Fuel Tank

[dwilli3038]

Hello All,

After a year, I have finaly succeded in starting the car . I changed the fuel filter and found it cloged with rust. I replaced the furl filter. I then ran the car for an hour and found that the new fuel filter has some rust particles on it. I either need to buy o new gas tank or find a way to eliminate the rust in the existing tank. Has anyone tried the POR13 fuel tank restoration kit? If so I would like to hear your feedback.

Daryl
'64 230 SL

[rwmastel]

Daryl,

My tank is rusty too.  For a simple, fast, and temporary fix:

 - drain your tank
 - remove the fuel sender form the tank through the trunk (buy new cork gasket)
 - disconnect fuel "breather" lines in trunk
 - disconnect fuel line to electric fuel pump
 - remove tank (3 bolts)
 - remove filter screen from bottom of tank (buy new screen)

This gives you an access hole on each side of the tank.  I simply used a garden hose with a hand spray nozzle to blast off as much rust as I could from the inside of the tank.  I sprayed it back in where the holes where fuel drains to the electric fuel pump.  I also sprayed it through the false bottom around the filter screen hole.  I followed up by rinsing with fuel repeatedly and then letting it dry overnight.

To make the process more permanant, take it to a radiator shop to have them boil it out.  This ensures all loose rust is gone.  Also, use a POR-13 product or other similar sealant, or have a professional seal it.  This is not a simple tank, of course, because of the double layer bottom and interior pipes running from the filter screen to the fuel pump.  Take this into consideration when sealing.

Best of luck!

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

[dwilli3038]

Thanks Rodd, taking out the tank sounds like a lot of work...I think I will go for the final solution while it is out. Maybe replace the fuel pump and all gas lines while I am at it.



Daryl
'64 230 SL

[rwmastel]

If you want to get to that car show this weekend, I recomend the quick solution.  I've gone 8 months or more on the quick solution with no problems.  It's a little bit of work the first time you do it because the tank has to be positioned just right to come out, but the concept is simple.  I'll do my tank the right way this winter.  Replacing flexable fuel lines is a great idea.  The hard metal ones last a very long time, or so I've been told.

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

[W14]

Hi Daryl,

I restored my tank 1 year ago using the POR-15 products.  I was pleased with the result.  Let me know if you want me to email you  my "write-up".

Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC

[n/a]

I removed my tank and used an Eastwood product to clean and seal it. It was a 3 part process that inclued an acid bath, rust eater, and latex (or something like it) seal. I also dropped a heavy chain in the tank before cleaning and rolled it around being careful not to smash the hoses. This helps loosen the rust.

Seemed to work well. I also installed an inline filter before my fuel pump. I bought the largest paper type filter I could find at Pep Boys with 3/4 inch nipples. Probably for a pick-up or something. Doesn't seem to harm flow. Car runs well now.