Fuel Tank issues - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

280sleuro · #1 07-31-2008, 08:06 AM

Hi everyone. My fuel pump in my 85 280SL started making a loud buzzing sound so I replaced the pump, but it also made noise. After checking the system I determinded it was a clogged before the pump. I removed the gas tank and found the outlet screen was clogged with red color gook. I cleaned the screen and tank till there was no sign of loose particles. This lasted about 100 miles before the pump started to buzz again. This time the screen was clogged with very fine particles. This screen is such a fine mesh it does'nt take much for it to clog. I took the tank to a shop that specializes in cleaning tanks. They acid and steamed cleaned it but was reluntant to coat the tank with sealer because they had a customer that had problems after coating his SL tank. My question is, has anyone had experience with cleaning and coating these tanks. I hear pros and cons about this process. I was also thinking of removing the screen inside the tank and installing an external filter before the pump .. any ideas.
Thanks, Jim

neds380sl · #2 07-31-2008, 08:16 AM

I have personally never had that problem, but I know that lining the tank after cleaning is pretty much standard practice. I would not simply leave it as-is after steam cleaning it. You must have rust inside it, and will continue to have problems unless it is stabilized. Hope this helps. Ned

nobby · #3 08-01-2008, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280sleuro

Hi everyone. My fuel pump in my 85 280SL started making a loud buzzing sound so I replaced the pump, but it also made noise. After checking the system I determinded it was a clogged before the pump. I removed the gas tank and found the outlet screen was clogged with red color gook. I cleaned the screen and tank till there was no sign of loose particles. This lasted about 100 miles before the pump started to buzz again. This time the screen was clogged with very fine particles. This screen is such a fine mesh it does'nt take much for it to clog. I took the tank to a shop that specializes in cleaning tanks. They acid and steamed cleaned it but was reluntant to coat the tank with sealer because they had a customer that had problems after coating his SL tank. My question is, has anyone had experience with cleaning and coating these tanks. I hear pros and cons about this process. I was also thinking of removing the screen inside the tank and installing an external filter before the pump .. any ideas.
Thanks, Jim

Did you look inside the tank with a mirror to see the condition? Is it, in fact, rusty?
Where are you buying your fuel? One spot or all over?

280sleuro · #4 08-01-2008, 07:19 AM

The tank looked very clean after they cleaned it. It had some black areas where I assumed the acid neutralized the rust. I did notice yesterday when I siphoned the gas out of the tank that the filler neck has rust scale. I guess they could'nt clean it because of the plastic flap by the gas cap. I plan on taking the tank back to the shop and have them clean it once more, and this time have them coat the inside with sealer. What I'm curious about is if anyone out in this forum has ever had their tank coated with good/bad results.

freshairfiend · #5 08-01-2008, 02:50 PM

Haven't ever had the tank n my 280SL cleaned or coated but did on an old convertible Olds '98. I'd had all kinds of fuel blockage problems and the cleaning and coating worked like a charm for as long as I kept the car (several years) The sealer/coating used is chemically inert and shouldn't strip or break up