SDL fuel issues..........the trip from hell........ - Page 9 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tbomachines · #**121** 07-31-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD Blue

A method I've used, on another vehicle, is a first dosage with low fuel to get the worst offenders, replace the filters and then later dosages on a full tank.

That is essentially what I have done. My tank had about 4-5 gallons in it, added startron plus a dash of fuel to wash it down. Drove it a few miles around turns to slosh it all around and then parked it. I figure it caught most of the bad stuff, then the treatments following should just be caught in the fuel filter or strainer.

babymog · #**122** 07-31-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

I once pondered the merits of installing a Y valve and 2 primary filters in parallel. If one plugs up, a simple turn of a valve puts the other one in operation.

Very common on diesel boats, Racor makes dual-filter assemblies with valves.

babymog · #**123** 07-31-2009, 07:16 PM

Put the biocide in now, don't let it continue to grow.

It will clog the same number of filters whether you start with low fuel or full, it's a matter of how much mass there is and how much filter area you have.

probear · #**124** 08-04-2009, 12:14 AM

Reviving the dead.......I laughed when I first read this thread as I had a problem about 6 months ago with my 86 SDL. Lost power, would run OK at slow speeds, but the faster you tried to go, the slower it tried to go. Then, the more power you needed, the less you got....Tried several different things, fuel filters, etc, but nothing, then I noticed fuel just below the injector pump. After a replacing several hoses, and checking clamps, it ended up being the heat exchange control valve. It was either leaking or sucking air. Since it's hot here during the summer, I bypassed the valve and taadah, no more problem.....

So, this brings me up to Friday. I've read this thread, and then on Fri, my 87 starts acting up, similar to the fuel problem I had about a year ago (FYI, had to replace the tank screen, and fuel filters), soooooo, this time, I just bypassed the fuel heater exchange valve and once again, we are back to normal.

The only thing left is to get a couple of rebuild kits for the exchange valve. When they go bad, they suck air, and moreso at higher demand times.

Brian Carlton · #**125** 08-04-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by probear

Reviving the dead.......I laughed when I first read this thread as I had a problem about 6 months ago with my 86 SDL. Lost power, would run OK at slow speeds, but the faster you tried to go, the slower it tried to go. Then, the more power you needed, the less you got....Tried several different things, fuel filters, etc, but nothing, then I noticed fuel just below the injector pump. After a replacing several hoses, and checking clamps, it ended up being the heat exchange control valve. It was either leaking or sucking air. Since it's hot here during the summer, I bypassed the valve and taadah, no more problem.....

So, this brings me up to Friday. I've read this thread, and then on Fri, my 87 starts acting up, similar to the fuel problem I had about a year ago (FYI, had to replace the tank screen, and fuel filters), soooooo, this time, I just bypassed the fuel heater exchange valve and once again, we are back to normal.

The only thing left is to get a couple of rebuild kits for the exchange valve. When they go bad, they suck air, and moreso at higher demand times.

I thought the same thing and bypassed that thermostatic valve while I was stuck on the side of the Merritt parkway. Unfortunately, it proved to be perfectly OK and I restored it to proper function after I replaced the primary.

BTW, 125 miles with no issues over the weekend.

probear · #**126** 08-04-2009, 01:11 AM

As a side comment, I run B100 quite often in the summer and on the 87, I had to drain/clean the tank, and change the tank screen because it had so much crap in it. The 86 seems to be OK

As another side note, both times, there was fuel in the suspension parts directly below the IP and primary fuel filters. IMO, classic sign.

barry123400 · #**127** 08-04-2009, 11:44 AM

As another side note, both times, there was fuel in the suspension parts directly below the IP and primary fuel filters. IMO, classic sign.[/QUOTE]

When minor fuel loss shows up on the front motor mount I shield the mount with tin foil. This I hope gives some protection to the rubber portion of the mount. This either lets the situation remain somewhat static or protects the mount until I can get to the source of the problem one of these days.