Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: jtranter on August 10, 2014, 15:37:29

Title: Gasoline smell in the trunk and poor mileage
Post by: jtranter on August 10, 2014, 15:37:29

When I open the trunk of my 280SL, I get a strong smell of gasoline.  My MPG is also poor.  I think this is the result of pin holes in my gas tank.  However, before I have the tank removed and assessed, I thought I'd ask if anyone else has had this problem or knows what's going on for advice.  Thanks.

Title: Re: Gasoline smell in the trunk and poor mileage
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on August 10, 2014, 16:00:50

Have a read in the tech manual ----> http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Fuel/TrunkOdor

Title: Re: Gasoline smell in the trunk and poor mileage
Post by: jameshoward on August 10, 2014, 18:03:44

I'd start by checking the fuel hoses. They perish over time. Give the lines a good squeeze and see if you get wet mitts!

Title: Re: Gasoline smell in the trunk and poor mileage
Post by: kampala on August 10, 2014, 19:07:28

You can easily check two items in the trunk  (see the link Rolf-Dieter provided) --

1. remove the plastic (usually white) disc on the floor of the trunk and see if you sending unit gasket is leaking.
2. remove the hump metal cover in the trunk near your right taillight and check the hoses under this cover.  replacing these very short hoses cured the problem for me.

Title: Re: Gasoline smell in the trunk and poor mileage
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on August 10, 2014, 20:41:09

Here is a good explosion view of the tank. No need to order from Germany, the site gives good explosion views of assemblies and part numbers. I find it a good reference source.

----> http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/230-280SL-R113/47-Tank/?_artperpage=10&listorderby=oxstock&listorder=desc

If you like the English description copy and paste the link into the Google Translator :) Good Luck

The Gasket Oz is pointing out is item No. 5 in the explosion view, it could also be gasket item 8 near the filler.

PS. Just click on the item no's (5 or 6) it takes you right to the parts outline. On this site if no price is shown, they don't have it in stock. As I said, I use the site for info and part numbers. When I call or write to the classic sentre I can use the right description and part numbers to get the US price.

Title: Re: Gasoline smell in the trunk and poor mileage
Post by: rb6667 on August 11, 2014, 21:39:37

As mentioned, check that gasket under the fuel sending unit.  The small hoses under the protective cover in the trunk are 3/16"s fuel rated hose.  I found fuel hose this size at my local NAPA.  1/4" is too big.  12" of hose will be plenty.