After about a two hour battle I finally got the fuel tank out of my CD. It is nice how new and nice looking it is, after 21 years. I read several threads about removing and cleaning my tank strainer, and decided to rip the whole thing out and see if I can avoid buying a 46mm socket, and clean it while I'm at it.

The first interesting thing was how much fuel came out. I had run the car down, very well down. As I came up the last few big hills toward home, the car sputtered and almost died and I didn't think I'd make it. So I figured I was pretty well empty. Wrong. 5 gallons came out , which I was not very well prepared for, at least a gallon on the floor. The fuel gauge read nothing as well. I do have my supply and return lines swapped, could this be why? Or is a fuel tank like a transmission, a lot of it stays there

I still can't get the strainer off. Channel locks are no good, and I can't get a grasp on it with my giant, 2' long adjustable wrench. I guess I'll put some nut loosener stuff on it, and beat on it some more

While its out, I would like to clean it. Whats the best way to do this? I figured I could run a whole lot of hot water through it, and then set it in the sun or somehow apply some gentle heat to evaporate it out at the end. Actually, I could just force a lot of hot water through that strainer backwards and just leave it where it sits. I'm far too cheap (translate: broke) to have it done somewhere, so home methods only please.

Last thing I promise. There was this egg crate looking thing above the fuel tank. It has a large yellow wire running to it. I kinda busted the plastic holder, and pulled it to the side which allowed the tank to come out. It'll go back all right, but what in the world is this for? So far my best guess is the germans put it there to fill some dead space, and make the fuel tank more difficult to get out

Thanks in advance.

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1985 300D, 237k.
1994 F-350, 6.9 diesel, 5 spd manual, Banks Turbo. 261k.
Sold: 1985 300CD- 267K