cracked fuel tank
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
(W124) E320 Sedan
cracked fuel tank
The w124 fuel gauge stopped working last week. My wife ran out of gas (twice) and then started complaining of a strong fuel odor. The odor was noticeable mostly in the trunk and cabin of the car. The carpet in the trunk was soaked, and there were puddles of petrol in the spare tire well, under the tank, and down in the little well on the drivers side/trunk.
I removed the gas tank today and i found that it has imploded, at least 1gal worth and formed a crack at the crease. It is only visible from the back side, between the rear seat and tank. I used some developer over the entire tank to expose any other cracks, but i did not find any, though I wouldn't be surprised if more formed over time from the indentation. I plan to dremel out the 1/4" crack, and tig weld it. Pictures tomorrow.
My questing is this.
Is this a common problem with running a 1995 E320 completely empty?
Or is the evap canister definitely a culprit?
How can i test this on the w124?
Where the hell is it?
I removed the gas tank today and i found that it has imploded, at least 1gal worth and formed a crack at the crease. It is only visible from the back side, between the rear seat and tank. I used some developer over the entire tank to expose any other cracks, but i did not find any, though I wouldn't be surprised if more formed over time from the indentation. I plan to dremel out the 1/4" crack, and tig weld it. Pictures tomorrow.
My questing is this.
Is this a common problem with running a 1995 E320 completely empty?
Or is the evap canister definitely a culprit?
How can i test this on the w124?
Where the hell is it?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
1994 e320 coupe sportline
gas tank collapse
do a search on HAL STEINER
the problem is the REGENERATION VALVE replace it on new installation $30.
if you have the tank out it will be on the bottom left side of tank hose runs forward to charcoal filter in front left wheel well
had this problem tank collapsed only indication that something was wrong was a vacuum on gas cap when I opened to put in gas
go buy a junk tank I paid 70 for a tank
the problem is the REGENERATION VALVE replace it on new installation $30.
if you have the tank out it will be on the bottom left side of tank hose runs forward to charcoal filter in front left wheel well
had this problem tank collapsed only indication that something was wrong was a vacuum on gas cap when I opened to put in gas
go buy a junk tank I paid 70 for a tank
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
85 300SD, 80 280SL, 90 300TE 4Matic, 90 300D 2.5 Turbo, 91 300E 4Matic, 92 300D 2.5 Turbo, 87 300TD
I have an extra from my 1991 300E parts car. If you put your location in your signature and you're close by I will give it to you.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
(W124) E320 Sedan
Is this the "Regeneration Valve"? (its a one-way check valve, that broke on removal.)
Note: this tank is thin, and welds like garbage. It seems to be galvanized, and I think its un-weldable, even with silicon-bronze filler.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
85 300SD, 80 280SL, 90 300TE 4Matic, 90 300D 2.5 Turbo, 91 300E 4Matic, 92 300D 2.5 Turbo, 87 300TD
Did you have something heavy in the trunk slam into the tank after a jolted stop? I have a hard time envisioning how else your damage could have occurred.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
1994 e320 coupe sportline
gas tank collapse
Yes that is the regeneration valve.
your tank did not collapse very much
when mine did this it would not take any more than 2.5 gal of gas.
it was visible when i removed the vanity panel in the trunk.
anyhow do not try to repair get a tank from junk yard
get a regeneration valve on ebay and a NEW gas cap.
been there done that
again for others out there when you hear a VACUUM when you remove your gas cap do not hesitate change the regeneration valve.
your tank did not collapse very much
when mine did this it would not take any more than 2.5 gal of gas.
it was visible when i removed the vanity panel in the trunk.
anyhow do not try to repair get a tank from junk yard
get a regeneration valve on ebay and a NEW gas cap.
been there done that
again for others out there when you hear a VACUUM when you remove your gas cap do not hesitate change the regeneration valve.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
(W124) E320 Sedan
I have always heard a vacuum noise when opening the gas cap, especially when the tank is near empty. There is definitely an issue with too much vacuum. After installing a salvage yard tank, and mb tank vent valve, there is still an overwhelming amount of vacuum in the tank. So much that I heard the fuel tank flexing while driving. I immediately pulled over, and tried to remove the cap... Which was nearly impossible because of the vacuum. When I was finally able to remove the cap, I heard the tank make a "boing" noise as it sprung back to normal...
