1984 Mercedes 380SL R107 fuel pump and fuel accumulator replacement

I was having warm start issues. The car would crank for 15 to 30 seconds until it finally turned on. I changed the fuel hoses, fuel filter, fuel accumulator, fuel pump, and gas screen. Fixed the issue.

[@ericg.9330]

This is such a fantastic video, shows the ups/downs and reality of doing this work and is of exceptional value to anyone doing this fuel system work. I especially appreciate the honesty of the trials and tribulations, documenting leaking, etc, we all go through this but few document it for the benefit of others. You did a great job on this project and video.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Thanks, Eric. Trying to learn and do what I can instead of running to the mechanic every time. I've only had the car about 2 months. I'm trying to restore one part at a time.

[@jovialks]

Good video, I must say that I thought I was the only one to have had this problem. I replaced all these items due to the hard starting. Once I did as you did all was good with the world. I would highly recommend replacing all the hose if you have an older MB. I found the same black items in my filter and accumulator ( 87 560 SL ). You can save a ton of money by doing it yourself and its not that difficult just take your time and lots of pictures.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Thanks, Joe. Are there other hoses that I need to change or were you referring to the ones I've already changed on the video?

[@jac8079]

Great video! This is exactly what I was looking for. Well done Sir!

[@sophiathe380sl]

Glad it helped the next guy!

[@timrobin6303]

@@sophiathe380sl and me too in australia.Thanks mate. all done!

[@throughthegrace7893]

Thank you so much! I didn’t know that I need to replace all of that! This video is gold man!

[@sophiathe380sl]

Glad you found it helpful! I'll keep throwing them on here as I complete more projects.

[@frederickready3436]

my 1984 380sl was doing the same thing. I replaced the fuel filter and pump a year ago but it didn't help. I saw where you brought up the primary fuel circuit regulator. Therefore I removed it and it looked like the o ring was worn. Therefore I removed the o ring and soaked it in at 205 for 3 days. I reinstalled the needle and there was some improvement but not major. So I decided to replace the accumulator. That was 90% of the problem. It's a shame that you can't buy the o ring for the needle valve. However the at 205 definitely helped reshape the o ring. Good video. Also while under the car, I sanded the frame the components sit in and the frame it was attached too. Looks good and hopefully no more surface rust problems. I used Rust Oleulm brand gray primer and paint. I also sprayed the rubber mounts with at 205.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@frederickready3436 I’ve been trying to do what I can in my garage. I like to learn new things and don’t want to spend the money if I don’t have to. It’s been fun sharing it with all of you.

[@frederickready3436]

@@sophiathe380sl it looks like you have been successful in most cases. 👍

[@sonny8598]

Your video is so clear. It help me change the fuel hoses, fuel filter, accumulator, fuel pump and gas screen. Then I poured 5 gallons gasoline into the empty fuel tank before connecting the fuel hose to the accumulator. What surprized me is the gasoline is not coming down the fuel hose. Should I pour more gasoline to the fuel tank? I will wait for your advise before I continue. I look forward to hearing from you.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Glad you found the video helpful. First, I’m not a mechanic so I don’t want to tell you the wrong information. I connected everything, then added the gas. Are you talking about the skinny hose from the left side of accumulator back down to the damper? I think that was the return side. I figured nothing leaks until the car is on and the pump is sending gas throughout the system. I think 5 gallons is plenty and you don’t need to add more at this time.

[@CL500MBZ]

Excellent video.

[@RonPieper61]

Nice job for a non-mechanic! Good info for me as i head into the same project. Thanks.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Thank you. Good luck on your project.

[@mericavids]

I had the hot start issue and have changed the fuel accumulator resolving that issue. I have thought about changing the rest when it is put up for winter

[@oceanfront664]

Sorry, about confusing you! Yes, it the fuel line that goes to fuel inlet... To front of car. 👍 Thank you!! Love your videos!!

[@sophiathe380sl]

If you watch this video, it’s very similar. You hold the end of the new hose and the metal inlet screws into the new hose. Screws in normal clockwise and unscrews counterclockwise. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqnOY418hdmJmJo

[@sophiathe380sl]

You may also need a line hose wrench so it doesn’t strip it.

[@oceanfront664]

Thank you, about line wrenches.... On the fuel feed line if I counter hold the end that does not turn and looking at it from the bottom and turning the inlet nut counter clockwise, I would be tightening , the nut... However, if I can imagine and look at that nut from behind, I should be turning clockwise, to tighten, counter to loosen... That is where, I get confused, something so simple, but very easy to strip, if you, turn the wrong direction... I was hoping to actually, see you, tape, yourself taking them off, but you skipped, and just showed finish installment...for me knowing what size wrenches to use, would also be very helpful. Regardless, please keep making videos! Love my 85, rusty 380SL 155k miles, smooth, but rusting out as I have it right in front of ocean 🤢 Thank you, again!! All your comments help!! Good, day!! 👍

[@zetasong]

it helped...great video, greatly appreciated....

[@sophiathe380sl]

I’m glad my videos are helping. Thanks for watching.

[@zetasong]

@@sophiathe380sl just picked up the same yr/mk/mdl.....suspect I will be watching more to come...a fun car

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@zetasong congrats! If you’re in Los Angeles, you’re welcome to join our meetup group.

[@hotels-voyage-design666]

Great informative video. Just signed into YT to give a 👍

[@sophiathe380sl]

Thank you! I appreciate it. 😊

[@hotels-voyage-design666]

@@sophiathe380sl Gorgeous R107 BTW

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@hotels-voyage-design666 thank you!

[@antonmessner9040]

sehr gut und detailliert erklärt in englisch!!!!

[@arlingtonrva1780]

Great video, I've watched it numerous times in preparation for my attempt to do the exact same thing on my 83 380SL. Did you ever figure out why you were getting such a low flow of fuel once you unclamped the line? I think I have about 7 or 8 gallons in mine and I'm still not sure how I'll approach getting it out. May try to siphon out as much as I can before I loosen any of the lines.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Thanks and I’m glad it helped. Funny you asked because I just redid my friend’s car and we got about 7 or 8 gallons out of his. I would run it til you get the light on and use a 5 gallon gas can. I’d also keep an extra Home Depot bucket around if there is more. That’s what we did with his. Maybe one of us had an incorrect gauge reading.

[@fistteam]

😳MG That’s not the fuel delivery system for a Mercedes 380SL…It’s the detonation device for Mad Max’s Interceptor…1Whatever you do, Do Not flip the red toggle switch!! 💥 😂 Great video dudebroman, my hats off to ya!! I believe I’m gonna have to perform this same repair to my moms ‘84 /380…Hers won’t start at all & appears to not be getting any gas up to the carburetor. Did you run anything through the fuel system, to hopefully blow out/ clear up those chunks of hose that apparently went through the system??

[@sophiathe380sl]

Haha...No, most of it was falling apart as I pulled off the hoses (I hope). I'm sure some smaller pieces made it up there but it's still kicking. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@georgecurtis6463]

If you werent getting gas out then you should have tested things by dumping a gallon in just to make sure all is well in the tank. If its the firstime doingvthis job or basically any job one needs to find a bit ot knowledge and above all, time and patience. The system is actually rather simple and works well. The issues that occured should have been expected on any old vehicle, specially one that has been sitting. If you are wondering if the ststem is good or there are fp issues, just jump the fp from another power source like another battery. Otherwise, expect to replace most everything.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Thanks for watching and the comment. This was about 2 years ago. It must have really been empty but that's a good idea. All is good back there. I did have a future issue with the distributer but again fixed for like 500 dollars at the mechanic.

[@sonny8598]

Random, How did you raise up your car? Did you just use a Ramp & go underneath lying down?

[@sophiathe380sl]

I have those but I think I jacked up each side and used jack lifts for this project.

[@oceanfront664]

Greetings, enjoyed your video...but as your fuel hose to back of fuel filter leaks, so does mine...just wondering what size spanners, you used, and the fuel hose from tank to fuel filter, did you take off hose counter holding, left loosening, and right tightning? Righty tighty, lefty loosy? Not, sure, but I remember if hose is on very tight you can break the inlet, or out let port if you turn it wrong direction, as, that port very fragil! Would, help me if you, remember, which way you counter holded and which direction you loosened... Thank you, would appriciate your comment-help!

[@sophiathe380sl]

Thanks for watching. Are you talking about the last part where I had a leak? The last hose from the filter going toward the engine?

[@oceanfront664]

@@sophiathe380sl yes, the fuel filter inlet hose. The one attached to back of fuel filter, and upper part to gas tank. Thank you, for your reply!!

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@oceanfront664 I think we are confusing two different hoses… One goes down from gas tank to the little damper. Another goes from fuel filter up to connect to front of the car…. I think you are saying filter to gas tank which doesn’t exist. Am I missing something?

[@masonjar333]

So when you changed all these components, did you have to prime the lines or did it start up after a bit of cranking?

[@sophiathe380sl]

Started up after some cranking.

[@dannylakatos5599]

Hey man, what size are the rubber fuel hoses? The thick one in between the damper and the pump and also the thinner one? Thank you!

[@sophiathe380sl]

Dang. I don’t know. 😂 I just took what I had to the store and they gave me hoses. I think I used the extra from the hose coming off the tank (original Mercedes part) between damper and pump. Just tell them that it’s for fuel so they give you the correct kind. Good luck.

[@desmondmair9768]

You need to clean the gas tank outtake, which has a strain, that most likely is full of rust. You also need to check the Warm Up Regulator.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Gas tank outtake? Where is that?

[@sophiathe380sl]

Also, this video seemed to repair the startup issue. Not cranking for 30 or 40 seconds to get it started… This is an issue now (there’s always an issue 😊): kzbin.info/www/bejne/npO3lXmDgauqrdU

[@desmondmair9768]

@@sophiathe380sl the exit hose from the tank to the accumulator/pump/filter.

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@desmondmair9768 I did that on the video, didn’t I?

[@marketbuy]

Have you ever replaced your screen filter inside your gas tank? Surprisingly, there is such a thing to replace as a preventive maintenance.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Yes, I did it on this video.

[@marketbuy]

@@sophiathe380sl . Oh, yes, you did! Sorry for asking that dumb question since I did not watch the video thoroughly. What tool did you use to remove the screen filter from the gas tank? I saw another video where the man customized his own tool to remove the screen filter. Since your video did not show how it was removed, I thought I ask because this is my next project. 🙏

[@bikeman123]

Hi, Does the fuel damper allow the fuel pump be replaced without draining the fuel tank? Thanks

[@sophiathe380sl]

I’d just clamp the hose coming down from the tank. Once clamped, you can do whatever you want without draining fuel.

[@baileyleggett9633]

Any chance you still have that filter to feed line hose? Having a hard time finding one. Would love to buy it off of you.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Which one is that? Gas tank down? All were easy to find.

[@pierre-charlesbeuclair9308]

Hi, thks for your nice video! Could you put the link of the stuff you used?

[@sophiathe380sl]

www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Benz-parts/380SL/Fuel-System/?year=1984&m=20&e=619&t=5&b=10&d=&v= I usually purchase my parts from FCPEURO.com or AutoHausaz.com. Put in the car info and it'll give you all the compatible parts. I'll sometimes go to the dealer. Bring your VIN and they'll help you out.

[@TheJCPHantom]

What tool did you use to take out the fuel tank screen?

[@sophiathe380sl]

I’ve done this job twice and both times the screen luckily turned with the hose. Kent has a video with using bolts and nuts from the hardware store if you only have the screen left. Good luck

[@philgushue9865]

At 3:25 of this video, can you tell me the size (diameter) of the rubber fuel hoses on the fuel delivery system you removed from the car?

[@sophiathe380sl]

Sorry it’s been a while. I believe there are two sizes the thicker of the two is the same size as the hose coming off the fuel tank. Maybe you can find the specs on that. Sorry, I don’t have more info. Take them to an auto store and they’ll find them for you.

[@TimTimm830]

Where did you get these parts bud?

[@sophiathe380sl]

I usually use fcpeuro or autohauzaz. It depends on pricing although fcp has a lifetime warranty.

[@TimTimm830]

@@sophiathe380sl thanks buddy I’ll check them out 🤘🏻

[@DavidWilliams-vb4li]

I have an issue with my battery - If I go more than 40 hours without starting my car I come to find it completely dead. It's chewing through batteries (I'm on my third) and won't start without a jump. The mechanic I brought it to claims it to be faulty batteries but after three it seems to be getting out of hand. Just wondering if you have any experience in something that could be drawing power on my 380SL while it sits overnight? It's totally stumping me.

[@sophiathe380sl]

Strange situation. Ya, I have no idea. Something must be draining it. I’m not a mechanic just pretend to be. 😂. Try asking Pierre or Mike’s Mercs. Also try the benzworld forum. Good luck.

[@DavidWilliams-vb4li]

@@sophiathe380sl Thank you! Will do. Fingers crossed, ha.

[@DavidWilliams-vb4li]

@@sophiathe380sl Hey again! Just revisiting this because I think I found the solution and wanted to share incase you, or anyone else who comes across this, ever encounters a mystery battery drain. In my situation, unplugging the heater servo completely solved it. I have not had a dead battery since and I continue to test how many days I can go between starts and it always fires right up. Very relieved!

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@DavidWilliams-vb4li That’s great to hear!

[@halilhakki2451]

Hi can fuel damper be put on wrong is it universal I changed fuel pump filter accumulator I took all the pipes off 280sl 1983 280sl

[@sophiathe380sl]

Hmm. Seems like there is only one way for it to go. If you put it backwards, the fuel lines will be going the wrong way. I’m not sure if the 280 is different than the 380z

[@halilhakki2451]

Thank you so much really appreciate for the quick reply

[@markjeffreys438]

What kind of oil do you use

[@sophiathe380sl]

Oil?

[@eldorado1954]

Olive oil.

[@tom24gr46]

Any trouble getting that fuel screen out?

[@sophiathe380sl]

I've done this job twice and luckily it came off with the hose below it both times. If it doesn't, mercedessource shows a bolt and 2 nuts to get it off. Of course, it's for sale on their site but you can just grab it at Home Depot.

[@tom24gr46]

@@sophiathe380sl thats what I was trying to avoid. 78$ for a bolt! Smart idea but come on thats so expensive. Any idea on bolt size?

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@tom24gr46 Take the new screen to Home Depot and try a couple of different bolts. 95 cents later, you should be good.

[@tom24gr46]

@@sophiathe380sl good idea! B)

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@tom24gr46 sometimes I have one.

[@Gary-lj7pi]

Did that and still have a hot start problem ..

[@sophiathe380sl]

Check this out. Good luck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJyXoIGAZrmjeLcsi=_COg0ncylcNmP46E

[@romanquintero3187]

Traductor en español

[@excelerater]

i own an SL also,they all start like crap and I am stunned no one made a fuel pump retro fit that gets rid of that dinosaur BS it came with..A good inline pump would do much better

[@sophiathe380sl]

After this fix and repair I had done months later on the distributor, the car starts right up even after sitting for a couple of weeks. I hope I don’t jinx myself. 😐

[@excelerater]

@@sophiathe380sl I just inherited my dad's 450SL (original owner) things I loathe about the car are the fuel system,mushy suspension and serious amount of rattles plus a 14" tire is pretty lame since no more perf rubber made in that size.

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@excelerater work on it and love it. Plus, it has your dad’s history.

[@excelerater]

@@sophiathe380sl Had mine on the lift,older style (more rubber hoses) but what ever is under my 76 is def all original . I am seeking out a modern replacement over at Mercedes source

[@sophiathe380sl]

@@excelerater I think some of the Mercedes source is overpriced. Try Fcpeuro or autohauzaz.