Removing the fuel screen in the W123 tank requires a 46MM (1-13/16 inch )wrench or socket. I have the Harbor Freight very large socket set and ground down the 46mm sockets height to fit the screen. I also ground flat the sides of the socket to put a wrench on it. I also have the Harbor Freight
large Metric wrench set. So for $70 or so you can do what I did.

I found this flat stamped steel wrench at 1-13/16 for a coupe of $$

http://www.instawares.com/caster-wrench-flat.142-1367.0.7.htm

$2.99 plus $7.48 shipping for a total of $10.47 is not a bad price.

Or these guys at $9.80

http://www.twinsupply.com/proddetail.asp?prod=142-1367

If anyone buys it, let us know how it works.

Dave

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

The first time I had to remove that giant bolt I asked my mechanic if I could borrow his socket -also for the sending unit under the f aid kit.

The screen was loose enough where I could remove it with a big set of pliers.

NIce ingenuity, but did you try loosening it first...??


..

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

I use a northern [china] tool and equip, 46mm 12 point 3/4 drive
it fits unmollested cost $10.00
and a 3/4 to 1/2 adpter that I bench ground extra long flats on
the drive adpters are 3.99 for a 3 pack 1/4-3/8, 3/8-1/2 in there too

by grinding the 3/4 drive square longer you can fit a 3/4 wrench
over top the socket for a very compact short drive tool that fits
btw 3/4=19mm and thats the hose nut size so you need one anyway
and you cut the far cheaper tool up and remove less metal too
so my total cost was 13.99 plus a common 3/4 wrench