Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: k on March 25, 2004, 15:09:10

Title: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: k on March 25, 2004, 15:09:10
Wondering if anyone has a source for the correct gas cap.  Mine is clearly not the right one as it appears brass in color on the inside and does not fit tight; and leaks if topped of beyonf 3/4's.

Doug Kim has a sweet chrome one w/star logo in center w/out lock, that cost him $135.

Millers has four types

-lock vented
-lock w/out vent

-no lock vented
-no lock no vent

-plastic

wondering if non-vented will stop leak or create pressure problems
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Douglas on March 25, 2004, 15:11:12
(Mine is locking.)

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: k on March 25, 2004, 15:13:15
Is it with key or ratchet type
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Douglas on March 25, 2004, 15:39:13
It's a key-type. Here is a link to Richard Madison's juicy expose on this topic where he tells all and names names.

Link: http://index.php?topic=566,cap

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: n/a on March 25, 2004, 18:15:17
Original MB gas cap, small key version, 000-471-20-30 $91.02 . The 1970-71 type can be ordered, with great difficulty, to the original key code.
tom in CA

tom in CA
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: JamesL on March 26, 2004, 05:03:18
I had a leaky filler cap so forked out for a nice new one. Genyouwine from Georgia. A very light brass colour on the inside and a cork gasket - just like the original (only with a 2nd key)

And I now have 2 leaky fuel caps :(

anything much above 3/4 of a tank and it leaks - on acceleration and on the rampof my garage

I'm going to try a rubber gasket in the old cap and see if that improves matters.

With gas at $9 a gallon, you really don't want to be pouring out the back of your car!
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Naj ✝︎ on March 26, 2004, 07:25:58
Tosh,
You sure its leaking from the cap and not the three little breathers behind the cowl in the trunk?
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: k on March 26, 2004, 09:56:32
yes, my trunk was dry' and right bumper and body under cas cap were coated with gas.
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: k on March 26, 2004, 09:59:53
Still unclear; do these gas cap provide a hermetic seal that prevents leakage?

Is leakage from a faulty backflow flap or valve in tank or to do all 60s era caps have some leakage?

I assume the "vented" do leak?
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: JamesL on March 26, 2004, 11:18:00
Naj

Definitely the cap - over the bumper (mainly) and I can wipe fuel off the cap(s!)
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: k on March 26, 2004, 11:39:07
Tosh,

Is your from Buds Bens (Georgia?) is it the $135 or $85; vented, non-vented? lockable? star MB logo?

MB Part#? or aftermarket?
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: blairwag on March 26, 2004, 11:45:46
I bought my replacement locking vented gas cap from Tom Hansen at Calliber Motors. Bandy-new, Genuine MB parts. It  was easy, fast delivery, and cost $86.00 + S&H.  It was cheaper than buying it from SLTech and eBay! The cap IS vented, and does NOT leak fuel on the back of the car. It is totally chromed on the outside, and a black rubber seal that meets the gas tank's filler hole.  However, I don't STOMP on the throttle that often, full take on not.

Those of you with leaks, just MIGHT have a gas tank filler hole that is out of round!


--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
William Blair Wagner: blairwag@earthlink.net
Education is not always knowing the answer,
...but rather knowing where to look for it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: JamesL on March 26, 2004, 13:14:00
k

MB part 000 471 20 30 - so the "Small Key" version that halfviking referred to. The gasket is cork. It was certainly shipped from Georgia so I guess Bud's

A friend gave me some gasket material so I'll give that a stab over the weekend
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: peterm on March 26, 2004, 14:56:07
Bought the new and found it leaked, took the seal from my old aftermarket cap and added it to the cork one on my new cap and voila problem solved.  It does take a little more effort to open, but I only visit a station once in a blue moon (second full moon in a calender month)
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Dick M on March 26, 2004, 22:29:16
Is the cap for 280SL suppose to be vented or unvented?
Dick
1970 280SL
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Tom on March 26, 2004, 23:12:55
Dick,

Later models with US emissions were un-vented.  Tom Hanson can get you one keyed to your existing key if you give him your lock number off of the data card.

Best,

Tom

____________________________________

Tom
1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown
1994 E320 Cabriolet, Smoke Silver
1999 E320 Wagon 4 matic, Brilliant Silver
____________________________________
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Cees Klumper on March 27, 2004, 00:46:35
I suppose that on cars without the heavy-duty US emission controls, either vented or non-vented would work equally well. That is, these have the overflow canister in the trunk which will allow excess pressure to escape that way, rather than through the gas cap? I don't have the emission controls on my 1969 280 SL, and I do have the small canister in the trunk, and no leaks from the (non-venting) cap. When I bought the car, it did have a gas leak over the rear bumper etc., and I replaced the cap with a new, locking non-venting one. End of leak (at least from the cap - there was another leak from the fuel pump, which was then also replaced).

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: 113gray on March 27, 2004, 09:22:57
My gas cap is unlike any other I've seen in that it is unchromed & is a dark lead gray color. It is keyed (w/ lost key), unvented I think, exactly the same shape as chromed ones, doesn't leak & has a small star logo. Actually, to me it looks appropriate for this model given it's somewhat more primative nature compared to later cars. But in my new copy of Fazination, all of the rear views of early models appear to have chrome gas caps. I had earlier assumed mine to be original but now wonder if it is a replacement or possibly correct for for a '66 230SL  (Italian). This is clearly nitpicking at nothing very important, but has anybody seen one like this ?         -JP-
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Douglas on March 27, 2004, 10:44:24
I have that exact cap on my 1973 W114 280 sedan. Since the W114 has a gas cap that's covered with a "door" that flips open and it's less pricey that a Pagoda, it  makes sense that the gas cap is less fancy.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Cees Klumper on March 27, 2004, 11:02:00
The leaky cap that was on my car when I bought it was the "dark lead-gray" color you describe JP. I much preferred the chrome once I saw that on.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: J. Huber on March 27, 2004, 11:47:38
Hello.

I too have the (anodized?) grey MBZ cap. Not dark but medium matte grey. It is locking and uses the large Ymos 2-sided key. I cannot be sure if it was taken from a 114 or is a 113 variety. I have had it since '79. I think I have seen other grey ones that were not locking and had the raised center for a good grip.

Chrome is nice but the anodized grey works fine for me (until I really run out of other things to do!)

PS It does not leak!
James
63 230SL
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Dick M on March 29, 2004, 23:56:23
Tom..
Do you know if your cap is vented or unvented?

Dick

quote:
Originally posted by Tom

Dick,

Later models with US emissions were un-vented.  Tom Hanson can get you one keyed to your existing key if you give him your lock number off of the data card.

Best,

Tom

____________________________________

Tom
1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown
1994 E320 Cabriolet, Smoke Silver
1999 E320 Wagon 4 matic, Brilliant Silver
____________________________________




Dick M
1970 280SL
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: k on March 30, 2004, 09:53:12
OK, now I am thoroughly confused about gas caps

-Numerous pots recommend the $85 MB part 000 471 20 30; however, once person who has it says it leaks; and with a cork seal I can't imagine how this would seal any leaks??

-There seems to be mass confusion about venting; again; my sense is if it vents it leaks; unless this a presure actyivated valve that only relase with psi pressure and not backwash splash from tank

-the grey metal version appears to be a generic 113 cap; and not a chromed new MB part curretly available.

-The $135 cap seems to be the only one that does not leak, as it lock and is non-vented.

-Calls the Budds, Millers, Star all revealled a $125 price, with no confirmation as to MB part #.

So, now I am more confused than when this started


?'s

-Who has the $85 cap that doesn't leak
-Anyone have photos of cap, seal, keys
-Can an expert diagnose leaks: ie, cap, air line under trunk cover, pressure canister?
-Define vented?
-Do these caps provide a hermetic seal; ie, put it one twist down rubber seal and NOTHING comes out ever?
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Cees Klumper on March 30, 2004, 10:17:24
OK let me try. My new cap (1969 280 SL, no US emission controls) is unvented. I'm almost positive that it has a rubber (rather than cork) seal, and it is chromed. Not sure what the cost was, or the part number. It came with two smallish keys, non-plasticized, round/oval head.
I would imagine vented caps do not leak. I mean, what would be the point of making and selling caps that leak gas. There is the possibility that a good cap still leaks, but that would then be due to the filler neck being distorted, as one poster noted, so the cap cannot seal properly.

What we need to end this kind of confusion is one document that is THE definitive, quality-controlled collection of all of these facts, tribal knowledge, wisdom etc that we can consult. We're working on it ...

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: n/a on March 30, 2004, 17:53:05
All W113 gas caps are non-vented from MB. 1963-1969 cars all use the 000-471-20-30 with the small key. it will also work on the 71-71. The later cap is a 000-471-47-30. The only difference is the key. I can order any of them keyed to the original key code, but this is a major headache. The "matte finish" caps were used on sedans, covered by a gas filler door. These are all now black. That's it.


tom in CA
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: ja17 on March 30, 2004, 17:53:11
I believe all W113 cars came with a chrome locking gas cap from the factory. The exact same caps were often used behind the gas doors of Mercedes sedans of the era. However since they were hidden in this case, they were left in their natural gray pot metal / zinc color and were not chromed. Often times the expensive original chrome gas caps have been replaced with the less expensive and more plentiful sedan caps over the years (various similar or dissimilar versions).
In addition later Mercedes gas caps also fit earlier cars and are often used as inexpensive substitutes. So you find these being offered for sale just to simply perform the function without much expense.
Early Mercedes gas tanks had no vent built in so gas caps were vented. When fuel tanks were produced with their own venting systems, then the gas caps could be non-vented for safety and polution concerns. I am not eactly sure when these changes were made.
I recently paid $200.00 for an original used 190-SL chrome locking gas cap and considered myself lucky to even find one. The only replacement cap supplied by Mercedes for a 190-SL is a locking W113 chrome gas cap, which fits but is not correct! Some photo documentation would be nice at this point.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Naj ✝︎ on March 31, 2004, 03:37:50
Here is a picture of a Late 280 cap - one key fits all type.
Note cork seal ring.


Download Attachment: (http://images/icon_paperclip.gif) Fcap084.JPG (http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/naj/20043315371_Fcap084.JPG)
28.1 KB

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Richard Madison on March 31, 2004, 15:46:21
K: I will clear up your confusion...here's the final answer...

I previously told the story of the two MB chrome gas caps. If you want to read about them, go to the link below.

I have a chrome, locking, MB gas cap that looks exactly like the original correct 113 cap. It costs $85, about half of the other cap.  This less expensive cap has a smaller key, otherwise identical. It is unvented and DOES NOT LEAK!

Call Tom Hanson ("halfviking") and get the cap already!

Richard M
http://index.php?topic=566
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: JamesL on April 03, 2004, 02:51:20
k

I changed the gasket/seal ring (to a rubber) on mine and it is now sealed - as in no leaks over my nice chrome. The cap is slightly harder to get on the car but it does not leak

So I have a spare cap (with 1 key)

Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: John A. Dean on April 05, 2004, 08:23:34
I also had the grey cap from a sedan on my SL.  It didn't leak but also didn't look right.  A new one is available from MB for way too much money.  Ones from old cars looked pretty ratty and their cork seals wouldn't seal anything.  I found a chrome, non-keyed non-vented cap that fits perfectly, looks fine and doesn't leak, at Pep Boys for seven bucks.  It won't win any concours but looks right on the car.  One more alternative solution to your problem.

1969 280SL, manual, MB TEX, green/cognac
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: Dick M on April 05, 2004, 09:39:36
Being too cheap to buy nice new chrome cap I buffed out the old gray one.  Requires a little maintenance but looks much better.


Download Attachment: (http://images/icon_paperclip.gif) cap.jpg (http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/Dick%20M/20044511370_cap.jpg)
83.21 KB

Dick M
1970 280SL
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: k on May 10, 2004, 10:58:27
Finally ordered a new gas cap #000-471-47-30 from Calibre; its beautiful.  Filled up a tank; put on the cap, turned it tight & locked. No leaks & no fumes!

Price seems to have been lowered bu MB; as it was $60 all in; where as previously it was $135.  I specificall asked for -47-30 model, as opposed to the -2030 replacement.

Very nice, with black mercedes key; polished chrome and nice Star logo!

THanks for the all the advice!
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: n/a on May 10, 2004, 17:49:00
MB raised the price on these as of May 3rd. It more than doubled !!


tom in CA
Title: Re: Correct Gas cap? Leaking? Fumes Etc?
Post by: blairwag on May 10, 2004, 19:04:10
I bought my locking MB cap last summer from Calibur motors. Tom Hansen cooked me up.  It was $89.00 at the time. I was very pleased. I saw the same cap go on eBay for $125.00.

--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
William Blair Wagner: blairwag@earthlink.net
Education is not always knowing the answer,
...but rather knowing where to look for it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~