Fuel Tank Cap

[JamesL]

Mine's one of those nice shiny chrome ones

It works off a different key to the rest of the car

It also leaks.....

When the tank is anywhere near above 3/4 full, even getting the car up the ramp out of my garage and the thing leaks. All over my nice shiny "fender" (bumper to the rest of us!)

Clearly something is wrong as I am blowed if I can lock the cap - attached to the car or otherwise.

Any thoughts, beyond contacting a parts supplier - and if that's the option, anywhere recommended that is a) not an MB dealer and B) in Europe/UK

Thanks

While I am on the subject of fuel, please tell me it's normal to smell fuel on the outside of the car when it's just stopped running. I know the tank vents but to the extent that I can smell fuel as I get out (of the RHside)

[Jonny B]

For a replacement cap, I would keep on eye on Ebaymotors, the caps show up there from time to time.

As for the smell, if there is not an obvious fluid leak, make sure all the small hoses going to and from the vent tank are clear, as well as the even smaller metal lines. There should some information about the venting set up and the common ills in the forum data. Plugged vent lines will also lead to a big gush of air when you try to remove the cap.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[George Davis]

Tosh,

my gas cap leaked, too.  I tried replacing the rubber seal with a new one, and found that I couldn't get the cap back on without huge effort.  I made a seal out of a thinner cork/rubber gasket material; it seals well and I can get the cap on.

You've probably done this, but I'll mention it anyway.  To lock/unlock the cap, I think it's best to hold the chrome part still while you turn the key.  Once locked, the chrome part just spins free.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[n/a]

I just purchsed a new shinny gas cap from SL Barn, Dan Caron for a reasonable price, product # A 000 471 20 30.  I took the new cap, new key and original door key to Avenue Lock, Elgin St.,Ottawa, Canada and they rekeyed the new cap to the original door key.  Avenue Lock charged me an outrageous price of $20.00 Cnd. for this rekeying.  Where do they get the nerve?

Rupert Phelan
Ottawa, Canada

[n/a]

I forgot to mention that before you have it rekeyed, tape the shinny chrome part to prevent the possible scratching of your new cap.  Mine did not get scratched but there is always the potential.

Rupert Phelan
Ottawa, Canada.(today it was almost like summer -12 C and sunny)