Water in Trunk and Petrol on Bumper!

[n/a]

Hello all,
I noticed that whenever I wash my car (by hand or at the carwash) i end up with a considerable amount of water in the trunk). I changed the trunk seal but that did not take care of the problem.
Also, i always notice a stain of fuel on the rear bumper just under the tank opening. I changed the rubber seal and the gas cap, but the problem still persists. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Mo
'69 280 SL Silver/Black

[bpossel]

Hi Mo,

Check that the rubber seal around your tail lights is good.  I had to replace mine, most of it gone.  Now...  no water in trunk!

Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[Douglas]

Mo,

I agree with Bob. Check those tail light gaskets. They have a way of getting forgotten during restoration work.

Also, try not to linger with the hose around the tail lights when washing the car.

Finally, make sure the trunk fits properly. Does your trunk lid have the round bumpers on either side of the inside lip?

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Jonny B]

As far as the gas stain, do you notice a whoosh sound when you open it to put in gas? There are a number of threads on this issue, mostly related to plugged (or detiorating)hoses and/or plugged metal lines for the small vents on the gas tank (under the cover- inside the trunk partially blocked by the spare tire). On those cars with the spare tire mounted on the right side that is.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[erickmarciano]

same 2 problems on my car, sorry I am no help

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[JamesL]

Me too!

Although my water seems to accumulate in the trunk lid too - so gets into the trunk when i open it. This appears to be from the decals through the back of the lid. However, I also get water under the mat...

Made a ticker rubber gasket for the fuel cap: the problem is not gone - and the cap tougher to fit -  but it stops quite so much fuel pouring over the road (at 90p a litre)

[Douglas]

One thing I've learned to do is never to top off my tank when filling it.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Ben]

Yep I've got those problems too ! Definitely the badges leak water into the framework which falls down when you open it. The lamp gaskets leak if they aren't good or tight and I believe there is more than one way to fit the trunk seal, one of which is incorrect and results in a leak........noty sure how to do it though !

My fuel filler will stain the bumper too, but as mentioned its only when the tank is really full !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[rwmastel]

Can you apply some marker (chalk?) to the trunk seal, close the trunk, open the trunk, and see if the chalk transferred to the trunk lid, indicating a seal/trunk contact?

For the fuel, make sure you have the right cap (vented/non-vented).  This has been discussed, search for it.  Also, when you lock the cap (assuming you have a key locking cap) then you should be able to freely spin the cap.  This indicates it's properly seated.

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

[Cortez-Campos]

I have 2 problems

1 -  I also have this problem with petrol on the bumper, as Ben says it is only when the tank is full, but it can't be true we can't fill up our gas tanks. I don't know what Rodd means by vented/non-vented caps, mine is without key, does anyone have a smart trick?

2 - I just bought a used gastank from another 280 SL, and it is a 82 liters, but I can only fill in 60-65 liter.

280 SL 1969 anthracite 172, with red inteior.

[bpossel]

I used to have a small amount of water in my trunk after I washed the car.

I cured this problem when I replaced both tail light rubber seals.  I think that this is often over looked, especially if the trunk seal is good.

Bob


bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Cortez-Campos

I don't know what Rodd means by vented/non-vented caps....

http://index.php?topic=2341,gas,cap
http://index.php?topic=1679,gas,cap
http://index.php?topic=1605,gas,cap
http://index.php?topic=1310,gas,cap
http://index.php?topic=270,gas,cap

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