While attempting to start, for the first time, a 1981 380SL I bought recently, I noticed gas pouring out of a part near the fuel distributor. The part is # 0 280 161 007. (Actual pic attached - referring to the gold-ish color thing in the middle of the image).

The leak appears to be from the bottom of the part, not near the inlet line or outlet line.

Interwebs says the part is the 'fuel pressure damper'.

Car only has 80k miles. Curious why it failed. Just a deteriorated rubber membrane inside, perhaps?

Is there an adjustment that can be made or do I just replace the part?

Thanks guys.

Attached Thumbnails