sludge in the pre-filter

[simon_wall69]

Hi,

Recently had trouble with fuel starvation in a w123 300d.

Changed the fuel prefilter and filter and started her up. I immediately noticed dark sludge and air being pulled into the pre-filter.

I took the old apart pre-filter and this was full of sludge.

Is there any sort of flush I can do to remove sludge or do I need to keep replacing pre-filters until it runs with no sludge.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Simon

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

This could be diesel bug or sludge being brought up from the tank, which could mean the whole system is sludgy.

You may have to blow through the lines clean out the tank, but as you say you could try a fuel system cleaner in the tank first.

 

[simon_wall69]

Does any know of any suitable product to clean the fuel lines/tank or have experience using one?

 

[and11]

My 300d w124 pre filter was the same but i put that down to it probably never been changed in years, rapeseed oil i believe is a good fuel system cleaner

 

[simon_wall69]

Only just got the car, will run it on rapeseed when sorted, as I do the e300 diesel. Want to have confidence to drive it a reasonable distance first.

By the way, visited Waitrose today, rapeseed oil was £1.65 for 2 litres - that's the cheapest I've seen for ages!

 

[and11]

Certainly is cheap at mo that, i noticed asda went back to £2.98for 3litres for about a week or so but now back around £3.50. Lidl was cheapest around here until about a month ago when it shot up over night to same as big stores. They dont half seem mess around with the prices.

 

[FIBAMAN]

I have 2 x 20 ltr sealed drums in my garage £30 to anyone who can collect. Cannot use it in my new motor, my old E300td ran great on 50 / 50.

 

[simon_wall69]

I've been thinking of trying catering suppliers or some such as they must sell about the right quantities of rapeseed oil to chip shops, takeaways for a tank full of fuel. I can't imagine that they are charging £1.30 a litre like Tesco currently are.

 

[and11]

I have 2 x 20 ltr sealed drums in my garage £30 to anyone who can collect. Cannot use it in my new motor, my old E300td ran great on 50 / 50.

where exactly are you, pm me please, Andy