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  #1  
Old 07-21-2003, 05:44 PM
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Algae in Fuel?

I just got a '82 300 TD from arizona a month or so ago. I drove it all the way to colorado and it wasn't running very good. Now that I got it here it won't start. I did the valves which many were too tight. New Air Filter. When i was changing the fuel filters they were completely black. The fuel was black too. Is this algae in the fuel? Or something major I should know about? Would algae cause the car to not start? Thanks, John

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  #2  
Old 07-21-2003, 05:55 PM
Charlie Mitchel
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Yes sir:

If it is Black that is algie.
Yes it will cause it to not run.
Change filters {both of them}.
Siphon fuel and check is it black. If it is dump it.
Then you have a tank filter.
That takes care of filter, now you need an anti algie treatment. Bio Guard is what I use and get it at a boat supply or truck stop.
This is why I always carry extra fuel filters.
Check "search" there is ton of info on this
Charlie
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  #3  
Old 07-21-2003, 05:57 PM
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Thanks a lot! That is what I needed to know. John
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  #4  
Old 07-21-2003, 07:36 PM
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Since your injection pump if full of air, you will have to prime for quite a while, and also crank for a while, to get it to run.

Pump the primer pump until you hear fuel hissing out of the spin-on filter down the return line. This will take forever....

After than, crack all the injector lines at the injector and crank with the pedal to the floor until you don't get any more air bubbling out, then run the glow plugs and attmept to start it.

This should shorten the cranking time.

Peter
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  #5  
Old 07-21-2003, 07:47 PM
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Black as night

Just drained my fuel tank. There was about 4 gallons in there it is all black as night. Can't even see a little way down. There is a drain plug on the bottom of the tank that takes a huge hex wrench thing. I got the plug out and there is this screen attached to the plug. What is this screens purpose? It doesn't seem to do anything. Also where is this screen that is by the fuel tank that I need to clean? Thanks again, John
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Old 07-21-2003, 07:53 PM
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That's it! Clean it all off, and if you can clean the tank, too (not that easy, though).

Get the algicide and put in with clean fuel. This will cut down on the problem, but I'd keep some extra filters handy for a while, you are still likely to plug one or two before you get all the algae out.

Peter
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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!
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  #7  
Old 07-21-2003, 07:55 PM
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Screen?

I did clean it off, but what is it doing? It doesen't seem there is any fuel pickup that would be screened by this? It's just kinda sittin in the middle of the tank. Just curious thanks
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Old 07-21-2003, 09:43 PM
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I'll bet if you look up into the tank, the suction line is sitting right there, the screen goes around it!

Peter
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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!
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  #9  
Old 07-22-2003, 01:06 PM
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Phreetogo

While the tank is drained you might check to see if the short rubber hoses have been changed. There are 3 coming out the bottom of the tank and the old fabric hose usually leaks. On the supply line one just cut off the metal crimping the hose to the fitting and slip on new hose. All the hoses on my cars were either weeping or down right leaking.
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  #10  
Old 07-22-2003, 01:47 PM
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Flushing Tank

Only consider removing and flushing the tank as a last resort. I
am currently in the middle of that exact procedure. The tank is not all that hard to remove, but flushing it has proved to be a real pain the butt.

Believe it or not, it is impossible to fully drain the tank of ALL its contents through any of the original openings. All of the factory ports, holes, filler neck, etc, have a lip inside the tank which acts as a stand-pipe. The last bits (pint or so) of fluid just slosh around the lip without comming out. Tonite I'm going to cut two access ports into the tank and fabricate cover plates and gaskets. I'll never have this problem again with this specific tank!

Good luck with the bugs,

WAGONPILOT
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  #11  
Old 07-22-2003, 01:51 PM
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Re: Screen?

Quote:
Originally posted by Phreetogo
I did clean it off, but what is it doing? It doesen't seem there is any fuel pickup that would be screened by this? It's just kinda sittin in the middle of the tank. Just curious thanks
The pickup for the TD tank is a ring at the bottom of that strainer. There is a small pipe inside the tank that connects to the outlet on the forward side of the tank.

It didn't make sense to me either until I got a flashlight and took a peek through the fuel level sender hole.

Keep that screen clean for best performace.

WAGONPILOT
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  #12  
Old 07-22-2003, 02:12 PM
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Thanks

Thanks to everyone for your posts. I am in the process of trying to get my tank out turning out to be a major pain. there is one bolt that is hidden behing everything possible I can only turn it an 1/8 or les of a turn each time I get to it and have to change to a different angle every time. Meanwhile I'm dying of diesel fumes.
I wonder if we are speaking of the same tank. I only have two hoses going to the tank and the sending unit on top. Thanks for all the help John
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  #13  
Old 07-22-2003, 02:38 PM
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Tank removal

I suppose you are talking about the bolt behind (above?) the self-leveling valve mechanism ? I disconnected the little sensing arm, and used a swivel socket on an extension. Yes, it is a pain. I did the 1/234th of a turn at a time thing for about 10 minutes before I got off my a$$ and got the wratchet.

I decided if I ever do the job again, I'm going to remove the leveling valve from its mounts and just let it (carefully) hang from the hydraulic lines.

Also, don't miss the hose clamp for the breater line that connects to the filler neck !! You access that from the inside compartment on the right side of the car. My car is a '85, so may be different from yours. I assume you've already disconnected the wires to the level sender??

Get a short piece of 5/16 fuel line and plumb the two outlets on the forward face of the tank together and do the same to the two chassis lines. That should stop the leakage on your face !!

Good luck.

WAGONPILOT
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  #14  
Old 07-22-2003, 04:51 PM
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It's out!

OK so i got the tank out after many hours of torture. It took way too long. There are two hoses on the top of the tank connected to a mini tank behind where the spare tire goes. What is this little guy doing. also there is a third line coming out og the mini tank and going somewhere. What is this line doing? I suppose it is the AUX but I don't see how it can be filled? sorry I'm so lame with this car it is all new to me. Thanks again, John
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  #15  
Old 07-22-2003, 06:47 PM
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The plastic "mini" tank behind the spare tire is the expansion tank. If my memory serves me correctly the third line connects to the right side (towards the front) of the fuel tank. You should probably replace those hoses while they are easy to get at. Be a little careful with the plastic expansion tank because it's not hard to break off the nipples where the hoses attach.

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