Diesel Smell in the Trunk

[airberto]

I have an '83 240D. I'm having difficulty getting rid of the diesel smell from the trunk. I've replaced the fuel cap, the rubber seal around the fuel filler, and the rear fuel lines. To date the smell hasn't disappaited. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to remove the smell? Is it possible that its the trunk carpet or exahust leaking into the trunk?

Thanks!

[300SDog]

Have you snaked out the overflow drain that's next to the filler spout? Betcha you've got a diesel puddle under those plastic liners in the trunk behind the wheel wells. I pulled those plastic trunk liners on mine and threw em in the trash when I found out they were trapping water underneath, gives me a little more trunk space too.

[rstl99]

Hi,
I've had a diesel smell in the trunk of my 82 240D since I bought it 6 years ago. I have stopped looking for the source and just put up with the minor nuisance. It will be interesting to see if someone comes up with a solution. In my case, the smell does not invade the passenger cabin, so it's not a serious issue. I doubt it's exhaust coming into your trunk (in your case), since the smell of exhaust and the smell of diesel fuel are quite different. Mine smells like fuel, and I know there are no rust holes of any kind on my car (Arizona body).
Cheers,
--Robert

[Diesel Giant]

Since diesel is a petroleun product, you will have a hard time getting the smell out. Take all the liners and plastic pieces out of the trunk and throw the carpet away. Then go to Home Depot and get some orange citrus cleaner made by Zep. Then scrub away.

It will eventually go away as long as you stopped the source of the leak.