Author Topic: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?  (Read 5405 times)

mrfatboy

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Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« on: July 02, 2016, 20:32:35 »
I bought a fuel cap gasket for my '69 280sl from the local Mercedes dealership.  Part number # 1104710280.  One side is cork and the other side is rubber.  What side should meet that gas tank filler tube?  In other words, what side should be seen when you take off the gas cap?

I have attached the photos of both sides of same gasket.

1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
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zoegrlh

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2016, 00:01:53 »
Cork
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

W113, 1970 280SL, Red leather 242 on Silver Gray Met. 180, 4-speed stick, Euro spec, restored
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Mechudo62

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2016, 02:26:03 »
I just replaced mine with the cork on the outside, it really makes a difference in keeping fuel and fumes inside the tank!
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Fernando Mangino

mrfatboy

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2016, 14:25:01 »
Thanks everybody.  The cork side was my original thought as well.
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Raymond

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2016, 21:34:42 »
You might smear the cork side with a little bit of Vaseline.  It won't hurt anything and will make it easier to tighten and loose and lengthen the life of the seal. 
Ray
'68 280SL 5-spd "California" Coupe

Lou F

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2016, 12:50:40 »
That is is good tip Raymond.  I bought a new fuel cap back in December and the cork is starting to crack.
Lou The Engineer's Rule - "Never Compromise.  Improvise"
1969 280SL Automatic - White with blue interior.

kampala

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2016, 05:36:07 »
The cork fuel cap seal did not work for me.  It fell apart after only a few fill-ups and it was from Mercedes.   

Since then I replaced with the fuel cap seal with a non-cork one and it's been perfect.  Also a Mercedes part:  1404710079

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Mike K

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #7 on: July 17, 2016, 08:07:58 »
The cork fuel cap seal did not work for me.  It fell apart after only a few fill-ups and it was from Mercedes.   

Since then I replaced with the fuel cap seal with a non-cork one and it's been perfect.  Also a Mercedes part:  1404710079

I've also had similar issues with several Mercedes-sourced cork seals. After going through about 5 of them (vaseline & all), I finally replaced it with a rubber seal and no more issues.

I also use vaseline around the rubber seal, as well as dry lubricant in the fuel cap locking mechanism, which I've found gets dried out from the fuel, it starts binding and becomes more difficult to turn and lock. I lubricate these about once a month, and this sorts out any issues.

Best,
Mike
« Last Edit: July 17, 2016, 13:35:04 by Mike K »
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114015

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Re: fuel cap gasket
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2016, 18:11:54 »
Quote
Since then I replaced with the fuel cap seal with a non-cork one and it's been perfect.  Also a Mercedes part:  1404710079

That's the one to go for.  8)
Use the original MB part (or equivalent). Never ever use cork again.
I put a bit vaseline (or MoS2-containing black grease) on both sides of the gasket and it works perfectly. Very smooth locking of the cap on the filler neck and it's tight ! ;)

BTW, the A140 471 0079 is blue nowadays and resistant against modern fuel qualities what other (older) rubber gaskets might not be.


Best,

Achim
(fuelfillercapcollector)
Achim
(Germany)

Iconic

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #9 on: November 23, 2016, 18:14:12 »
Achim,
Actually wasn't the cork seal the original for our cars? I believe it was original on my '70 280 SL.
The cork works fine for me once I bought a replacement from the Classic Center.
Here is another post on the subject:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17215.msg118902#msg118902
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
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Jonny B

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Re: Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?
« Reply #10 on: November 25, 2016, 16:00:51 »
I Believe you are correct about the original part - cork. I went with a cork replacement and it lasted for a while, the I saw the post about the gasket replacement from MB, and ordered two of them for my cars. I put the blue ones in place and have had no issues putting the cap on or taking it off.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor