Good Morning All,

This is my first post to this great Forum, which appears to have a wealth of knowledge!

I am dealing with a 78 289CE. I am in the process of repairing and replacing rusty fuel and brake lines, running from the engine bay to the rear end. My particular question is about the fuel return line. There is a rubber hose connecting the hardline to the fuel tank. I want to remove and install a new section of hose.

Does the return line dead-end above or below the level of the fuel in the tank? More specifically, when I pull the old hose off, am I going to be wearing a shower of gasoline!

Help is appreciated.

The return is below the fuel level. Drain the tank prior to removing that line unless you're a fan of gasoline.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Thanks for the reply (that I suspected and really didn't want to hear!).

I told my wife last night that I wasn't going to take a shower. I anticipated a real mess in the near future. The tank is filled with 20 gallons of high test and not enough containers to drain. I guess I'll put on some disposable clothes and goggles, and have the drain pan and LOTS of rags handy. One hand quickly yanks the old hose off, and the thumb of the other hand attempts to stop the flow until the new hose is seated. All while laying on my back with the hose pretty much directly above.

Pinch off the old hose with a pair of vise grips to give yourself a little more time and an extra hand. That way, you can pull the old hose off the line and get the new one on it before having to deal with the fuel at that point. Only have to pull the switcharoo on the tank fitting with fuel flowing. Make sure you have a clamp hanging on the hose before you put it on the tank...

Pretty much what you suggested. My plan (subject to change) was to clamp the existing hose in the middle. Pull the end off the hard line first. Attach the new section of hose and clamp to the hard line. Lastly ..... put on my 'big boy pants' and go for broke.