What's this expansion tank do on my 1985 300TD?
 

It's in the spare tire area of my 1985 300TD.
It has 3 hoses going to it.

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps4c5f6546.jpg

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps417eb95b.jpg

It's a fuel expansion tank, I guess in case your main tank is too full on a hot day or something. Having problems with it or just curious?

-Rog

It looks like yours was replaced as it has a 1995 dated paper tag on it.
The 85 TD's used a plastic expansion tank.
I discovered that when my '85 TD tank started leaking, I was smelling fuel all the time and saw fuel dripping out of the spare wheel well.
I looked at my '79 300TD and noticed the tank was made of metal so I located an older metal expansion tank as a replacement after trying to use JB weld on the crack. just another of the little things MB did to lower the overall quality of the 1985 cars. Besides crappy paint, clear coat and that small transmission!
DDH

Thanks guys for the info!!!
It makes it so easy to ask here and get answers.
Mine has all the nipples broke off, so I guess it's
Off to google land to see what I can find.
Looks like its over a $130.
Any good leads on a cheap one or a alternative tank?

I replaced the cracked plastic tank in my 85 TD with the metal version. No more smell. I bought it from a forum member here. I would recommend placing a WTB ad in the parts section and search there. I think there are some wagons being parted out.

Do you have a part number for the metal tank?

place a WTB ad in the parts section. The guys that visit junkyards will eventually find one for you. I've sold at least one on the forum.

I think I have one from my 84. PM Me.