Swapping/cleaning tanks and it doesn't fit! HELP - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

NCfriend · #1 07-20-2011, 09:43 PM

So I hope I got the attention of some other tanks out there....
Please see the attached photo.

I am in the middle of swapping my old 1977 300D's original gunk-filled tank with a shiny clean, younger one. The '77 had 50k of SVO use and was to the point of clogging the primary every 200miles or less

!

So I had a clean tank sitting loose in my donor 1983 240D. Popped it out (been out by PVO) and gave another rinse. Have new hoses and screen ready. Finally wrestled out my old tank and put side-by-side = they are very different sizes overall

Is this normal to vary over the years?
Or do I have a clean coupe tank (tank in top of the pic)?

Looks like this "newer" tank is much smaller and is formed to shorter wheel-wells. Sure I could use a little more trunk space, but once the metal trunk plate is installed the space will be the same.
Seems like the top tank will line-up normal, but am I just loosing capacity for unusable space??

Any estimates on the gallon difference?

Looking for help to identify these tanks

DeliveryValve · #2 07-20-2011, 10:05 PM

The 1983 240D came with a 17.2 gallon tank.

The 300D came with a 21.1 gallon tank.

You'll need to get another 300D tank if you want the same capacity.

.

leathermang · #3 07-20-2011, 10:09 PM

If you read the FSM... almost everything on these cars had at least THREE incarnations.... ( changes ).....

boneheaddoctor · #4 07-20-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

If you read the FSM... almost everything on these cars had at least THREE incarnations.... ( changes ).....

And THAT has tripped up a LOT of people too. Usually before they get a LOT of experience with these, and even then something trips you up from time to time.

leathermang · #5 07-20-2011, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

And THAT has tripped up a LOT of people too. Usually before they get a LOT of experience with these, and even then something trips you up from time to time.

AMEN... I was reading yesterday about a change in the depth of the screw hole in the flywheel.... that means that if a person used the wrong bolt.. and torqued it incorrectly... it would break off... perhaps even if they torqued it correctly... given the pressure would be applied above the thread line of the hole...

NCfriend · #6 07-20-2011, 10:27 PM

So to clarify: it DOES look like a 17.2 gal from a later 240D?

I know if will work, plenty of room now, but ANY other concerns beside total capacity?

Fuel sender will read same depth for any tank, right (if it's not jumping around)?

And to show I'm a novice: what are the FSM and can they be referenced from a public location?

leathermang · #7 07-20-2011, 10:41 PM

FSM.... Factory Service Manual ...
if you look long enough you can find them in paperback..
otherwise in CD form ...
I thought the fuel gauge was meant to jump around to keep the driver from going to sleep... no ?

NCfriend · #8 07-20-2011, 10:59 PM

It is very entertaining to say the least; the only gauge with real action while driving...
unless you are getting ready to overheat or kill an engine.
Funny to watch it go from full to reserve and back again in less than a couple miles

so why did that smaller 240d tank have these impressions like modeling to match wheel-wells?
Did the metal plate mount closer to these smaller tanks to give you more trunk cargo space? Curiouser and curiouser, Alice

Oh, and behind the tank was also where the mice had nested!

Taking the tank out, it wouldn't clear top/bottom without removing the screen and its connected hose.
On install: is it recommended to position tank and then install the new screen + hose??

layback40 · #9 07-20-2011, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCfriend

So to clarify: it DOES look like a 17.2 gal from a later 240D?

And to show I'm a novice: what are the FSM and can they be referenced from a public location?

When you fill it you will be able to tell us !!

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