Proper orientation of fuel cap gasket on 280sl?

[mrfatboy]

I bought a fuel cap gasket for my '69 280sl from the local Mercedes dealership.  Part number # 1104710280.  One side is cork and the other side is rubber.  What side should meet that gas tank filler tube?  In other words, what side should be seen when you take off the gas cap?

I have attached the photos of both sides of same gasket.

[zoegrlh]

Cork

[Mechudo62]

I just replaced mine with the cork on the outside, it really makes a difference in keeping fuel and fumes inside the tank!

[mrfatboy]

Thanks everybody.  The cork side was my original thought as well.

[Raymond]

You might smear the cork side with a little bit of Vaseline.  It won't hurt anything and will make it easier to tighten and loose and lengthen the life of the seal. 

[Lou F]

That is is good tip Raymond.  I bought a new fuel cap back in December and the cork is starting to crack.

[kampala]

The cork fuel cap seal did not work for me.  It fell apart after only a few fill-ups and it was from Mercedes.   

Since then I replaced with the fuel cap seal with a non-cork one and it's been perfect.  Also a Mercedes part:  1404710079

[Mike K]

The cork fuel cap seal did not work for me.  It fell apart after only a few fill-ups and it was from Mercedes.   

Since then I replaced with the fuel cap seal with a non-cork one and it's been perfect.  Also a Mercedes part:  1404710079

I've also had similar issues with several Mercedes-sourced cork seals. After going through about 5 of them (vaseline & all), I finally replaced it with a rubber seal and no more issues.

I also use vaseline around the rubber seal, as well as dry lubricant in the fuel cap locking mechanism, which I've found gets dried out from the fuel, it starts binding and becomes more difficult to turn and lock. I lubricate these about once a month, and this sorts out any issues.

Best,
Mike

[114015]

Since then I replaced with the fuel cap seal with a non-cork one and it's been perfect.  Also a Mercedes part:  1404710079

That's the one to go for. 
Use the original MB part (or equivalent). Never ever use cork again.
I put a bit vaseline (or MoS₂-containing black grease) on both sides of the gasket and it works perfectly. Very smooth locking of the cap on the filler neck and it's tight !

BTW, the A140 471 0079 is blue nowadays and resistant against modern fuel qualities what other (older) rubber gaskets might not be.


Best,

Achim
(fuelfillercapcollector)

[Iconic]

Achim,
Actually wasn't the cork seal the original for our cars? I believe it was original on my '70 280 SL.
The cork works fine for me once I bought a replacement from the Classic Center.
Here is another post on the subject:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17215.msg118902#msg118902

[Jonny B]

I Believe you are correct about the original part - cork. I went with a cork replacement and it lasted for a while, the I saw the post about the gasket replacement from MB, and ordered two of them for my cars. I put the blue ones in place and have had no issues putting the cap on or taking it off.