Bad Fuel Fast fix on 93 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jesseo · #1 04-01-2012, 09:56 AM

I recently got a tank of diesel with H2O in it. The fueling station was unwilling to admit it's problem and left me to my own fix. A tow was going to be $275. Too cheap to pay this and on vacation 300 miles away from home. I emptied my window washer tank. Removed the coolant line assy and laid it along side the washer tank (wrapped it in a damp towel to be sure it didn't heat anything it was toughing too much) and inserted the fuel lines, that fit perfectly into the two holes on top of the washer unit. I stopped off the fuel tank lines with screws and since my car would idle but not go on the bad fuel, I idled for about 2 minutes to get the good fuel into the system and went on my marry way. I got a hand pump and four diesel jugs the next day and hand pumped the fuel tank empty through the fuel lines at the front of the car, refilled my washer tank and fuel tank. These cars are amazing. I have had many cars, but none that are so fun and enjoyable to own as this. I have 227K on this car now and plan to have it for another 227K

pwogaman · #2 04-01-2012, 10:02 AM

McGyver would be proud!

Diesel911 · #3 04-01-2012, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesseo

I recently got a tank of diesel with H2O in it. The fueling station was unwilling to admit it's problem and left me to my own fix. A tow was going to be $275. Too cheap to pay this and on vacation 300 miles away from home. I emptied my window washer tank. Removed the coolant line assy and laid it along side the washer tank (wrapped it in a damp towel to be sure it didn't heat anything it was toughing too much) and inserted the fuel lines, that fit perfectly into the two holes on top of the washer unit. I stopped off the fuel tank lines with screws and since my car would idle but not go on the bad fuel, I idled for about 2 minutes to get the good fuel into the system and went on my marry way. I got a hand pump and four diesel jugs the next day and hand pumped the fuel tank empty through the fuel lines at the front of the car, refilled my washer tank and fuel tank. These cars are amazing. I have had many cars, but none that are so fun and enjoyable to own as this. I have 227K on this car now and plan to have it for another 227K

Similar contaminated Fuel situations have happened to our Members when they go out in the Boonies; away from home.

It seems extreme but someone not wanting to disrupted their trip might think on installing a Water Separator before going.
The Standyne one mentioned in the DIY section is not too expensive and works.

jesseo · #4 04-02-2012, 08:55 AM

Thanks I might look into one now. Although coming up with a quick fix on the road was kinda of fun.

Diesel911 · #5 04-02-2012, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesseo

Thanks I might look into one now. Although coming up with a quick fix on the road was kinda of fun.

I don't consider those sort of thing fun anymore.

I have been driving a Diesel Car shic 1992 and the Volvo only has one Filter but it does have a drain at the bottom.

I have never had the Filter or Fuel Tank Screen Plugged up due to bad Fuel or organisms because I mostly buy Fuel from the 2 same Stations as I seldom drive out of my local area.
I cut one of my Fuel Filter open after 1.5 of use and found about 1 Teaspoon full of rusty Water in it.

I did buy a Water Seperator maybe 2 years ago but never put it on. If I was going on a long trip where I would be buying Fuel from unknown stations I would be sure to install it.

I do keep an extra Spin-on Filter in the Trunk of the Mercedes. I never have carried and extra on the Diesel Volvo; the Car I have owned since 1992.