w123 230TE fuel Leak?

[philothefish]

I have just filled up my recently acquired 1985 230TE and there is a petrol smell in the car (wasn't there when it was nearly empty), smells fairly strongly around the fuel tank, when I take a look underneath there looks like a seep from the top seam of the fuel tank - is this a common place to rust/leak and if so where is a good place to source a replacement tank? Is it a DIY job to change it? I'm no mechanic but reasonably competent..... Thanks, Phil

 

[tom7035]

I have just filled up my recently acquired 1985 230TE and there is a petrol smell in the car (wasn't there when it was nearly empty), smells fairly strongly around the fuel tank, when I take a look underneath there looks like a seep from the top seam of the fuel tank - is this a common place to rust/leak and if so where is a good place to source a replacement tank? Is it a DIY job to change it? I'm no mechanic but reasonably competent..... Thanks, Phil

Hi Phil. I haven't removed a Merc fuel tank so someone else would have to sdvise on the details of this, but I think you should check the hoseclips on the filler neck. In my opinion I don't think it's the tank itself as you would still get a strong petrol smell even when empty if this was the case.

 

[Ian B Walker]

If by chance it is the tank I have a 124 estate tank spare. I think they are interchangable

 

[philothefish]

Thanks that is really helpful, I will get in touch Ian if it does turn out to be the tank. I really need to get it up on a ramp to have a good look. Thanks again, Phil

 

[television]

Thanks that is really helpful, I will get in touch Ian if it does turn out to be the tank. I really need to get it up on a ramp to have a good look. Thanks again, Phil

If the tank is not the same, you can get a sealant for the tank, it is very good.

malcolm

 

[TimN]

The tank comes off easily enough provided that it is empty of course. Working from memory I think that you follow the procedure below.

From inside the rear compartment lift up the carpet in the footwell for the third row of seats.
Remove the circular disk.
Unplug the fuel sender.
Remove the spillage hose at the filler neck .
Remove the filler cap.
Disconnect the flow and return hoses. Be prepared to replace the pipe clips and possibly the hoses.
Lightly support the tank. A trolley jack with a bit a timber would be ideal but do not crush the tank.
There are 4 clamps holding the tank which can now be removed.

 

[TimN]

Forgot to mention that there are a couple of breather hoses that you will have to disconnect from the top of the tank. Obviously you will have to lower it a bit to gain access.

 

[philothefish]

Another drive today and the seep seems to have got worse and the top of the tank looked quite 'wet' when I peered underneath despite the fact that I have used a gallon or so of petrol so I will need to investigate further. Thanks for the replies so far. Phil

 

[TimN]

If your lucky it might be just a split hose but check it out sooner than later!