300TD W123 fuel starvation (tank strainer blocked)

[Loathecliff]

Hi guys. As my W124 is off the road I thought I would resurrect my rusty almost totally trusty old W123 300D estate.

The tank outlet flow has slowed to a trickle & I have read elsewhere about the strainer in the tank needing cleaning every couple of decades, but how do I actually do it please?
I can see a large allen-keyed insert in the middle of the tank but I can't understand how that could possibly connect (filter) a fixed outlet tube (if that makes sense) -- plus I don't have key anywhere near large enough anyway.

I'm tempted to attach an airline & reverse blast the outlet.

The wisdom of those who have been there already is eagerly sought

TIA. Loathecliff

 

[television]

If you do a search on this there is a very good post on the whole job

 

[Loathecliff]

I thought there might be, butI tried searches with various titles with no result

 

[simon_wall69]

On my saloon, the tank strainer is above where the fuel line goes from the fuel tank. It is probably worth removing the tank and cleaning; when I did mine, I couldn't believe how much rubbish came out.

It's quite an easy job, it just took a long time to syphon the fuel out of the tank.

 

[television]

This may help a little

http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/W123FuelTank

 

[Number_Cruncher]

>>I can see a large allen-keyed insert in the middle of the tank

Yes, that's it.

 

[SilverSaloon]

see here. dont buy a huge allan key (cheapest i could find online was £20 odd).

there is a seller of motorbike stuff that sells a tool that will convert the allan key into something u can put a normal socket on for a couple of pounds.

see here for more info, but this is for my W124 estate.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=55663

 

[Loathecliff]

Thxs SS, you read my mind re the allen key! -- a great link too. Muito Obrigado!

I'll report back when I've done the job .............. Hmm, now then, being a once over lightly merchant, do i really want to take the tank out

 

[SilverSaloon]

Thxs SS, you read my mind re the allen key! -- a great link too. Muito Obrigado!

I'll report back when I've done the job .............. Hmm, now then, being a once over lightly merchant, do i really want to take the tank out

i never did, but was told to. my car is now fine though so i havnt touched it since.

 

[steptoe]

Posted these pictures before - but here's a pic of what my tank filter looked like after removal. And a new filter shown as a comparison.

 

[television]

thanks,I was looking for that picture

 

[Loathecliff]

I got the allen key converter from ebay (listed under 'Kawasaki' - thxs google!). Out came the filter (it was perfect, no sign of dirt/gunge) & the fuel fell out at high speed & half filled a washing up bowl before I got the filter back in again.
Oddly the outlet now runs faster, but maybe still not fast enough. I still can't pull the fuel up at the engine end.
I'm wondering if the small plastic pump is not up to it?
Trying to source one for mail order but without success so far. where do you guys get yours from please?

Initially when the fuel starvation started I used a small length of tube & a litre of veg oil under the bonnet & the engine was easy to prime & get started, but it can't even manage that now.

 

[SFveggie300td]

A cheap tool for this is prolly in your toolbox

Instead of buying an allen or another special tool, simply use your glow-plug socket in reverse and use a monkey wrench to grab the socket and unscrew the filter. Worked like a charm and yes, my filter was fully clogged.

Good luck.