Is diesel formulation changed already? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

epssax · #1 05-09-2006, 07:42 AM

I have a 92 300d and just had my pump o-rings changed out by my VERY good indy shop. I went over there yesterday for lunch with the owner and they had FIVE benz's in for fuel leaks. Shop owner said that someone must have changed the diesel fuel to a new formulation because he has NEVER had that many fuels leaks before. His usual number is one a month. Anyone know anything about this? Ernie in Louisville, KY

Old300D · #2 05-09-2006, 10:48 AM

Are they adding biodiesel to the mix?

ConnClark · #3 05-09-2006, 11:31 AM

Its quite possible the transition to low sulfur diesel has began in some areas.

H-townbenzoboy · #4 05-09-2006, 11:33 AM

Just curious, but were there any OM61x engine equipped models with fuel leaks too?

Turbolag · #5 05-09-2006, 11:56 AM

Me too! My once tight as a drum 87 603 sprouted mutliple leaks in the past couple weeks. I've replaced IP side gaskets, and now delivery O rings. Coincidence?
Pertinent to our situation:
http://www.chevron.com/products/prodserv/fuels/diesel/ulsd.shtml#A11

epssax · #6 05-09-2006, 12:58 PM

Just regular cars. And all types. a couple of SD's, a couple of 124's and some newer 97's and 98's. This surely is not by chance! Ernie

dieseldiehard · #7 05-10-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epssax

I have a 92 300d and just had my pump o-rings changed out by my VERY good indy shop. I went over there yesterday for lunch with the owner and they had FIVE benz's in for fuel leaks. Shop owner said that someone must have changed the diesel fuel to a new formulation because he has NEVER had that many fuels leaks before. His usual number is one a month. Anyone know anything about this? Ernie in Louisville, KY

Odd, just today as I went over to get in the car I smelled diesel and popped the hood, looked around my 603 engine and discovered the 18 month old return hoses are weeping, the one to the filter is dripping fuel.
My other 603 has Viton hose, hopefully its going to be oK since its less than a year new. This could be time to order some Redline 85-plus, I'm out of it, and I presume it helps with ULS fuel.

bfisher · #8 07-13-2006, 02:46 PM

Ugh - my 95 E300 started leaking today. It was on a big trip last week - filled up in WV, KY, and IN. Now it leaks...

Quick question for the experts - how big of a problem is this if I wait 10 days for it to be fixed? I called the dealer - and based on my schedule/their schedule/loaners, etc - it is a 10 day wait. It's currently only leaking a little (maybe a 1 ft diameter spot on my floor since it started)... Other than the mess and eventual decrease in mileage - is it hurting the car? is there a risk of a catastrophic failure leaving me stranded? My gut feel is 10 days isn't that big of a deal... but I don't know.

Thanks!

rrgrassi · #9 07-13-2006, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfisher

Ugh - my 95 E300 started leaking today. It was on a big trip last week - filled up in WV, KY, and IN. Now it leaks...

Quick question for the experts - how big of a problem is this if I wait 10 days for it to be fixed? I called the dealer - and based on my schedule/their schedule/loaners, etc - it is a 10 day wait. It's currently only leaking a little (maybe a 1 ft diameter spot on my floor since it started)... Other than the mess and eventual decrease in mileage - is it hurting the car? is there a risk of a catastrophic failure leaving me stranded? My gut feel is 10 days isn't that big of a deal... but I don't know.

Thanks!

You need to find out where that leak is on the engine before you can be advised if it's a big deal or not. Being stranded is not the time to find where the leak started.

bfisher · #10 07-13-2006, 04:54 PM

I took it to a radiator place thinking the radiator was leaking (shows the diesel is different than I'm used to), and the mechanic there said he thinks it's coming from where the injectors are. I don't know if he really knows, it's just the comment he made.

I've looked as best I can and I can't really see any significant leaks so I'm not sure where it's coming from... in fact, since I've gotten home, I don't think any has leaked (I assume since the engine is warm, the seals have swelled or something)

thanks

csp97 · #11 07-13-2006, 10:58 PM

The refinery where I work went to ULSD a few weeks ago. Most refineries started making the stuff June 1.

I can't speak for the whole industry, but the refinery where I'm at only makes one grade of diesel. The off-road diesel comes out of the same tanks as the on-road. Only difference is the dye which is added when it's loaded into the tanker trucks. It's not worth the trouble to have seperate tankage.