Additional fuel tank for 210 - not for VO - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Matt L · #1 03-25-2006, 09:57 AM

Has anyone added an additional fuel tank to any of the MB diesels, preferably plumbed into the regular tank so it would not need to be filled separately or switched in?

I don't want to run VO, but want to extend the range of the car. An additional four gallons would mean that I could easily go a week between fuel stops.

I could use a dual-tank system with a switch and filler in the trunk, which would probably be easiest, but less convienent. Of course, if I did use a switch, I could go VO in the future, but I don't plan to do that.

Diesel Fan · #2 03-25-2006, 04:47 PM

It sure seems like a lot of work/expense to add four gallons of capacity or to save ten minutes filling the tank.

Hatterasguy · #3 03-25-2006, 05:19 PM

The old Jags used to have two tanks. But they had a fill on either side as well. I don't remember if you had to swtich between the tanks manually or if it was automatic.

To carry enough fuel you could probably install a 10 gallon marine tank. Unless you want to do a bit of body work and add another fill you will need to pop the trunk in order to fill it. You would have to run a second set of fuel lines with some sort of valve to switch between the tanks.

Considering how much time and money it would cost to do, and the negative affect it will have on resale. IMHO I'd keep it stock.

Lycoming-8 · #4 03-25-2006, 10:18 PM

I have a 220D (W115) and a 300D NA (W123), both of which are equipped with 'up-tanks'. The 220D had the additional tank added in the mid 70's during the first fuel crisis and was added for exactly the same reason you cite, just somewhat different circumstances. Filing stations were always running out of fuel or were closed on weekends etc. This tank is made of cast polyethylene, sits up against the rear seat and unfortunately has its filler only reachable from the trunk. However there is a valve on the outlet that when switched allowed the up fuel to flow down to the main tank. To avoid killing the rear suspension, never put more than 6 or 8 gallons in it.

The 300D's tank was added by a PO, but does not seem to have been WVO related either. It is positioned about the same as the one in the 220D, however its filler is plumbed in to the same line as the main tank. This tank is all aluminum and has a couple of brackets mounting it to the fender wells. Not very cleanly executed, and I have no experience with the use of this one.

raMBow · #5 03-25-2006, 10:38 PM

If headed into unchartered territory and unknown fuel situations, I just bring along 1, 2, or 3 (depending upon desired range) 5-gallon fuel cans. Then put one in from time to time. Not that easy, but with the range these have anyway, why bother.

Or I will just take all them along, fill the rig up and put the cans in the garage and just put in as needed.

My fantasy is to use the 500 gallon tank I have in one of the sub-basements of my shop, re-build and re-hook up my 1950 style pump (you know 10' tall, bright red, gravity feed, hand pump the number of gallons up in large glass top with the lamp on top) and then have a truck come by and fill with B-20.

Oh to have time...

Matt L · #6 03-26-2006, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

The old Jags used to have two tanks. But they had a fill on either side as well. I don't remember if you had to swtich between the tanks manually or if it was automatic.

To carry enough fuel you could probably install a 10 gallon marine tank. Unless you want to do a bit of body work and add another fill you will need to pop the trunk in order to fill it. You would have to run a second set of fuel lines with some sort of valve to switch between the tanks.

Considering how much time and money it would cost to do, and the negative affect it will have on resale. IMHO I'd keep it stock.

I was considering modifying the filler hose, if possible, to fill from the same opening, both tanks at once. If I could do it, then later replace the modified parts with originals, there shouldn't be a problem with resale.

But a more pointed question would be if it would affect the value to an insurance company. If history is any judge, that's how this car will be sold. I tend to drive vehicles for a long time until some fool hits me. I've *never* sold a car to anyone but an insurance company or junkyard, and have owned well over a dozen.

andmoon · #7 03-27-2006, 10:30 AM

Although I am using mine as a vo tank, the tank was designed to be used as an aux diesel tank for MBs.
The seller informed me that there were 2 options.
1) was to add a second fill and use as 2 tanks.
2) was to connect the 2 tanks.
I didn't pursue the 2nd option but it would take minimal work to set up a 2 tank system.

The tank sits in the trunk behind the stock tank centered over the rear wheels. Holds 26 gallons, allows easy removal of spare.

Matt L · #8 03-27-2006, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andmoon

Although I am using mine as a vo tank, the tank was designed to be used as an aux diesel tank for MBs.
The seller informed me that there were 2 options.
1) was to add a second fill and use as 2 tanks.
2) was to connect the 2 tanks.
I didn't pursue the 2nd option but it would take minimal work to set up a 2 tank system.

The tank sits in the trunk behind the stock tank centered over the rear wheels. Holds 26 gallons, allows easy removal of spare.

That's a lot bigger than I need, but bigger isn't a bad thing. Where did you buy it?

andmoon · #9 03-27-2006, 11:45 AM

I got it off ebay.

For just 4 gallons you could just get a plastic marine tank.

I like knowing I can get half way across the country w/out filling.

Matt L · #10 03-27-2006, 11:51 AM

Looks like I'll have to do some searching, but thanks for the tip.

I really only need enough fuel for a full week of driving. I don't like to get caught low on diesel fuel when at home, since it costs about fifty cents a gallon more here than near where I work.

andmoon · #11 03-27-2006, 11:56 AM

search for 'tempo'

Hatterasguy · #12 03-27-2006, 10:09 PM

Well if you want a Tempo I can get whatever you need. Shoot me an email for pricing. I can also get you a custom aluminum tank made up.

For a 20 gallon tank ball park $150-$300 depending on what you want.

I do this several times a year for various boats.

Matt L · #13 03-28-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Well if you want a Tempo I can get whatever you need. Shoot me an email for pricing. I can also get you a custom aluminum tank made up.

For a 20 gallon tank ball park $150-$300 depending on what you want.

I do this several times a year for various boats.

I haven't found a Tempo that would be a good fit. I'm still in the planing stage here, trying to find something that wouldn't interfere too badly with the (not so cavernous) trunk space in the car.

Custom aluminum may be the way to go, and your price range sounds more than reasonable. I've been browsing RCI tanks on Summit's site, which are in that range (but include a level sensor that I wouldn't need).

I'd love to have a thousand-mile range in the car.

Jeremy5848 · #14 03-30-2011, 01:32 PM

Our '96 E300D (W210, OM606NA) has (according to the owner's manual) a 16.4 US gallon tank. While reading the manual (which also covers the E320 gasser), I noticed that the gasser has a 21.1 US gallon tank. The extra 4+ gallons would be nice. Would it be possible to swap a gasser tank into a diesel? Would the gasser tank have the same fittings as the diesel? That would eliminate all of the two-tank switch hassles that constitute much of the discussion in this old thread.

I don't know how much a used fuel tank would cost. I'm sure a new one would be prohibitively expensive. The junkyard here always pounds holes in fuel tanks, I don't know why, but someone must be parting out a 210 gasser somewhere with a good fuel tank.

Jeremy

JB3 · #15 03-30-2011, 03:28 PM

you could search around and use one of the VO tanks on the market as a diesel tank. I did that a number of times with my 240 aux tank. That would at least open up the choices. I was using a plastic tank too that was made for VO, but I liked the look and they said it was rated for biodiesel as well as DOT compliant, heres a pic. The car had an 8-900 mile range

Car subsequently bit the dust for rust reasons, im gonna move it to my 300D soon