New to MB TD/ got fuel leak

[AdamArc]

Hello all! I am new to the MB diesel world. I just picked up a 98 E300 TD. Great car! It has 176k miles with a salvage title. The car came with service records to 136k miles. So far I have had to reset the service light and cleared the a/c systems for good measure. The car developed a fuel leak that seams to be in the tank return line. The car runs great and leaves a small puddle in the driveway.

I've done some searching but there seem to be tons of info to go through. Most looks to be for older MB.

Any help would greatly appreciated!

Thanks Adam

[vstech]

Welcome to the forum!
most likely one of your rubber lines that connect the steel lines have failed. which end of the car leaves the puddle? jack that end up, and start looking for the hose! I'd recommend driving the car until the reserve light comes on! fuel sure makes a mess when you take off the lines on the car with a full tank!

[AdamArc]

The fuel drips off the rear of the cross member under the engine. Not a whole lot but enough to be a pain. Plus I can smell fuel in the car.

Thanks for the tip. Never thought a full tank would be a problem.

Oh, I forgot to mention the car has a Greasecar system installed too! 15 gallon tank in the trunk with the little controller in the cab.

[vstech]

Greasecar makes a nice system. are you using it? where are you getting your oil? how is it being dewatered?
if you like the car, be ABSOLUTELY certain you have DRY filtered oil before you put it in the tank!!! makes the difference between 10,000.00 IP lasting 1 year or 20!

[kerry]

Welcome. You need this info to change out that line:

Emptying the fuel tank

Do them all while the tank is empty.

[AdamArc]

Originally Posted by vstech

Greasecar makes a nice system. are you using it? where are you getting your oil? how is it being dewatered?
if you like the car, be ABSOLUTELY certain you have DRY filtered oil before you put it in the tank!!! makes the difference between 10,000.00 IP lasting 1 year or 20!

No use on the veg system yet. I'm sourcing oil today from local restaurants and looking for a steel drum to store in. I looked at Greasecar for the barrel heater and pumps but I am a big DIY guy so it will be a while.

I do have a lot of olive grove farms that produce their own oil. I plan on stopping in to see if there is any old or inedible oil.

[AdamArc]

Well the fuel leak turned into a no start. Got the car on ramps yesterday to check the leak and shut it down. Pulled the manifold and found fresh diesel around the shut off valve. The clear lines are a little yellow too.

[cessna5354]

[QUOTEfound fresh diesel around the shut off valve. The clear lines are a little yellow too.[/QUOTE]

Adam,

I had to change all fuel lines (translucent turned yellow) at about 190K miles. Some only need to change the o-rings, however I chose to replace the lines, as my clips broke off when removing.
I also, needed to replace:
o-rings at the shutoff valve & heater.
crush washers were replaced at the IP supply lines.
Glowplugs, but that is only if you need to do so, as it is another story.

My symptoms were stalling, hard starts, leaks underneath, & diesel smell inside the cabin.

Welcome & Best of Luck ! !

[AdamArc]

Where do I find replacements for the clear lines?

[cessna5354]

Check with FastLane (link above) for fuel lines. I purchased mine @ dealer.

[charmalu]

The clear lines probably not listed, give Phill a call he has his sources for parts.

PeachParts FastLane Mercedes Parts Store

Charlie

[AdamArc]

Thanks for the info.

Now I'm just trying to get the darn thing to start. Seem to to be a lack of fuel.

Almost will start. The leak must be related. The more the engine gets closer to firing off the worse fuel drips from the underside.