My car is having problems on start up, and loss of power so I think it's the tank algae, etc.

About 2 years ago I had the tank strainer cleaned, but the mechanic told me he could feel a lot of algae build up in the tank itself. He said I could take the tank out, then take it to a radiator shop to have them clean the tank, and maybe even coat it with something to prevent any rust.

I don't know if there's rust in there, or if it's just algae.

It would seem like nowadays there would be a way they just suck all the buildup out, without having to go through the trouble of taking the tank out, and cleaning it.

Any suggestions? I don't know if pouring an algae eater in the tank would work at this point (I don't know how bad the build up is), but I could try that first if any one has good recommendations on that, but I'm afraid using that would clog the fuel tank filter even more.

1991 300d 204k

Mine had a bunch of those black flakes / specs of stuff. I drained the tank, changed the strainer, changed the filters, pulled the fuel sending element and cleaned out a bunch of junk inside the tube, then put in new fuel and a "shock treatment" of the bio stuff. Forgot it's name off the top of my head, but it's the one WHunter recommends on this forum.

I have had good luck using Star Tron Fuel Tank Cleaner, available at any good marine supply store.

Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment Gas and Diesel Additive

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78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022