Hello all, I'm new to here and to these cars (bought 2 this year). I've been scanning around to try to avoid asking old questions but I have 2 that I haven't really found answers to:

1- on my 84 300td there's a plastic tank behind the spare tire with 3 lines coming out of it. I've been scanning the service manuals but I can't seem to identify it. does anyone know what it is??

2-on my 85 300d I need to replace the steel transmission cooler lines (sprung a leak). I was going to take it to the mechanic thinking it would be very hard for average me to find the lines, but I just found a used pair without any sign of rust for $95. Anyone have any experience to know if this is a good price?

Hi, welcome to the group!

I won't be much help but maybe a little... Since I'm not familiar with the TD, I'd guess the tank in the rear is a rear window washer res. if it has a rear wiper...

As for the lines, if it was me, I'd resect the part of the line that was cracked/rusted or otherwise leaking. You can get some matching sized steel fuel line and a compression fitting and simply replace the bad section. If it's on the end, you can get your mechanic to put a flare in it for you to match the coupler it's connected to.

I did this years ago on one of my cars and it lasted for years. Was still working when I sold the car.

__________________
-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Thanks for the thoughts on the transmission line. it is near the front end of the line, the break is right at the mount by the oil pan.

The tank isn't the washer fluid, that reservior is on the passenger side where the first aid kit is. This is a black plastic tank with three lines coming out of it that as far as i can tell head forward towards the passenger side.

What color are the lines? Possibly the vac reservoir?

I think that tank is a part of the fuel system.
Just cut the steel lines and patch in a piece of rubber hose with double clamps. Simply, quick and effective.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

If the tank has plastic lines with 1 being yellow then it is a vacuum tank.

__________________
1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

Lines sure look like fuel lines on mine.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Definitely not vacuum related. could be part of the fuel system i suppose.
just to clarify I'm not having any issues with the tank, just been curious for a while what it is.
assuming it is part of the fuel system, any idea what it does?

on the TD:

How big is the tank? It could have been part of a two-tank veggie oil system conversion that was previously installed.

Can you post any pics?

John

__________________
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
2002 F250 powerstroke with Plantdrive WVO conversion
1983 300SD 190K miles ,sold
2006 E320 CDI

About the transmission cooler lines. You may get away with repair but I was not so fortunate when this occurred. New lines were about $50 each from the dealer so those used lines seem a little pricey to me. On some parts, such as steel lines with custom bends, it might be money ahead to check at the dealer as some items are not always unreasonably priced there.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Can't help on the tranny lines.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

its the fuel expansion tank for the TD...

The black plastic tank in the left rear near the spare tire is the fuel expansion tank. You can get a new one from a MB dealer if you need to replace it.

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Thanks for the info.
fuel expansion tank: that explains why I can't follow those lines any further than the fuel tank.
transmission lines: I'll be calling the dealer today to price them (didn't think used would be more expensive)