So......
I've posted about my sludge/algae problem...lots of great suggestions on what to buy, do, etc...so needless to say I'm confused...SO i called the mechanic that everone raves about in Encino, ca...I told him how I heard about him and he was very nice...(who know, maybe he thinks I'm a little nuts)....he seemed to think it was important to keep changing the filters, that putting an additive might clog things up more.....But I can't help thinking...If it is algae...doesn't it grow like some sort of creature?. doesn't it have to be stopped at a certain point?
lindajane

Did you get an email or PM from me ?

email or pm?

lindajane, hit the little button at the top of the page labeled "user cp". There you'll find Private Messages (pm).

Yes, you need to use some Biobor or similar product to kill the algae. And yes, it will clog the filters when you do.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

so,....Is it important then to kill the algae and make sure you are replacing the filters when you do this?...and what filters, and how do you know when to replace....
thanks

Yes it is important. Otherwise the algae will gunk up the fuel tank.

Somebody else already answered your other question. Replace the clear filter. When it fills up with black junk.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Hello,
so Enrique said "Putting additive would be like putting bandaid"....I should pull the fuel tank to do properly....my mechanic up here said that would be around $1000, Enrique said it would be $40-$60.
I Think I have Found A New Boyfriend In Los Angeles....I think I'm in love.
thanks
lindajane

When you come to this site... if you go to the " user cp" button and click on it you will know if someone sent you some information directly , as compared to posting in the thead...
I sent you a description of my experience with my 240 and algae... but don't remember if I sent as email or pm( private message).
There is nothing wrong with pulling the tank( if you find a reasonably priced mechanic... and Enrique's quote was very fair... which of course tells you lots about the $1000 quote)... I did mine last week..... and although technically it did not need it.... I feel much better... I have only owned it about a two years and it had algae soon after I got it... I treat mine about once every 6 to 9 months.... waiting until I see evidence in the clear filter... I do not think it is enough problem to put additives in with every tank... as some suggest...
Actually, knowing what I know now... I would pressure wash it IN THE CAR....
That ought to stir up some controversy.... LOLOLOL

He's short and bald, and his wife might disapprove, but he'll always treat you right!

lINDAJANE,


Originally posted by lindajane

I Think I have Found A New Boyfriend In Los Angeles....I think I'm in love.
thanks
lindajane


You'll have to get in line behind my mother-in-law.

__________________
Nate Stanley
(Currently Benzless)
1985 F-250 6.9l 170K
2009 SCION XB 36.5K
2003 LS430 78K
2012 Kubota B 2320

I have to think that's what Enrique would do for $40. Way too much work to take it out and clean it for that price.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

I will admit that I drained the tank and removed the fuel "sock"
from underneath my 300SD and then cleaned the tank " in car" as soon as I took posession of my '84 300SD.

AND I will REMOVE the tank and clean it on the '90 300D before
I crank it.

Algae needs a water/diesel interface in the tank to thrive.
Water should only occur do to condensation in the tank,
which can only take place in a less than full tank.
(Hence the fixation of some sailors for FULL tanks)
[full tanks leave no room for AIR ,which is where condensation
occurs]
Think of condensation as a mini rainstorm(in the AIR portion of) the fuel tank.

Once you have "treated" this infeststation , a regular "dose"
of Biobar or Diesel Doctor will prevent reoccurence.

Thanks...
I will have to read this one again...you're dealing with a mercedes novice here...but I would Like to take a class once I get to LA to learn how to do the Basic things on my car myself...
When I bought It the seller generously showed me how he changed the oil, etc...but I wouldn't do it now...forgot.
ly

My 240D had black fuel in the prefilter when I bought it, and I figured it was algae. I knew it had to be killed but I didn't want to pull the tank out or pay someone to do it so I just overdosed my fuel tank with DieselKleen and Diesel Fuel Catalyst a few times (refueling only when near empty), then changed the fuel filters and did Diesel Purge. The prefilter has been clean ever since.

__________________
2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

I didn't want to write a long post...but I called a place called Power Service Products in Texas...and they gave me very good advice...I'm feeling much better and confident that I don't have to have anything pulled out...I'm trying to locate "diesel clean"....here in SF...he told me to try that a couple times...and if that doesn't work there is a kit "diesel Fuel Polishing Kit"...that should do the trick...I'm excited...(gee, tells you something about my life now doesn't it)
Thanks,
Lindajane