420SEL 1990. I went to put gas in it yesterday and the fuel door will not open. Does this operate on vacuum with the door locks? I tried locking and unlocking the doors several times, no luck. Any ideas?

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87 300SDL 278,000mi - RIP
82 300SD 260,000mi - RIP
84 300D 178,000mi - SOLD
90 420SEL 178,000 - Daily Driver

This message was generated using 100% recycled electrons.

In the trunk there is a lever you can pull to unlock the fuel pump door. It is very close to the door, so look in that area of the trunk

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Closing the store
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Thanks, I'll give that a try when I get home.

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87 300SDL 278,000mi - RIP
82 300SD 260,000mi - RIP
84 300D 178,000mi - SOLD
90 420SEL 178,000 - Daily Driver

This message was generated using 100% recycled electrons.

Yes, vacuum does lock/unlock the fuel door.

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Fred Hoelzle

Yes, the fuel door operates on the same vacuum system as central locking. The pump for the system is located in the trunk next to the spare tire encased in a block of foam.

There are a few things that could cause it. First, the door itself is thin metal and the little hoop that the lock pin goes through can get bent which can cause the lock pin to stick. Dirt or other foreign matter can make it stick.

Try pushing in on the door a bit as you unlock the passenger's door. That might take away the friction caused by a bend in the hasp part of the door.

Use the release in the trunk if you have to.

Once you get it open, leave it open and lock/unlock the system several times. Look in there to see if the little black plastic pin moves in and out.

I'd be willing to bet you have a surplus of friction somewhere in that mechanism. Either that or a vacuum leak, but I bet friction.

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-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition

Just wanted to say thanks to all who responded. A special thanks to tinypanzer, you hit the nail on the head. I went out with a can of compressed air and sprayed it through the crack in the door and it opened right up! Thanks again!

__________________
87 300SDL 278,000mi - RIP
82 300SD 260,000mi - RIP
84 300D 178,000mi - SOLD
90 420SEL 178,000 - Daily Driver

This message was generated using 100% recycled electrons.