Gents,
This is the final report back--I've been driving her nearly daily now and the fuel issue is solved--it was the last and arguably the most expensive problem to solve. That is, the fuel tank at $950 for the part.
I might arrange to ship the fuel tank to Joe's for the July tech session so it can be examined if anyone is interested. I'd have to ship it as Karl Heinz would not let me take it away in my car! And, that's what I'm bringing to Ohio. May none of you ever have to live through this.
Had the car on the lift yesterday at Motorwerks. Found a very minor leak in the oil pan gasket. New one ordered. Mechanic didn't like the threads on the oil pan plug, that was changed. Didn't like many of the screws exposed, they don't appear to be genuine, so new ones have been ordered for that too. Discovered a few rogue hose clamps that have escaped my eye in the past--will be changed from the "fat-a&%" American style to the proper German style.
The young man who was the painter and detailer for Autometric Collision around here, and who painted, and detailed many of Larry Smith's fine prize winning Concours Cars is now working for Motorwerks; I might give him the detailing rag before Gemutlekeit.
Satish at Motorwerks has heard all of the rot on leaks and synthetics; he's of the opinion that a synthetic can't cause leaks, but might exacerbate minor or existing leaks. His comment to me on my undercarriage was that he'd never seen a car that old with a dry differential! Kudos to all the men who have worked on it...or maybe I need to check the oil in it?[:0]
The new Hirshmann antenna looks fine, though NPR comes in with a bit too much static! All the little details that expert Ted Gottfried picked out in last year's Starfest Concours are being solved one by one--but I'm keeping the SS Timevalve exhaust system.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Ohio in July.
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored