300 TD fuel strainer.

[100haggis]

Hi,
I've only owned my W123 for a few weeks so I'm constantly finding things out about it's character!! The previous owner told me that the car didn't like having less than half a tank of fuel in? I now know he wasn't lying. It's not drastic but just a noticeable loss of power. Add this to the already woeful power and it gets a bit much. All the fuel filters and injectors/pump etc are ruled out but can anyone tell me anything about the "tank strainer"? Could a faulty or bunged up one display these symptoms? How do you get to it and is it an easy fix? could it be a fuel line issue due to age? Help it's too hilly up here for low power!
Cheers
Matt

 

[Number_Cruncher]

I don't know the detail of how to get to the strainer on a W123, but, yes, it could be the cause. Also, look carefully at the low pressure fuel lines near the filter and the injector pump, as even tiny leaks here may draw air in.

If you don't find the problem quickly, as an aid to diagnosis, consider the temporary installation of a pressure gauge between the filter and injector pump. In this pipe, you should have between about 7 and 16 psi.

 

[simon_wall69]

To get to the fuel strainer:

Look under the car: the fuel tank is by the rear axle, there are three lines that go into the fuel tank. The fuel strainer is in the line that is on the driver's side of the car. It involves undoing the jubilee clip and the strainer and gasket is above this. Recently done this on mine.

If the fuel strainer is crudded up (it probably has never been changed) then you might want to clean the fuel tank as well.

Remember to drain the fuel tank before getting to the strainer! You may have a drain plug - it depends on the year of the car.

 

[100haggis]

Thanks guys I'll re check all the lines and order a strainer and seal. One of the US forums mentioned ageing under car fuel lines as a solution to my symptoms. Something about the inner walls breaking down? Could this be true?
Matt

 

[100haggis]

Soory,
Simon did your new fuel strainer improve things at all?
Matt

 

[simon_wall69]

Mine was blocked so didn't run at all previously. The half full thing on yours makes it sound like a fuel strainer issue.

 

[simon_wall69]

Sorry, just realised I didn't answer your question. Yes, replacing the strainer fixed the car.

 

[100haggis]

Thanks Simon I'll give it a go over the next few weeks. I'll let you know if it makes any difference?!
Matt