Bringing a 1970 280 back to life?

[twistedtree]

This is a great site. I need to become a paying member.

I have to say, it's hard to think of ANYTHING where you get more for your membership support $$ than from this site!!!

[Dash808]

Thanks everyone. I took the fuel pump cover off. the cover to the fuel filler and lowered the exhaust. It didn't take too much to get it out. I can't believe how clean this car it underneath. It has 72K miles and has been garaged most of it's life. Every bolt and nut has been fairly easy to take off.
I took the fuel pump off today as well. I will read some post on how to clean the pump.
I am starting to feel pretty good about starting this project. This is a great site. I need to become a paying member.
Thanks again, ncsurfer 

Sounds like you're on your way! 

You'll find more knowledgeable Pagoda people on here than probably anywhere else.  The membership is well worth it and supports the community.

We'll be awaiting pics in the Photo Gallery! 
Aloha's!

[ncsurfer]

I have the tank out and now ready to inspect it and clean it out. I would like to start with trying to clean the tar and residue out. I read where Eastwood suggested 2 quarts of acetone with a 20 to 1 water to acetone mixture. I am trying to be careful not to damage the plug filter as mine look good. Any suggestions before I start? I have about a pint of old gas that I saved and let sit to see if there was any water in it. NONE! So, I will start with a small amount of gas to start the clean out, then go to the acetone mixture. Any thoughts? Thanks.....

[badali]

The plug is still available new so you should get a new one instead of trying to clean it.  Call the MB classic center.

[ncsurfer]

Thanks, I will order one. The tank doesn't look too bad. It has about 1/8-1/4 in. sludge in it.

[ncsurfer]

Has anyone ever used acetone to clean the fuel tank? Any suggestions? Thanks

[twistedtree]

I just used water.  That way it's no big deal to just dump it out, add more, dump again.  Not to mention the fumes.  How would you get rid of dirty acetone?  I can't even get rid of stale gas.

[ncsurfer]

Thanks. Did you have a lot of tar and residue on the bottom? I have about 1/8 to1/4 inch on the bottom of mine.

[twistedtree]

Mine wasn't tar.  I'd describe it as silt, and it all loosened up pretty easily with hot water.  Next I think I'd try some really hot water and simplegreen.

It sounds like you have something that needs a solvent, hence the acetone question?

[ja17]

The gummy fuel varnish can dissolved with inexpensive rubbing alcohol get it at your local pharmacy or grocery store. I have tried all sorts of solvents, plain alcohol seems to work best and is cheap and easy.  It is more environmental friendly than other solvents also.

[ncsurfer]

Thanks. The rubbing alcohol sounds good. It won't harm the "flower pot" either. I am off to the store....

[Dave]

Hi NCSurfer
Saw your post as I was searching for help with my problem.  Just thought I'd reach out to say hi.  Your car looks great.  I bought my 67 230sl from a guy just over the border into VA from you a few years ago.  We flew into Raleigh-Durham, then drove through Andy Griffith country via Mr. Airy and Pilot Mount to just over the VA line, then flat bedded it home from there to Chicago.  Now I'm chasing a fuel delivery problem.  Tank, pump, etc. all new, still no gas as engine.  I'm trying to confirm the return line is blocked.  And so it goes.
Regards,
Dave