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Fuel tank baffle repair - external ultra strong magnet
I got the fuel tank baffle issue and been looking into fixing it with the magnet method. I’m however a bit scared of operating in a fuel filled tank safely! So thinking out of the box. Could a super strong magnet (eg 100 kg capacity) be mounted on the exterior of the fuel tank to keep the baffle in place? Maybe some of you with some knowledge of the fuel tank interior and surrounding electronics would have an ideas if this could fly and where to optimally place it? Ultra strong magnet
If you search up the issue there are lots of posts on the magnet method, here and on Benzworld.
It might be more practical though to fill the tank right up and work through the sender hole and fix with the spring method. Have fire extinguisher with assistant on standby ready to go, and don't make any sparks.
See this thread pages 17 and 18 for my easy solution with pictures. (14) SL500: Noise from rear interior wall (gas tank?) | Page 17 | Mercedes-Benz Forum I used a pair of needle nose vice grip plyers to stick ends into the holes in the grey sections of the sender, turn counterclockwise from 12 to 11 o'clock to remove sender from the top of the gas tank. I used a t shaped long water main shutoff tool to stick into the gas tank; and turn/twist edges of the baffle up. This holds the baffle tight and immobile.
Hi Tom. Thanks for the advice. Guess you are suggesting to fill it to avoid fuel vapor in the tank. Still okay to see what’s going on and operate when full. Is this what most people do. I was originally thinking of running it low to better see and operate.
Hi Aegea. Thanks for the advice. Could you specify a bit more how you bend it? And what it will be pushing on. On to the little shelf, top of the tank or?
Hi Aegea. Thanks for the advice. Could you specify a bit more how you bend it? And what it will be pushing on. On to the little shelf, top of the tank or?
IIRC you remove the sender with the plug removal at the top center rear of the gas tank. I just stuck the shutoff through the sender hole at 10 to 60 degrees downward angle. Pushed it onto a fin by feel, and turned the shutoff tool clockwise until it stopped tightening the fin up by coiling it up. I don’t recall if there was more than one fin. Just twist until it does not move and rattle anymore.
Hi Tom. Thanks for the advice. Guess you are suggesting to fill it to avoid fuel vapor in the tank.
Yes. A near empty tank with vapour will go off like a bomb, but a full one will only burn, and you'll have your mate standing by with a fire extinguisher (won't you)...
See this thread pages 17 and 18 for my easy solution with pictures. I used a pair of needle nose vice grip pliers to stick ends into the holes in the grey sections of the sender, turn counterclockwise from 12 to 11 o'clock to remove sender from the top of the gas tank. I used a t shaped long water main shutoff tool to stick into the gas tank; and turn/twist edges of the baffle up. This holds the baffle tight and immobile.
I haven't done mine yet - it only recently came loose but when I do I will follow this method - it sounds very logical.
Finally did the magnet repair. Works perfect and was not so hard to do. Did it in a couple of hours. But could do a bit quicker now I know the procedures. It’s gone silent now.
Now I just need to treat my PTSD fuel tank knocking nightmares 😅 Will now do some V12 engine sound therapy 🎶🎵🎼. That usually fixes just about anything 😎
Sorry for not updating a little before. I put in 5 magnets with 13 kg strength with approximately 10 cm spacing. You are kind of blind when you insert them but just try to distribute them evenly on the shelf. But by feel you know when you are on the back of the tank and on the little shelf where they need to sit being the fixation place between the baffle and the tank. You will see it well hence opening and poking the baffle.
3 tricks/advices to share:
1) Use flat rectangular magnets something like LxWxH 3cmX2cmX1cm.
2) costimozed tool. I used a rigid flat plastic list. In the end I fixed a flat metal plate to it about the size of the magnet with Gaffa tape. Placed the magnet on this. On top of the plastic list I mount something like a hose or something alike with Gaffa tape going all the way to magnet. Through this you should be able to insert a stick to slide of thaw magnet when you feel you landed it on the shelf. This way you don’t misplace the magnet.
3) Re-insert the fuel sensor at an angle of 45 degrees. I first inserted it vertically and got the sensor stuck on tubes in the bottom. Locking the fuel sensor in empty position. So I had to er-enter the tank.
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