My 79 300SD does the same thing...I also think some fuel pumps have a more sensitive shut-off mechanism than others...Anyone else experience that?

Very rarely can I use the auto shut-off gadget...It will usually work on the first few gallons, but only on the lowest setting, then I have to do the rest by hand. I wish there was a fix, because I could be under the hood checking fluids while I'm filling up, and it would save a lot of time.
...Oh, well...

It also doesn't seem to be as big an issue on my girlfriend's mother's SD, which is exactly like mine. I wonder why...

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1979 300 SD
350,000 miles
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1982 300D-gone---sold to a buddy
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1985 300TD
270,000 miles
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1994 E320
not my favorite, but the wife wanted it

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Bill:

Nominal tank volume in 16.5 gal. Mine appears to be just about that size, since I got 16 gal in after running it out of fuel and adding about half a gallon of diesel (and pumping/cranking forever.....).

Check for a dent in the bottom if it seems to hold less, and be aware that the fuel sender can fill up with black crud, preventing the float from going all the way down.

Mike:

Dont' set the pump for full delivery rate, and make sure the vent lines aren't pinched or plugged. I don't have any trouble with either the W115 or the W124 with foam -- the only time I've had to "ease" the fuel in was at a truck stop on the 300D when the nozzle wouldn't fit in the filler neck.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!