SL/R230: how to fill 2003 sl 500hardtop roof hydraulic pump/reservoir
how to fill 2003 sl 500hardtop roof hydraulic pump/reservoir
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 365
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
One of my pumps had the fill plug hex stripped out so I couldn't remove it. I ended up using a syringe and small (16 ga.) needle to fill it. Pierce the plastic tank anywhere on top with the needle and squirt the fluid in. Leave the needle in and fill the syringe multiple times if needed, seal the needle hole with a dab of super glue or plastic adhesive.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 54
Likes: 28
From: Angola, Indiana
S65 AMG, SL55 AMG, SL500, SLK230, SLK350, GL320 CDI, CLK500
If your Hex is stripped I would highly suggest getting it out. Sometimes you can use a standard (SAE) hex and force it in and remove the damaged plug. You can also try forcing it in the hole with sandpaper around it. This gives it a little extra bite. CAUTION..... When I i say "force" it in... use a GENTLE force..... not a 5lb ball peen hammer. Once it breaks loose.... stop and clean up around the screw so as not to get any contaminate in the tank.
You can also drill it out and use an "Easy Out." This would be a last resort... horrible risk of getting shaving is the tank
Best Regards
Mark.
You can also drill it out and use an "Easy Out." This would be a last resort... horrible risk of getting shaving is the tank
Best Regards
Mark.
Last edited by Thrasher5621; Dec 23, 2020 at 10:11 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
I’d be tempted to leave the hex nut alone. Metal debris is the worst possible substance to migrate through the system. Burning (melting, rather) a small hole in the top of the reservoir provides easy access for extracting or adding oil. It can easily be shut after use (there’s no vacuum or pressure in there). A hot needle doesn’t cause debris falling in the tank.
