Fuel Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Zackm · #1 10-15-2010, 11:16 AM

Last week I purchased a 1981 240D and started doing routine maintenance on it (oil change, coolant flush, fuel filters and new belts). This car had been sitting for close to a year with about a quarter tank of fuel. I drove it until it was on the almost empty red line on the fuel gauge. At that point I filled up the tank with B100 and changed both fuel filters. Last night I changed both filters the primary filter had only a small amount of sediment and the secondary looked fine even though I couldn't see that much of it. The bazarre thing is the smell of the fuel was just like paint thinner! I know it's not the B100 as I work at the place where it's produced. Has anyone else run into this?

vstech · #2 10-15-2010, 11:20 AM

likely it's the varnish and residue from years of diesel flushing out of the tank and lines.

Zackm · #3 10-15-2010, 12:05 PM

Thanks, I've never smelled anything like it. I guess another thing that could have happened is that the previous owner had put some fuel stabilizer or injector cleaner in the tank. I'll try and drive it as much as possible over the weekend and fill it up with B100 to see if the smell continues.

BoiseBenz · #4 10-15-2010, 12:48 PM

Get some 5/16" 8mm fuel line. The next time the car is "out" of fuel you'll need to change the two short pieces back near the differential at the tank outlet and return; they'll probably be leaking within a week or two if they haven't already been changed.

"Biiiio, biiiiio, biodiesel is the way to go!"

Zackm · #5 10-15-2010, 01:43 PM

I already replaced those when I was under the car checking it out for the first time. I agree bio is the way to go!!!

-=DeanstuD=- · #6 10-16-2010, 03:17 AM

I did the same when I got my SDL. I had my filters and ines off a few times trying to get it right. It was using dino diesel and smelled normal like diesel. I thought I had the problems fixed and went out and filled it with b99 and startron. Discovered during the trip, that the car wasn't quite fixed yet. When I got home I did a fuel polish and final reroute of the lines. The best description I can come up with is the fuel smelled like PUKE! I assumed thst must be just the way bio smelled. My wife says she didn't detect a bad oddor when I gave her a sample. So maybe it is just me. or the Starton...