On our way back from Florida, we lost power. We limped into a garage and they changed both fuel filters. They said there was a lot of rust I. The lower one had a lot of rust chips in it. Should I have the tank cleaned?

A very good question...

Obviously, fuel contamination can be a problem in any diesel. OTOH, large particles are easily trapped by even crude filters. Those that are big enough to see are usually not the problem. Generally, the primary filter is designed to trap water and large particles. If it does and it is not plugged, the fuel passes to the secondary filter designed to trap micron sized particles. This is often the one which loads up and becomes restrictive.

Microscopic particles are the worst problem. If they are small enough they may pass through the filters and end up in injector nozzles. Dissolved contaminants, or dispersed water can pass through and cause gumming or corrosion of injector pumps and nozzles. This is why algae and gelling can be problems as well.

So, is a rusty tank worth cleaning?

How long since the filters were changed? Were they rusty last time... how long ago? Rust indicates moisture in the tank. I would be more concerned about the water than the rust.

Hopefully you did not get water in the fuel when you bought it. Perhaps try some fuel conditioner/additive. Condensation can occur when the tank is not kept full.

Before spending time and money on cleaning, I would try some fresh fuel, keep tanks full, and watch the filters for subsequent rust accumulation. Keep an extra set of filters handy and see what happens.

I agree with Mr Steve .
Run some fuel tank cleaner additives through it and keep a few extra filters handy . If it continues to be a problem , you can remove the tank and clean it . The tank can be treated with an internal coating if it is rusty inside . One of our fire trucks had to have the tank removed , cleaned and coated . We haven't had any filter issues since .
Originally we were going to buy a new fuel tank , but we couldn't find one to fit . I would have preferred a new one .

Vapor pressure for gasoline is high enough that even low tanks have little problem with condensation but diesel is low volatility so condensation is a major problem. It hurt to do it but when I farmed the diesel tank was always kept full during the colder and wetter months, those months that used almost no fuel.

Thanks for the input.

Richard what size is your tank?

ALso do you have any room for a larger tank. An opportunity to enlarge? Most tanks I believe are now poly (no rust)

I read some old posts from Morris and see he had algae at some time. Algae comes from moisture. I always keep as full as possible.

You know your fuel is fresh with all that you rust proofed the Toad with!

Ed had issues last year. You had issues. What have we all learned? I know changing fuel filters moved up MY LIST.