Pictures from old clog VS new tank strainer W210 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Olivier · #1 09-14-2009, 02:50 PM

this is happening, and on diesel only. Mine was like that too, 90,000 miles.
Just to say that a lot of fuel starvation/ bubbles start there too. I just chopped mine off as its too difficult to access and after the second time, I figure out that if it take 100,000 to get there, its not too bad and the pre filter near the fuel filter would block it anyway.
Olivier
I might send more pictures later.

Oldwolf · #2 09-15-2009, 09:17 AM

Yuk. Why can't you clean the old one and put it back in?

Necrosavant · #3 09-15-2009, 09:38 AM

did a squirell get stuck in your fuel tank?

1lowdiesel · #4 09-15-2009, 11:17 AM

i agree just take it out. you can run a 2nd inline filter just out of the tank if the filtering screen not being there bugs you that much. it is a ***** to get to though

lupin..the..3rd · #5 09-15-2009, 11:36 AM

Where is the tank filter on a w210? I've looked at the underside of the fuel tank on my '97 E300... nothing obvious.

I've replaced my fuel filter and the little prefilter but never the tank filter. I've got ~160k miles.

nhdoc · #6 09-15-2009, 01:52 PM

I just replaced the screen in my old wagon and it looked like that too. That car was exhibiting the classic symptoms of fuel starvation when the tank level was below 1/2 full. I'm not 100% certain but think in order for that goo to form there must have been some contaminant in the tank such as a fungus or algae. I have seen cars with 200K miles with screens as clean as new but when you start having problems with air being drawn on a low tank and the hoses all are OK it is the most logical place to look.

While I realize it is not the most convenient item to replace I would also say they must have a reason for putting it in and I would probably rather have it in than remove it. I'm guessing that without the screen in place you could easily clog the inlet to the fuel feed line at the bottom of the tank which would stop you dead every time it clogged up. The screen has a much larger surface area than the inlet does so it takes a lot longer for it to clog than the line would. That's probably the theory behind it.

okyoureabeast · #7 09-15-2009, 01:54 PM

What does that stuff feel like? It's looks super rubbery.

nhdoc · #8 09-15-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okyoureabeast

What does that stuff feel like? It's looks super rubbery.

On mine it was kind of slimy. I didn't bother cleaning the screen, I just replaced it. In fact, I didn't completely drain the tank (the car would not run below 1/4 tank because it was drawing air). I found if you unscrew the screen and pull it out and put the other one in fast you can replace it and less than a couple of quarts of fuel will leak out the hole, just have the new one ready as soon as you pull the old one out.

You will want to wear a shirt that you can throw away though and expect your arm to smell like diesel for a day or two afterwards since a shower in fuel is unavoidable.

Muddin · #9 09-15-2009, 11:32 PM

Dude cover your mouth when you sneeze!

lupin..the..3rd · #10 09-21-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lupin..the..3rd

Where is the tank filter on a w210? I've looked at the underside of the fuel tank on my '97 E300... nothing obvious.

I've replaced my fuel filter and the little prefilter but never the tank filter. I've got ~160k miles.

Anyone? I've searched the forums, found lots of discussions about replacing it (like this thread) but none on *where* the thing is located on a w210.

TMAllison · #11 09-21-2009, 04:46 PM

Its in the bottom of the tank. Just find where the fuel lines exit the tank.

Olivier · #12 09-27-2009, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lupin..the..3rd

Anyone? I've searched the forums, found lots of discussions about replacing it (like this thread) but none on *where* the thing is located on a w210.

Hi Lupin,
Sorry for the late reply, its indeed at the bottom of ther tank, slightly off centre to the left.

lupin..the..3rd · #13 09-29-2009, 04:52 PM

Thanks Terry and Olivier, I'll have another look. Seems like it's fairly obvious, so maybe I just wasn't awake yet the first time I checked.

michakaveli · #14 09-29-2009, 08:51 PM

Those screen look like they've seen better days. I have a feeling pulling my tank and removing my screen would be smart, consider I constantly have bubbles in my lines.

While I have my tank out. What would be the process to have it cleaned and the rust in the filler neck addressed (i.e. removed, stopped, etc..)

TMAllison · #15 09-29-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michakaveli

Those screen look like they've seen better days. I have a feeling pulling my tank and removing my screen would be smart, consider I constantly have bubbles in my lines.

While I have my tank out. What would be the process to have it cleaned and the rust in the filler neck addressed (i.e. removed, stopped, etc..)

You dont need ot pull the tank to clean it, although you can. Radiator shops can boil them out if you do.

Since you've apparently got some bugs, use your Startron or Biocide first and if that doest fix it, fill it with B100 and then start driving it instead of parking it.....might want to keep an extra canister filter in the trunk and some way to rinse out the prefilter if you think it is really bad.