Vacuum element - Fuel filler door
 

Heard hissing sounds from the fuel filler door's vacuum element. Received the Mercedes replacement part today, but seems the part have been redesigned. The stem is ~1 inch shorter, see pic; left side = new replacement, right side = original.

Due to the shorter stem, the fuel filler door remains LOCKED always. :(

So looks like some modifications will be required here....

Only picture I could find
 

AND the Mercedes part number for it is:
000 800 80 75
(The triple Zero prefix means it's a Standard Automobile Type Part Generic)

AND it sure does look like the "Incorrectly Engineered/Length Challenged " problem they sold you.

There is mention of a 124 XXX XX XX type part number with a round actuator type housing for
a certain serial number series of chassis. [Only the Shadow Knows]

Thanks, that is the exact part# on the pkg. It's a genuine Mercedes part, has Mercedes name & logo on it. It looked identical to mine, till I had them side by side. :o

Yes, I saw the round actuator one too, I think it's for later models.

I took both of them apart to try to swap just the "rubber seal" from the new part to the original to try to make this work. But unfortunately, the "rubber seal" is molded to the stem....so can't just swap the rubber seal over. :(

BUT what will work is if I cut the locking metal rod by ~1 inch.
See pic# 1, closed position...look how far the metal rod sticks out. :eek:
See pic# 2, open position...metal rod is STILL sticking out, locking the filler door.

Pic# 3, metal rod
Pic# 4, If I cut/shorten the metal rod by 1 inch...should fix it. ;)

Finishing off the thread, shortened the metal rod by 1 inch...now works perfect. :)
Pic#1 - closed position
Pic# 2 - open position

Hooray!
 

'Nice Bevel on that finished rod.

I just noticed noises from the vacuum filler element locking mechanism this week. Today I put my hand over the locking mechanism immediately after unlocking the car, and could feel air coming from the gas cover locking mechanism (see pic).

Any suggestions on diagnostic next steps before I go through trying to replace the lock mechanism?

http://s22.postimg.org/6lzhsx2y9/gas_air_leak_arrow.jpg

Air Leak
 

#1. We'll Be able to help you more if you'll tell us what year and model.

(Sounds like the fuel filler door element has an air leak.)

See "Cypress's" number three reply description above.

1989 260e

Time Lag is Killing Me !
 

Internet access is limited @ present and It's driving me Nuts!

EPC says that the same two "Elements" are used both with the 260 e
Station Wagon JAPAN

and the 300 Sedan 2.8 Liter (U.S. ONLY)

Up to 9 of 1989 the Element is Part Number 129 800 20 75

After 9 0f 1989 the Element part Number is 129 800 25 75

Your VIN Number will determine the correct element @ Purchase Time.

ALSO one of the versions has ANOTHER separate Actuating Rod that the Element acts upon to "Lock" the Door.

First, before you condemn your Element, Inspect it outside the Chassis to make sure a Vacuum/Pressure Hose has not come "Loose".

You'll have to go in through the Trunk, after removing the Felt Covered Fiber Board lining of the Sedan
(I Gots No earthly Idea how to get the S.W.'s Element out.)

Oh! And Y'all Gots P.M. Traffic,Incoming.

This is great info, thx very much. Sounds like a nice little project for New Years' weekend.