E300 TD Diesel Fuel Leak - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jay Gibbs · #1 08-13-2006, 08:21 PM

As an addendum to my post a couple hours ago regarding a "check engine" light illumination and potential failing mass airflow sensor, I was just out poking around the engine compartment, (and have smelled a stronger than usual diesel fuel smell for the last couple days.) Just now I noticed how it was a VERY strong smell of raw diesel fuel and I knew it must be a leak somewhere.

With the engine running, I used a flashlight and looked around under the hood at the fuel lines and the fuel pump. I noticed the top of the pump (where all six fuel lines are screwed down to the pump) was wet with fuel. I then noticed an actual drip of fuel fall below the pump.

Question 1: Could THIS possible be the source of my "check engine" light and lower performance somehow?

Question 2: Anybody else have such a fuel leak with their E300TD??

I guess it's off to the stealership I go...the intake is going to have to come off for this one...this is going to be expensive...

J.G.

scott19_68 · #2 08-13-2006, 08:48 PM

I have a similiar leak on mine right now and yes, my performance is slightly reduced but no CEL. The O-rings in the fuel lines on these engines go bad like clockwork - the ones on the IP pressure valves and shut-off are most likely the cause of your leak.

It does not take much to change them BTW. Aside from the new O-rings and a new intake manifold gasket, the only "special" tool you'll need is a MB 32-pt socket for the pressure valves assuming you already have a Torx set and a torque wrench. Also, the O-rings for the IP on a 603 will work for your (you won't find the parts for the 606).

raMBow · #3 08-13-2006, 10:33 PM

This has discussion and links to other links here.

99 E300 Diesel no fuel to filter!! Help

This really seems like something most of us could do and you should probably not be intimidated with this.

Jay Gibbs · #4 08-14-2006, 01:35 AM

I've got about 92k miles at this point, so that sounds like a probable culprit.

I hate to admit it, but she's startin' to get a wee bit older now...

But actually, up to this point, she's been 99.8% trouble-free. (I may be starting to change my long held opinion that my '79 240D was my best car!...)

J.G.

kwmccauley · #5 08-17-2006, 07:45 PM

J.G.
I had a similar strong fuel odor/reduced fuel mileage issue with my E300 Turbodiesel at about 130k miles. Turns out it wasn't just the O-rings. The fuel shut-off valve, which is where all of those plastic fuel tubes come together, had to be replaced. No problems since (32k miles ago). The indy who did the job says it is a common problem with W210 diesels.
Ken

Jay Gibbs · #6 08-18-2006, 09:22 AM

Thanks Ken. I've heard this is a relatively common problem with the 210's.
Car goes in on the 29th...We'll see what happens!

J.G.

deltajetfixer · #7 08-18-2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Gibbs

Thanks Ken. I've heard this is a relatively common problem with the 210's.
Car goes in on the 29th...We'll see what happens!

J.G.

Try fixing it yourself!

It's pretty straight forward. I know you have the support of the forum!

Jay Gibbs · #8 08-18-2006, 02:06 PM

The actual job isn't the problem...compared to other stuff I've tackled, this is pretty simple and straightforward. Unfortunately my work schedule is insane, and there just arent enough hours in the day!!

J.G.

husk · #9 08-18-2006, 07:14 PM

Make sure you specify to the dealer that they change all the lines and o-rings, my dealer ended up changing only the o-rings/lines that leaked, after a couple months some other o-rings/plastic lines started to leak and I had to take it in again for replacement. Trust me its worth spending the extra money in parts/labor to make sure all of the lines are replaced as opposed to just the ones that are leaking. Plus if the leak comes back in a year you can always take it back and get it fixed for free.

If they replace just the ones that are leaking, they will tell you that the lines (that they did not replace) are leaking etc and they are not covered under warranty.

WESTEND1 · #10 08-28-2006, 03:46 PM

Great to be in the group. I'm curious about the chip. Performance gains, MPG gains / losses, price and availability for my 98 300TD. It's my favorite vehicle!

WESTEND1 · #11 08-28-2006, 03:50 PM

Great to be in the group. I'm curious about the chip. Performance gains, MPG gains / losses, price and availability for my 98 300TD. It's my favorite vehicle!
1998 E300TD

1990 XJ6

1968 250SL

1965 BELVEDERE 383

1964 NEWPORT CONVERT.

1959 BELVEDERE

aklim · #12 08-28-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by husk

Make sure you specify to the dealer that they change all the lines and o-rings, my dealer ended up changing only the o-rings/lines that leaked, after a couple months some other o-rings/plastic lines started to leak and I had to take it in again for replacement. Trust me its worth spending the extra money in parts/labor to make sure all of the lines are replaced as opposed to just the ones that are leaking. Plus if the leak comes back in a year you can always take it back and get it fixed for free.

If they replace just the ones that are leaking, they will tell you that the lines (that they did not replace) are leaking etc and they are not covered under warranty.

Please don't do that. Buy them the lines and have them change it. When I bought my car, it leaked like a sieve. I brought it back to them, had them fix it under warranty which was 30 days. I bought them the parts. The tech said to me that they didn't have all the parts so I have to leave it and come back again. I asked for his parts list. Looked at them and asked if he had checked in the trunk. He did and found all the necessary parts. No leaks. Sent them the bill for the parts. He was stunned and remarked that I was the most involved customer he has every had.

aklim · #13 08-28-2006, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WESTEND1

Great to be in the group. I'm curious about the chip. Performance gains, MPG gains / losses, price and availability for my 98 300TD. It's my favorite vehicle!

I got mine from Speedtuning USA. A little mpg gain. Very slight. More power and a little more smoke when I stomp on it.

husk · #14 08-29-2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Please don't do that. Buy them the lines and have them change it. When I bought my car, it leaked like a sieve. I brought it back to them, had them fix it under warranty which was 30 days. I bought them the parts. The tech said to me that they didn't have all the parts so I have to leave it and come back again. I asked for his parts list. Looked at them and asked if he had checked in the trunk. He did and found all the necessary parts. No leaks. Sent them the bill for the parts. He was stunned and remarked that I was the most involved customer he has every had.

Did you take your car to a Dealer or to a indy repair shop? As far as I know all dealers give a 1 year warranty. Second, all dealers have a parts department, and keep these parts on hand. I am not sure why you would have to go to the parts department purchase the parts, then give them to the tech. That doesn't make any sense. I merely told the service advisor to replace all the plastic lines regardless if they were leaking or not, so that if I noticed a leak in 1 years time it would be covered under warranty. You realize that if a leak comes from the same area, the tech usually will say its coming from a line that they did not replace, thus its not under warranty. I am not sure what you are talking about.

aklim · #15 08-29-2006, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by husk

Did you take your car to a Dealer or to a indy repair shop? As far as I know all dealers give a 1 year warranty.

Second, all dealers have a parts department, and keep these parts on hand. I am not sure why you would have to go to the parts department purchase the parts, then give them to the tech. That doesn't make any sense. I merely told the service advisor to replace all the plastic lines regardless if they were leaking or not, so that if I noticed a leak in 1 years time it would be covered under warranty.

You realize that if a leak comes from the same area, the tech usually will say its coming from a line that they did not replace, thus its not under warranty. I am not sure what you are talking about.

I bought it used.

Yes they do but they don't have all the parts on hand. My dealership had to order a couple of them. I am in Madison and the place I bought it from was in IL. I noticed some fuel leaks so I read up on it first before bringing it to them. That way, I already know what needs to be done. When I got there and they said they would have to replace all those lines, they also told me that they had to check with parts. Parts came back and said that they had a few but not all of the lines needed. That was why he couldn't complete the repair that day. But since I had all the parts already, he could complete the repair and I sell those parts to them.

Yes, I did get all the lines and the shutoff valve replaced. Basically I didn't believe that they had all the parts so I brought my own and sold it to them to complete the repair. They had tried to repair it before but they didn't have the O-ring for the shutoff valve so they reused it. Well, of course it leaked.

If I waited for them to have all the parts, I'd have to come back another day. This way, they get it done in one day and that was the day I was around that area on business anyways. Another day and I might not be.