SL/R230: Ugggggghhhhh!
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 22
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2004 SL500
Ugggggghhhhh!
Saw this problem many times here on the forum. My charcoal canister, which I know was discontinued, must be faulty. Can’t put any gas into my car. Just clicks off. It is immediate. Bought one on eBay and bought the replacement valve on top of the canister. It has gotten to the point that I bought a hand cranked 35 gallon tank with a funnel. Doesn’t work very well either but at least I’m filling it up. What is there to do besides throwing the car away? It’s a red beauty with only 75,000 miles and is otherwise perfect. Any suggestions are welcome. Just as a thought, is it possible that the electric to the valve is not working? I can blow into the canister and feel it on the other end. Please help!
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
What is the year/model and is it US spec? Vent valve is normally open, so electrical shouldn't be an issue.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
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2004 SL500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
US evap will have a large line from the top of the tank to the top of the evap canister. Blow air back through it to make sure it is clear. Usual problem is evap canister or vent filter, but it seems like those have both been addressed.
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Junior Member
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2004 SL500
BTW, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Can I just remove the canister completely and drive without it? Can I stick a tube all the way into the tank and bypass the canister? I know I'm grasping at straws but I'm desperate! A local guy suggested changing the tank for $3,800 including labor. Can I guarantee that that would work?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
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2004 SL500
I have not tried blowing through the hose back to the gas line. I will try that over the weekend. Was thinking of removing that big hose and filling up just to exclude the tank from my issue.
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
The canister is to catch vapor from the tank. US spec is a large canister and tight fit to the fuel nozzle so that air forced out of the tank during refueling must pass through the charcoal. Any restriction between tank and atmosphere will result in slow fill, nozzle kick out. You can try with the hose detached, but if you have free flow through the evap canister, your problem must be before the canister. Blowing on the hose attachment point you should have almost no restriction. My bet is still on the canister side.
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Joined: Dec 2019
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From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
BTW, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Can I just remove the canister completely and drive without it? Can I stick a tube all the way into the tank and bypass the canister? I know I'm grasping at straws but I'm desperate! A local guy suggested changing the tank for $3,800 including labor. Can I guarantee that that would work?
FYI - used parts available right here
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 22
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2004 SL500
Removing or bypassing the cannister is illegal, and will cause a check engine light. It's not likely that the tank itself is causing your problem. Either the cannister, the lines, or the control valve are likely the problem. Blow through the lines to see if they're restricted.
FYI - used parts available right here
FYI - used parts available right here
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
2004 SL500
Removing or bypassing the cannister is illegal, and will cause a check engine light. It's not likely that the tank itself is causing your problem. Either the cannister, the lines, or the control valve are likely the problem. Blow through the lines to see if they're restricted.
FYI - used parts available right here
FYI - used parts available right here
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
2004 SL500
Removing or bypassing the cannister is illegal, and will cause a check engine light. It's not likely that the tank itself is causing your problem. Either the cannister, the lines, or the control valve are likely the problem. Blow through the lines to see if they're restricted.
FYI - used parts available right here
FYI - used parts available right here
