then stop...any help would be immensley appreciated. Thanks. Dave 407-716-6212.

in the tank. try an algaecide to kill it off. if its not too bad it will not requiere any other action such as draining the tank, etc. black dots in the primary filter will be an indication of it.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

If you have changed both the primary and the secondary filters, it should start and run for awhile, even if you have a fungus in the tank. Depending how bad it is, the filters will clog in short order, or after a period of time.

But, if you can't start it after changing both filters, it's time to pull the tank strainer. You start by getting the fuel level as low as possible (but you can't because it does not run ) and then draining the remainder into cans via the hoses directly above the diff. With both hoses removed from the strainer, you can remove the strainer.

The SDL takes a special 46 mm socket with a very short reach. A typical 3/4 drive won't work because it's too long. I'm not sure what the W124 takes. Maybe someone else can confirm it. But, you should do this immediately.