Gunk in the fuel line?

[tc_s1]

87 110. Have theee times now experienced power loss at acceleration. The first time the engine stopped, apparently starved for diesel. After removing and cleaning the banjo plug and gunk at the bottom of the fuel primer pump normal operation continued. Second time it started to behave the same but quickly cleared without intervention on my part. Third time, stalled again. Waited a few minutes, got under the hood and loosened then retightened a fuel return nut that was slightly loose on test.

Thinking the diesel tank, 32+ years old now, may have corrosion or debris and it is gumming up the fuel line. Thinking perhaps I could scope it to verify whether it needs a cleaning or replacement and regardless, could also replace the fuel lines as well while at it.

Has anyone had a similar experience and if so, do you have advice as to viability of my initial diagnosis and approach?

Thank you in advance for your input.

[Bearman]

Sounds like there is some loose debris in the tank. Methinks a good cleanout might be in order.

[rar110]

Have you had a look at the water separator? It traps a lot of junk. Also I put an inline filter before the lift pump. You can see if there’s junk in there and it’s easier to swap out than cleaning the screen filter under the lift pump.

To fit the inline filter I didn’t cut the fuel hose, but added a short section after the filter. That way if it blocked and I didn’t have a spare, I’d have enough length so I could connect the fuel line directly to the lift pump again.

[tc_s1]

Sounds like there is some loose debris in the tank. Methinks a good cleanout might be in order.Do you havea suggested method for a 'home remedy' or should I go with a third party 'spray ball' type commercial service?

[Red90]

You have made no mention of the sedimenter. Clean that out and at the same time, check that the lines are clear.

[rar110]

To fix my tank I took it out, put in a length of medium chain, gave it a good shake, rinsed it with water then metho, let it dry then lined it with RedKote. That was about 6 years ago.

Also had some splits and seems leaking so welded it and pushed in some metal plasticine stuff.