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The results of a fuel system cleaner I tested recently, are simply shocking. The image above shows a stock, all original 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D in light ivory with Sienna MB-Tex interior. As you can clearly see, the power that is being unleashed from this 240D with the aid of Adobe Photoshop, has allowed us to gain but a glimpse of what is simply, unreal.

While the image above is certainly a pipe dream, many older diesel Mercedes are being robbed of power and efficiency caused by a dirty fuel system. But Is this project worth the time? Absolutely, and it will only take as long as it takes you to fuel up and drive your car. So let’s dig in.

Since acquiring my 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D, I have been slowly going through a process of elimination on why the engine is running rougher than “normal” at idle. With new Bosch injector nozzles and rebuilt injectors, new fuel filters (tank, 1st and 2nd filter), new fuel lines, inspection of pump for proper output and timing and engine timing tested, along with new engine mounts, I was hoping to have a near vibrationless idle. While all of the aforementioned repairs had a significant impact on overall performance and reduction in idle vibration, this 240D was still not idling as smoothly as I knew it could and should.

I continued sorting through other engine items such as compression, rings, and valve adjustment and all were or were brought back to factory specs. The fuel lines were also blown out with compressed air to insure no reduction in fuel flow was to blame. I also ran several diesel fuel system cleaners through the system as a last resort, hoping to some how rid the system of any unwanted grime, but to no avail.

Being at a crossroad, I decided to check with someone who knew about the W123 diesels and diesels in general. Southwest Diesel and Electric in Phoenix, AZ is an excellent diesel engine resource and shop for anything diesel. In short, it was suggested that I run the Diesel System Cleaner by Blue Chem. We concluded that it was quite possible that the system had never had much if any good quality cleaners, including my purchase, run through the system over the years and it would now be high time to make that the next step.

With this recommendation, I contacted the U.S. devision of Blue Chem and discussed how their product would potentially perform any better than the other system cleaners I had already used.

The response: This German developed and manufactured product works at the molecular level to remove carbon and crud from not only the fuel tank, lines, injectors, etc, but it also is designed to decarbonize the “upper end” of the engine.

I also inquired as to whether or not it would reduce tail pipe emissions although I have very little to start with and the answer was, “yes” as well as improve the overall efficiency at the point of combustion. As fellow Mercedes 240D owners know all to well, there is no wiggle room on losing any more horsepower. A/C alone requires ascending any sizable hill with a fully depressed throttle.

With that, I was further intruded to several additional Blue Chem products such as the oil system cleaner, which is the “bottom end” engine cleaner. In a subsequent article I will share this process and results as well. This will cover both the W123 Diesel and the 450SL V8 over time.

 

The results of blue chem diesel system cleaner

Nothing shy of astonishing is the only way to describe the results of the Blue Chem Diesel System Cleaner. I began with a 1/2 tank of diesel and added one can of the cleaner, then filled the tank to full.

NOTE: Perhaps it was just my particular bottle and/or funnel cap, but I would recommend not using the funnel cap as mine dripped heavily between the bottle top and screw on funnel. I resorted quickly to removing the funnel and simply dumping direct from the bottle into the tank.

The goal is to run as much of the treated tank through without filling up so that you do not dilute the product. I would also recommend that several 30-60 min. highway miles be put on the car during this cleaning process. While I did not inquire about doing this and whether or not it would truly effect the products ability to clean, I noticed a significant difference in idle smoothness and performance after my second 60 min. journey. With five gal. of diesel fuel remaining in the tank and the “reserve” light on, I refueled.

It has been just over a month now since I used the Blue Chem additive and everything about the engine performance is excellent; increased power, mpg, very smooth idle, and near instant staring.

Blue Chem recommends this be used at every oil change and unless you are putting considerable miles on your w123 diesel, it should be one or no more than two cans per year. As mentioned earlier, the Blue Chem Oil System Cleaner is up next for the test in my 240D, so stay tuned.

Be sure to check with your owners manual, Mercedes-Benz service center or mechanic before using this product to be sure your particular model is compatible with this cleaner if you are using it on any other model than the W123 diesel engine.

Also, insure you have inspected all the necessary fuel delivery and filtration components before, during and after the treatment. I would also recommend changing your fuel filters following the treatment process. Be sure to also know your fuel tank filter is not clogged.

Don’t forget to always include at each fillip, a diesel supplement and cetane additive to your W123. This will ensure that all systems are getting the proper lubrication that has been removed with the newer ULSD fuels. These additives also help to stabilize the fuel. See my last article on Diesel “Algae.”

Tools needed:

  • 1 W123 diesel
  • 1 bottle Blue Chem Diesel System Cleaner (added to tank before filling)
  • 1 Open road

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Written by :
Alex Fiehl


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