Wagon fuel expansion tank leak - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimmyL · #1 07-19-2006, 03:22 PM

Massive fumes and a puddle under the left rear of car. Fuel dripping out of the hole in bottom of area where spare tire goes.
I can see a drip coming from behind this exp tank (correct terminology?), but don't know if tank is cracked or if one of the 3 lines is leaking.
This happened a day after filling up the wagon, and it has been over 105 for the last 3 days or so.
I found no info at all on my searches, as expansion gets expansion valve threads, auxiliary gets aux. fan and coolant tank threads.
I've seen threads about these plastic ones cracking, which I assume has happened to me.
So:
I guess I will attempt JB weld first. When I undo the lines and take this out, will I get a rush of fuel from the lines? I've burned off 1/8 of a tank or so since fillup. Can I plug and drive wagon like this for a day or so? Can I plug one and loop the other two together with fuel line while repair is hardening.
Do wagons have these due to a more flattened out tank?
Thanks yall,

Motorhead · #2 07-19-2006, 08:10 PM

If you have the black plastic tank, you will NOT have any luck patching it. I know... I tried!! I bought a new one from the dealer. If you are lucky enough to find one out of about an '82 wagon or earlier, they are a steel tank. I found a steel one for our old wagon. You might have overfilled your tank and caused it to leak.

dmorrison · #3 07-20-2006, 12:25 AM

They had a wagon at the junk dealer ( I think 80-81) a while ago. Don't know if they still have it.
Southwest on 121 past the North east mall in Bedford. Exit Carson street, your in North Richland hills or Richland Hills.. At the T go right and it will be on the left. forst or second junk dealer. Can't remember the name. But there an import place.

it's on Elliot Reeder Road.

Dave

JimmyL · #4 07-20-2006, 12:30 AM

Thanks to both of yall.
I doubt the JB Weld will hold, but it sure is enjoyable to try......

aaronkobi · #5 04-21-2008, 01:15 PM

Hey Jimmy, I know this was posted a long time ago, but, I was wondering what ever happened with your expansion tank leak/repair. 2 sources gave me $500 quotes for new ones, no thanks! I figure I'll try JB Weld or just not fill my tank up all the way any more!

Motorhead · #6 04-21-2008, 01:31 PM

On our old '84, the same thing happened. The origional plastic tank leaked. I bought a new one and it leaked after 2 years. I found a metal one from an older TD and no more problems. JB weld will NOT work on the plastic tank.

Chad300tdt · #7 04-21-2008, 01:37 PM

I bought a new plastic Fuel Expansion Tank from my local MB dealer for $120. I'll be keeping my eyes open at the yards for an early model metal expansion tank to use as a back-up if the new plastic one cracks.

aaronkobi · #8 04-21-2008, 01:58 PM

Chad, mind if I ask who your local dealer is? That's a major difference from the prices I found, I may have to call them up.

Chad300tdt · #9 04-21-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronkobi

Chad, mind if I ask who your local dealer is? That's a major difference from the prices I found, I may have to call them up.

R&S Imports (affiliated with MB of Fort Washington)
215.646.7700.

The only hassle is they require you to fill out a credit card authorization form and fax it to them for every order.

Sbean · #10 04-21-2008, 08:45 PM

Be sure the spare tire isn't damaged by soaking in fuel.
Steve

JimmyL · #11 04-21-2008, 09:31 PM

The JB Weld didn't work AT ALL! I bought a metal one from somebody here on the forum, can't remember who though. {Thanks to whomever!!}

Haven't given it a second thought since.......

Seems like I paid 25-40 bucks plus shipping. Somewhere in that range. I feel better about it now.....

aaronkobi · #12 04-22-2008, 12:47 AM

Thanks to Chad, I got a new one for $150... not $40 like you paid Jimmy, but a hell of a lot better than $500 that a couple dealers quoted. Wish I could have found a metal one... oh well.