Fuel Expansion Tank

[gstorek]

The question is:  Does our 1971 280SL need the fuel expansion tank, or not?
 
Our first mechanic removed it and sealed the lines to the main tank.  He has said that the car did not come from the factory with the expansion tank and that it was added in this country to meet smog requirements, and is no longer needed.  Our current mechanic says we should put it back to avoid fumes and overflow from the main tank when its full.   Who is correct here?

If the verdict is to replace the expansion tank, any ideas where they are available?  Thanks!

[Garry]

The expansion tank is original equipment.  Guess your first mechanic was blowing smoke out of his exhaust so to speak. 

Put it back on, it was designed to do a job that is unless someone thinks they are a better engineer than all those engineers that Mercedes employed to design the car.

Do a hunt of our supplier list, there are a few that will sell you one or even MB themselves. Otherwise just put a Wanted to Buy on our Forum, I am sure someone will have a spare somewhere for you.

[gstorek]

Thank you, Gary.  Will do as you suggested.