Author Topic: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.  (Read 8472 times)

Thierry du Laos

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W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« on: January 28, 2013, 03:37:11 »
This week end I expected to start the engine after getting that new (old) car!
I wanted to flush first the gas tank but after refilling, nothing goes out at the drain plug... ???
Found the in, out and vent connections clogged.
There isalso  a black, smelly mixture in the tank that bloks every holes.
I don't know for how many this car has been standing in New York without running?
I wonder how I can clean the gas tank now?
I think about filling it with thinner or bicarbonat soda!!!!
Anybody's got experience with that trouble?  ???  ???
I am interested also with details or pictures of the inside of the gas tank!

66andBlue

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2013, 04:27:52 »
1. Read the "fuel tank tour" by JA17:
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=1712.0;all
2. Read the technical manual: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Fuel/Tank
3. And if you still have questions, use the search function above and type in "fuel tank" and you will be surprised how much more information you'll get.  ;)
« Last Edit: January 28, 2013, 04:33:29 by 66andBlue »
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

Thierry du Laos

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2013, 08:35:43 »
So I understand that it is a very common and known problem....! :'(
Thanks I go right away to read all this!

Thierry du Laos

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2013, 09:12:32 »
I didn't see any answer concerning pouring caustic soda in the tank to make a full clean?
I have a black smelly mixture in the bottom of the tank and I'd like to get rid of it before reinstalling!
Is there any risk to damage protections, flower pot or else?

Benz Dr.

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2013, 19:26:36 »
Take it to a rad shop and have them clean it. Many of these chemicals can be dangerous to work with. The rad shop should let your gas tank sit in this solution for a couple of days so the old varnish will be removed.


1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

cruising

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2013, 21:55:47 »
I just finished removing cleaning, coating and attaching my gas tank. She started up and drove beautifully.
Get under the back of the car. You should be looking up at the gas tank. There is a large round screw thing on the belly of the tank. Unscrew that gently put a bucket under the tank for the gas to drain out. Attached to this screw part is the "flower pot". You can see how much gunk is on the screen of the flower pot. Mine was covered in rust so then I knew further action was required. I am sure that this explanation is as clear as mud. If I can do it, so can you!
Good Luck! Have fun! Amy

ja17

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2013, 23:29:33 »
Good job Amy!


However, depending on how bad your tank a radiator shop can clean it best. If it is not too bad, rubbing alcohol works very well on fuel varnish. Its cheap and east to get.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Thierry du Laos

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2013, 03:14:29 »
Thanks 66 and Blue,
This summary was very interesting to understand the gas tank design, flower pot mainly.
I've left my tank upside down for drying a few days, and yesterday: shaking time!!! I got a full basket of oily mud out of the refilling pipe.
Now I've pourred some thinner in to get rid of the remainings.
Should be fine after that.
No rust visible or pieces, just dirt, thanks to that oily mud protection... :)
I'll post pix later.

66andBlue

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2013, 04:18:47 »
Thierry,
you need to thank Joe Alexander, aka JA17!
Without him here few of us would have a clue about the tank design.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

Thierry du Laos

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2013, 08:33:07 »
So, thank you a lot Joe.

Here are a few pix to add your albums, sorry my camera could get in the tank!
But you'll get a good idea of the condition....
Lets see this evening how the thinner worked in 24 hours?

w113dude

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2013, 11:37:04 »
Thierry,

I have seen worse fuel tanks, you may be able to clean it at home but a radiator shop will use better suited chemicals to have it flushed out and are not that expensive.
It looks like you may need a new fuel sending unit too.

ja17

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2013, 23:02:10 »
Hello Thierry,

     Don't waste your thinner. Rubbing alcohol works much better on fuel varnish.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Thierry du Laos

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #12 on: January 30, 2013, 08:17:33 »
I will do that Joe, thanks.
Just started the car yesterday after she stood 2 years outside in the customs' area.
Runs very nice, its a real pleasure to listen to than engine!

m300cab

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #13 on: January 30, 2013, 16:13:01 »
ALSO check the intake screen on the fuel pump
it also get's clogged
Michael Parlato

Thierry du Laos

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Re: W113 280SL Fuel tank clogged.
« Reply #14 on: March 01, 2013, 09:23:17 »
Hi,
I thank a lot JA17, the rubbing alcohol is the solution to clean the tanks.
Mine is like a new one now :) .
Thanks a lot...