R230 Fuel Tank Baffle Repair

[SL63 Mark]

Anyone know of where I can get this fixed ? Mine has suddenly started making a banging noise whenever I brake. I believe the internal fuel tank baffle has come adrift, and is banging on the sides of the tank as the fuel moves about.

I believe it is possible to fix without removing the tank, which is two days labour plus the new tank, and I believe there are people who specialise in this, basically you remove the boot carpet, remove the fuel sender and secure the baffle through the access hole. It may even be possible to remove the baffle.

Any pointers welcome

 

[EmilysDad]

... and secure the baffle through the access hole. ...

How do they re-secure it? Glue? Weld?

 

[Craiglxviii]

How do they re-secure it? Glue? Weld?

Weld repair I think, induction spot once the baffle is secured somewhere accessible.

 

[EmilysDad]

Weld repair I think, induction spot once the baffle is secured somewhere accessible.

inside a fuel tank!?!?!? It might have been when originally built but it'd be a very brave man to re-spot weld a used tank.

 

[drmw]

Try this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-SL-R230-fuel-tank-baffle-noise-rattle-repair-/202643802380
I have no link to this person - just looked it up

 

[Craiglxviii]

inside a fuel tank!?!?!? It might have been when originally built but it'd be a very brave man to re-spot weld a used tank.

That’s what I believe is done, I’m sure I’ve read of other members here having that repair.
As king as the tank is nitrogen flushed and filled then the process is safe.

 

[EmilysDad]

That’s what I believe is done, I’m sure I’ve read of other members here having that repair.
As king as the tank is nitrogen flushed and filled then the process is safe.

Fair enough

I thought most fuel tanks were plastic these days though ..... my 99 Omega certainly had a plastic tank

 

[00slk]

We had the repair done to our first r230. It involves removing the boot trim to access the fuel tank sender unit. Then this is removed so you can see the loose baffle inside the tank. A small hole is drilled through the baffle and a spring attached which holds the baffle in place. It takes around an hour if that and the chap charged us £60 (he actually charged less than that but we paid him more because he said our baffle had broken away from the normal part and was harder to sort)
Never had any further issues with a loose baffle for the next 3 years.
The chap who did ours was on the forum for a while but hasn't been seen for a good number of years.
I have seen a chap on the ebay that charges £350 for the same work

 

[SL63 Mark]

Yes, the baffle can be secured with a spring, or even a bent coat hanger, cable ties, or one chap just bashed it with a broom handle to wedge it in place. Nothing so clever as spot welds I am afraid. The Indies I have spoken to say the only fix is a new tank, but opinion on t'internet seems to differ.

It is a blooming annoying noise, so if all else fails I will have to have a go myself.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Try this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-SL-R230-fuel-tank-baffle-noise-rattle-repair-/202643802380
I have no link to this person - just looked it up

Thanks David that was the chap I was looking for. If anyone has any other ideas I would be grateful.

Thanks

 

[EmilysDad]

Is Sikaflex fuel resistant? It has a reputation for sticking like the proverbial to a blanket .... I'd be having a go with it before I replaced the tank

 

[Craiglxviii]

Is Sikaflex fuel resistant? It has a reputation for sticking like the proverbial to a blanket .... I'd be having a go with it before I replaced the tank

Depends on the exact formulation. I’ve certainly used some of Sika’s product which was avtur resistant down to -40C from memory!

 

[peterws1957]

I seem to recall that Demon Tweeks sell a product comprising some sort of small ally tubes which you fill the tank with. I wonder whether doing this would stop these loose baffles from floating about. Apparently only reduces tank capacity by a very tiny percentage. No idea if it would work

 

[Timeandleisure]

Wish I had put my woes on a forum before... I was quoted £1600 a few years back... my fix was to turn the volume up
I was told by MB the dam thing was not in the original but the baffles added because their customers were complaining of something or other.,, cannot remember what... so it’s our fault.
I also saw a hack not too long ago about the artful placement of strong magnets to stop it moving around for a non-invasive fix... I couldn’t find the link though... perhaps this could get the creative juices flowing for those intrigued here..
Here’s a fix for the brave hearted if you manage to get through it all... sorry for any infringements...
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-sl63-amg-sl65-amg-r230/352866-rattle-gas-tank-2.html

 

[-raj-]

i fix them, i've fixed a few forum members before. I dont use the spring method but instead dampen the baffle from knocking so you dont hear anything. i charge about half the ebay listing. All my SL's have had this fix with no issues

 

[SL63 Mark]

I seem to recall that Demon Tweeks sell a product comprising some sort of small ally tubes which you fill the tank with. I wonder whether doing this would stop these loose baffles from floating about. Apparently only reduces tank capacity by a very tiny percentage. No idea if it would work

On one of the forums I read that someone had put lengths of fuel hose in the tank.

 

[SL63 Mark]

i fix them, i've fixed a few forum members before. I dont use the spring method but instead dampen the baffle from knocking so you dont hear anything. i charge about half the ebay listing. All my SL's have had this fix with no issues

Thanks Raj, sounds good, whereabouts are you ? I see you are in Coventry >. I am near Andover ?

 

[-raj-]

Hi Mark,

Yes, i'm over in Coventry. Are you every in the midlands? I'm in fact doing another forum members car next Friday.

Regards

 

[SL63 Mark]

I can make the trip, A34/M40 approx 2 hours and a bit. It's worth doing.

 

[-raj-]

Okay, when you are ready just send me a message and we can arrange it.

i know how you feel, the noise is really annoying.