280 SL Tailpipe Problem

[Dan Dittmar]

Hello All

I have been having problems with the rubber rings that hold the end of the tailpipe in place.  They constantly break and cause the tailpipe to rub against the fender.  The result is that I've had to have repair work done to the fender, and I am replacing the rings every 500 miles or so.  I think the tailpipe must not be set correctly, or the metal hooks that hold the rubber rings in place must be bent and cutting into the rubber causing them to break before they should.  Any recommendations for a permanent fix to this problem?  Has anyone modified this design?  Should it be modified?

Dan

[George Davis]

My exhaust system is slightly misaligned.  I replaced one of the rubber hangers with two or three 1/4 inch ny-ties, and cinched them up to pull the pipe into alignment.  Not the best solution, but it works.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[hands_aus]

Is there a rubber buffer missing between the tail pipe and the body?

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

[Dan Dittmar]

Is there supposed to be a rubber buffer between the tailpipe and rear quarter panel?  All I have are the two rubber rings which fit onto the tailpipe clip and frame clip.

[glcg123]

There is a solid rubber bumper that fits on the section just behind the final muffler. If not in place you may get some bouncing which is causing the whole assembly to fatigue.

There is a picture on Miller's Incorporated website  www.millermbz.com

George

1965 230SL - 4 speed

[rwmastel]

http://www.sls-hh-catalogue.de/bin/dbframes.phtml?mid=IN02

Click on the exhaust section (square on far right hand side, half way down).  It's part #54.  Note on the exhaust pipe in that picture there is a flat plate rectangular that rests on top of the two tail pipes exiting the muffler.  This flat plate bumps or presses against the rubber bumper.

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

[Dan Dittmar]

Thanks very much to everyone.  I very much appreciate your taking the time to post this valuable feedback.

Dan

[waltklatt]

Dan,
Do you have all the hangers that come with the car?  
First one is the transmission connection, then the midway down the driveshaft tunnel, another big one and then the next one just before the big silencer in the rear, and the ladt at the very end before it exits under the bumper.  Seems like there is an uneven stress on the rubbers.  Make sure the system is level and not stretching the rubbers too much.  Make sure you use the heavy duty ones.
There is a rubber bump stop attached to the chassis rail at the last hanger place to prevent the pipes from hitting the chassis.  Make sure you have this one.
If the silencer is still hitting the fender lip, then you can bend the silencer upwards a bit(axle side lower).
My 1967 220SL also has the same problem, but it was fixed with heavy duty rubbers, that are very stiff.
If the problem still persists, then you can use a hose clamp and tighten it to the right snugness.
Walter
1967 220Sl-diesel

[ted280sl]

Dan,
  I had a similar problrm with my Timevalve stainless exhaust. My problem turned out to be that the hooks on the exhaust pipes are adjustable and mine were not adjusted. Once I moved the hooks on the exhaust pipes my problems ceased.
Regards,
Ted 1969 280SL - 4 Speed, euro headlights and 3.27 rear