Gas fumes / Hard Start - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fixit · #1 03-16-2007, 09:14 AM

My friend has a 1998 ML320 and it has a strong smell of gas fumes especially when starting the car. It takes about 10 sec. of cranking before it starts. Took the car to MB dealer for service and they said the check valve in the fuel pump was bad (based on their claim of a failed leak down test). $800.00 dollars later for new pump and filter, it still does the same thing. I am wondering if there could be a cut out fuel injector or possibly (if it has one) a leaking cold start valve. At times while driving the car it will start running rough as if it is only running on 5 cyls for short periods of time and then clear up.

Thank You

Ferdman · #2 03-16-2007, 09:37 AM

fixit, not too sure about how to correct the problem, but you certainly want to insist the dealer refund your $800 for their non-performance. You could have thrown unnecessary parts at the problem and saved yourself the dealer's stiff labor charges.

david s poole · #3 03-16-2007, 10:00 AM

pull off the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator and see if it has fuel in it.if so replace.

david s poole · #4 03-16-2007, 10:10 AM

pull off the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator and see if it has fuel in it.if so replace.

just-n-time · #5 03-16-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fixit

My friend has a 1998 ML320 and it has a strong smell of gas fumes especially when starting the car. It takes about 10 sec. of cranking before it starts. Took the car to MB dealer for service and they said the check valve in the fuel pump was bad (based on their claim of a failed leak down test). $800.00 dollars later for new pump and filter, it still does the same thing. I am wondering if there could be a cut out fuel injector or possibly (if it has one) a leaking cold start valve. At times while driving the car it will start running rough as if it is only running on 5 cyls for short periods of time and then clear up.

Thank You

fixit, just did this job on a 420sel,Dave and I talked on the phone and I replaced one on my wifes car. you can read the post in my name put up today.JNT

fixit · #6 03-18-2007, 08:12 AM

David and Just-n-Time, thanks for the replys, I will be out of town for the next few weeks and will check out the Fuel pressure reg. when I return home. I did check on line for a replacement FPR but could not find any for a ML320.

Fred, have you or anyone else had success in getting a MB dealer to refund money for work that did not solve the problem, and if so, how was it done?

just-n-time · #7 03-18-2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fixit

David and Just-n-Time, thanks for the replys, I will be out of town for the next few weeks and will check out the Fuel pressure reg. when I return home. I did check on line for a replacement FPR but could not find any for a ML320.

Fred, have you or anyone else had success in getting a MB dealer to refund money for work that did not solve the problem, and if so, how was it done?

Call Phill, bet he can get what you need. JNT

joel · #8 03-18-2007, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fixit

David and Just-n-Time, thanks for the replys, I will be out of town for the next few weeks and will check out the Fuel pressure reg. when I return home. I did check on line for a replacement FPR but could not find any for a ML320.

Fred, have you or anyone else had success in getting a MB dealer to refund money for work that did not solve the problem, and if so, how was it done?

A refund is totally a long shot. Just press for them to fix the problem. Maybe they will give a break for the additional parts/labor.

Either that or just swallow the bitter pill.

fixit · #9 05-17-2008, 09:57 PM

It has been over a year since I posted my hard to start problem, and just by accident I solved the problem. It turns out the chip in the smart key was faulty and I only found by chance, when I used a spare key and the car started with know problem. I still have the strong gas fume smell after startup. I was told that the fuel presure reg is built into the fuel pump. There is no fuel return line.