1987 M35A2C fuel tank screen

[FloridaAKM]

This is an odd one here, the truck is a 1987 Air Force truck that when I got it, had the removable screen in the tank fill neck, totally gummed up with varnish. It would not allow any fuel to go thru it, so I soaked it in acetone & washed the varnish off with a water hose. Now it is all nice & clean with the screen totally intact. Fast forward to yesterday, I went to put diesel in the tank & when I checked the screen, it had totally dissolved except for the solder that holds it together & to the copper diptube. There is nothing but diesel fuel, a small amount of WMO & a diesel additive in the tank. The tank is always full, so I am at a loss as to what happened to the screen. Have any of you guys heard of or had thus happen to your tank strainer?

 

[steelandcanvas]

Strange, the acetone shouldn't have been a problem.

 

[FloridaAKM]

No, acetone wouldn't hurt it @ all. The screen was there a month ago, so I am wondering if I should have the fuel tested for something other than fuel in it? If it ate the screen, what will it do to the injector pump? Or am I overthinking the entire thing.....

 

[Jeepsinker]

Probably entrained water in the fuel rusted it away. Doesn't take much.

 

[FloridaAKM]

Garrett, the screens are brass or bronze in material of construction, so rusting is out of the question; corrosion, not so much! I'll probably get more brass fine screen & replace it one day!

 

[Jeepsinker]

Or you could just buy a new one. They aren't terribly expensive if you shop around a bit.

 

[MyothersanM1]

I just replaced a 55 gal. tank with M939-series 58 gal. tank. So, I have an extra filler neck of type you have. PM me if you are interested in it.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Interesting you're addressing this.
I have a strainer screen that's gummed up too. Was wondering just how to clean it.
Now, I take this as a warning.
Hmmmm........

 

[brianp454]

The screen in my truck mysteriously vanished this Summer also. With everything else going on, I have not had time to sort it out. It may just be that fluid coming through and pull or tearing on the screen and it finally gives out. They are also likely old and suffering from corrosion. Another idea it that rust and other crud sloshing back and forth may be damaging it. I know my tank has some rust, yet have not drained it and dumped it to have an idea about how much.

 

[FloridaAKM]

Mine was I great shape till it vanished. Hearing that you also lost yours tells me that this is not a 1 off situation. I will just get some more brass screen from McMaster-Carr & replace it the next chance I get!

 

[steelandcanvas]

Mine was I great shape till it vanished. Hearing that you also lost yours tells me that this is not a 1 off situation. I will just get some more brass screen from McMaster-Carr & replace it the next chance I get!

Something like this?

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-mesh-filters/=10frwi3

 

[FloridaAKM]

I got the 12" X 12" sheet of 20x20 mesh of woven brass that should fit the ticket once I get it soldered back into the fill neck!