spring inside bottom of gas tank?

[seamus]

Hello, I am a newbie in need of some help. Today I popped of the fuel sending unit just to get a look inside the gas tank of my 280sl. Other than just a little debris on bottom, I noticed a spring about 3 or 4 inches long and 1 inch diameter laying on its side in the bottom of the tank. Could anyone tell me where the heck this spring should be, or where it came from? thanks, Seamus

[ja17]

Hello Seamus,

They used to sell anti-syphon devices which could be inserted in the filler necks of gas tanks.  They were coil springs which kept syphon hoses from being used.  Sounds like this could be what you found!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[seamus]

Joe,
That is exactly what it looks like, I guess tomorrow I'll be goin' spring fishin'(with magnet), appreciate your help, Seamus

[Shvegel]

Also fished more than one spring from the gasoline nozzle out of tanks in the days before the restricted filler neck(1974?)

My favorite was the plastic ball from the end of the fuel gauge sending unit on a Saab that got loose and wedged itself in the filler pipe. Every time the owner tried to fill the tank gas would squirt back at him. He was not amused.

[glennard]

Leave it in there-sacrifical metal-like zinc on a boat hull???