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  #1  
Old 12-07-2007, 05:53 AM
Jim B.'s Avatar
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Is rust a problem INSIDE used W123/W126 spare gas jerry cans?

I have a chance to buy one of those used Mercedes Benz accessory metal gas cans that sometimes show up for sale.

They are not so cheap, being in Germany (the Mercedes Benz classic center won't sell them, new, as they are cracking down hard on DOT prohibited euro parts, and this is one)

My question, is this: If they go unused for some time, is there some danger that rust flakes come off INSIDE, making them an unwise purchase, on the idea that if you ever finally needed them, that the gasoline you put into them could become contaminated with rust flakes and cause mischief to the engine and fuel system?

It is an interesting accessory, 100% impossible to buy easily, as a new item.

Should I get it?

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  #2  
Old 12-07-2007, 06:01 AM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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You don't say how much you are paying so it makes the risk harder to evaluate. I have no experience with them, in fact have never seen one,but if it is offered by mercedes I would not hesitate for the reason you mention. Mercedes tanks never seem to rust. I would expect this can to be very high quality too.

Tom W
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  #3  
Old 12-07-2007, 06:04 AM
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Ive seen a can with rust, and that is why I suggested jim post it up.

Usually you can get them used or sometimes new for $200 (inc shipping to the US). I would just say, if and when you find a new one, just get that. NOS/NIB or something.
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  #4  
Old 12-07-2007, 10:40 AM
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Are these cans the European version of the US "Jerry" can? 5 gals with the European spout?
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  #5  
Old 12-07-2007, 01:40 PM
bgkast's Avatar
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Even if there is some rust in them they should be OK if they are structurally sound. If it looks sketchy inside use this on it: http://www.por15.com/prodinfo.asp?grp=CTRK&dept=11

I used it on a rusty motorcycle tank with excellent results. Before you clean and seal the tank throw some clean gravel in and shake it around for awhile to knock any loose crud out.
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  #6  
Old 12-08-2007, 12:51 AM
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The little can with the collapsible spout that sits inside the spare tire? I've seen a few for sale but even $80 seems steep to me for an accessory you probably don't want to use.

I realize they aren't the same as the Mercedes ones, but I have a few accessory fuel cans for my Volvos from the 80's, and I would trust very few of them with fuel. Most of the ones I have seen are rusty, which I think is primarily due to their location low in the spare tire wells of leaky trunks, and the Mercedes ones are lower. The spouts nearly always leak (metal and plastic). I have used my best one to actually transport gas, but it leaked significantly from the base of the spout (metal) when trying to pour into the tank. And then you have fuel all over the paint.
I leave the accessory can in the trunk for car shows but use a modern (and cheap) red plastic can to actually transport fuel if I need to. I think that's the best way to do it.

A POR15 fuel tank restorer kit would do a great job cleaning up several accessory fuel cans if they are a little rusty inside. If I was to consider using mine for fuel again I would absolutely do it. If it is really bad you might be able to take it to a professional restorer who does fuel tanks, I'd expect to pay around $100-150 to have it stripped, sealed and repainted.
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  #7  
Old 12-08-2007, 01:22 AM
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Why in the world would you want to carry around a leaky old fuel tank in your trunk? Just don't run your car out of fuel and if you do call roadside, you live in a city not in remote Alaska! I'm pretty sure AAA or MB roadside can get you a few gallons within 1/2 an hour, thats if you are not within a short walk of a gas station.
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  #8  
Old 12-08-2007, 03:24 AM
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When I called AAA a couple of years ago here in central California they would not bring me any diesel fuel; put me on a flat bed hauler and took me to the nearest diesel pump. Maybe they don't want to get involved in priming empty lines? Maybe the drivers aren't trained for such a technically demanding procedure... Steve
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  #9  
Old 12-08-2007, 11:30 AM
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I'd call MB roadside before AAA for that. MB roadside is free, AAA isn't.

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