Hi all,

I'm looking at a 1984 300d with 200,000 miles that has a diesel leak at the engine. Is this a common occurance or something to be concerned about (at least its not explosive!). It apparently has had the leak for quite a while. The car starts and runs well so there doesn't seem to be any performance issues.

Does this have the potential to be a major headache or is likely a matter of cleaning, tightening or replacing seals, gaskets or fuel lines?

Thanks!

You need to tell us where it's leaking.

__________________
Diesel-guy

Take a look at the rubber lines that connect each fuel injector. These are return lines, and after a while, it's possible for them to leak, ESPECIALLY if they have been removed and re-installed. That will make a mess but won't affect power or starting...it'll just affect fuel mileage and make a mess.

Just a thought...good luck!

They have plenty of possible places to leak. Most that are not closely maintained will leak and you can smell it.

But its usually fairly simple to fix. The classic things to leak are the return fuel loops from injector to injector. Down lower on the driver's side of the engine there is a fuel primer pump that gets leaky when old and with use. In the back under the tank are a few more rubber lines that can leak when old.

I'd say don't let a whiff of diesel fuel take you out of the deal.

Ken300D

__________________
--------------------------
1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles