So I was cleaning my 1982 300td and decided to wipe down the fuel filler area and took the door off to get be able to clean it more easily. Well, one of the little pins that acts as a hinge fell into an open hole next to the fuel filler neck. I tried multiple methods to get that little pin out and ended up just pushing it farther in. After about an hour, I was able to take apart the hose and eventually pop the pin out with a little screwdriver.

What I'm wondering is what this tube is for? It seem to run to the fuel tank behind what I believe to be the negative pressure vent line. Once I took the rubber line off, it seemed to be plugged with dried grease? Because of the angle, I wasn't really able to get a good look down any farther.

Any thoughts?

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It runs down inside the fender to an outlet along the bottom edge. It's sole purpose is to allow water and spilled fuel to drain away. Make sure you replace the hose, or spilled Diesel will eventually make your trunk quite fragrant.

it's the overfill/spill drain. it just dumps on to the ground.

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1982 300sd from craigslist $800 greased on one tank with NO CONVERSION in the Hot Texas Sun. (currently dead & awaiting engine damage investigation and/or longblock swap)
new daily: '03 vw 5speed jetta tdi wagon. bagged&chipped