Hello.

I just purchased a 1983 300 Turbo Diesel. It was by almost accident, and I've now fallen madly in love with my car, which is in no way perfect, but seems perfect for me. So I've joined the ranks of obsessive MB owners. I've now visited junk yards and replaced the glove box, visors, and i pulled out all the wood paneling near the gear shift and heater/AC console etc. and stripped and re-stained, re-varnished all of it. Today I pick up the rubber strip for the bumper. Okay, okay now my question. When i test-drove the car before purchase i failed to notice my new found "mysterious diesel smell". either the windows were always up, or else Los Angeles, where i live, was extra smoggy that day and i didn't notice. Anyway, now, intermittenly I smell diesel. Even when the car is parked after I've driven it or even if it's sat parked for a while?

One mechanic told me i need a new gas tank, and he pointed out that the nozzle area was bent, possibly because someone drove off before the finished filling the tank because they forgot to take the hose out and drove off!

Well, I am stumped. Any ideas. I am pretty clueless and though I am getting good at replacing little parts, like visors, etc., I am by no means mechanical.

Thank you sincerely for all the help.

-Ken-