renewgeorgia

Hi,
I have a 2013 SL550, when I go to fill it up it stops every couple seconds like it is full. From a google, sounds like the evap hose is clogged or the cannister is clogged. I looked for evap cannister online, instead I found a Purge valve that seems to be the same thing. Also, engine light is on, I was told it was gas cap, changed that, it is still on.

Anyone have this issue or know what is wrong? Is it the purge valve? And if so, any instructions on how to fix it? Is it difficult? I need to use my car this weekend and may not be able to get a mechanic to so it, so if it is not too hard, I would like to do it myself.
Thanks!

rmorin49

I find that my SL is "sensitive" when filling up. At some stations I have to slow down the flow or pull the hose slightly out of the fill tube to stop it from shutting off.

SLDOUG

Hi, had the same problem. Had a lot of different diagnostics but finally It's always the charcoal canister filter that has to be replaced.
Located on R231 inside the wheel well rear passenger side.
Canister is about $700 Canadian
Good luck
SLDoug

renewgeorgia

Hi everyone, its been a year, replaced the charcoal canister, but no joy. Dealership said it needs a new filler neck but since you cant get those, I need a whole new gas tank for five grand. Mind you they told me this without actually looking at anything. Just test drove it and looked up recommended services.
They say there is some valve in the filler neck that is clogged or something? If that is the case, can you just clean it ? Blow air in it or something?
Anything else it could be?
Can the valve be cleaned or something without spending 5k on a new tank?
Any help is appreciated.
FYI, has 100k miles on it, drives great other than this.

crconsulting

The filler neck is welded to the tank. If you don’t want to spend $5k, I would probably go used if you can find one. Just double check part number and compatibility. It’s a lot of work to swap out, so make sure that’s really your issue, and not throwing parts at it ☹️
Might be a good use for a bore scope….

Used Gas Tank eBay
Used Gas tank eBay #2

Worked on a car with similar issue several years ago. Wasn’t an R231, but turned out it looked like someone had tried to siphon gas out of it, and damaged the flap in the filler neck with whatever hose they stuffed in there. It wasn’t the owner, so best I could figure, someone tried to steal the gas out of it at some point. Very lame 😒

I ended up getting a gas tank from the wreckers.

Good Luck

rmorin49

Wow, CCR you are a miracle worker. A decent used tank is a great option.

crconsulting

Used parts can be a gamble. Especially shipping something like this. Though unlikely in this case, you also run the risk of getting a part with the same issue. I always try to find local MB specialist wreckers if possible so I can inspect the part.

But at least thru eBay, you can return it if it’s damaged or defective.

renewgeorgia

Thanks!
You mentioned MB specialist wreckers, how would I track them down?

crconsulting

I mentioned local MB specialist wreckers. I’m not sure where you’re located, possibly Atlanta, but you’re going to have to google wreckers in your area,
That’s why eBay may be the best option if you live in an area where R231’s are sparse.

You can probably have a competent shop use a bore scope inside the filler neck. (Class-1/Div-2 borescope rating will be safe)
I would try to confirm the tank is the actual problem. I also found some TSB’s regarding fuel filler issues (see attachments)

or another option if you have some flexibility but may take longer if the tank is damaged beyond repair.

I would (or have your trusted Indy shop) pull the tank and remove the fuel tank pump. The offending flap will then be visible from that opening. You can access the flap thru that hole.(red circles in pic below). Many times it can actually be repaired…
There is a rubber washer in there. It sits under a bearing inside the butterfly style valve, It can sometimes get dislodged/swollen and ends up obstructing the bearing and keeping it from moving freely. If you remove it, the mechanism frees up again. Unfortunately the tank I was working on had the flap damaged beyond repair.
If you need to, you can always then order the used tank…..
Also an option, they are under $800 NEW
https://www.mboemparts.com/oem-parts...bC12OC1nYXM%3D


Good Luck

CGN777

Hi SLDoug, I have a cannister that fills with gas and my mechanic says that's the part that needs replacement. I'm a bit curious as to WHY it's filling with gas. Any insight into this? Should I be replacing any other components as well?
Thanks, CGN777 Toronto

SLDOUG

Hello CGN777, its real name is a vapor cannister. The charcoal filters out the vapors before they get back into the atmosphere.
The problem is always caused by overfilling your gas tank, you know, trying to get that extra $0.50 in and the result is that the extra $0.50 overspills into the charcoal cannister.
With time, the charcoal in the cannister gets clogged up and needs replacing. It actually looks like a cannister, take a look at the attached picture, not a reservoir and it's located inside the rear passenger side wheel well.
The cannister came from my MB dealership and local mechanic installed it for a total of $700.
Good luck
SLDoug