What is this? Evaporator?

[toml]

Hi Guys. My '64 230SL is currently with my dad (mechanic) 400 miles from here, but he asked me to find out about something from "my group" (that's you

He said he was replacing the fuel sensor when he found this loose plastic "thing" in the trunk (passenger side) that is like "half a soup can" (cut down the middle) with 3 nipples for gas lines at the top, and one outlet at the bottom. When he turned it a bit it was compleetely loose and some gas spilled out the bottom of the car.

His question is: what is this? What do you attach to which of the nozzles and how is supposed to be seated/fastened?

I told him I think that might be the "evaporator" but I wasn't sure. I don't what it looks like, but I do know it smelled gassy in the trunk!

Pictures or explanation of how to (re) install that and/or get rid of the gassy smell while we are at it are greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for the invaluable help you have all provided!


TomL, Portland, OR
1964 230SL Euro 4-speed Silver+Black w/ Red Interior
1973 280C DOHC Metalic Blue w/ Tan interior

[Jonny B]

You should be able to find plenty of information on this site, use the search feature, for gas tank, or gas smell. The small tank on the early cars fits up in the right rear fender well. It is a small collector or expansion tank for fuel vapor. Two of the lines are for the vent lines from the tank (on either side of the filler pipe when you remove the cover of the tank filler neck in the trunk). The other connection is for the vent line and the famous FSVT (funnel shaped vent thing) that hangs down from the rear of the early cars.

The newer cars have a vapor recirculation tank that is located in the left rear fender well, and returns the vapor to the engine.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[hands_aus]

Tom
There are 2 rubber fuel lines (about 4-6" long) that join the pipes to the overflow tank. If these lines are original they will be hard and brittle and possibly cracked.
They can be replaced easily and the fuel smell should disappear.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[rwmastel]

Does this help?

Download Attachment: Copy of Fuel Pressue 1.jpg
37.99 KB

Download Attachment: Copy of Fuel Pressure 5.jpg
52.76 KB

I strongly agree on performing the Search for detialed info.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420