long-standing 300E(1986) gas smell

Has anyone else with a 1986 300E gas model (automatic), experienced this problem?:
I have owned this MB since 1989. Currently has about 70,000 miles. Often, after cruising on the freeway at the usual legal speeds, when i exit on the off ramp and come to a stop at a traffic light, I will smell gas fumes in the car. MB has been "adjusting" something for years when this occurred but the problem recurs. Something to do with a fuel shut-off valve or regulator valve. The car runs and drives great with excellent fuel economy. Does anyone have a fix for this long-time annoying problem? Thanks in advance.

Al
Vancouver Island

Have the same problem. Most noticable at stop lights when sitting for more than a few seconds. Started freaking out and took car to mechanic, (Enrique of Mr. MB Motors in Tarzana, CA). He checked the usual suspects and traced the smell to the EHA. More info on the thread below. He said it was not a big problem and since the exhaust manifold if on the other side of the engine, was not a safety problem. He said the part is expensive to replace (~$220) and that it really didn't need to be replaced. The only drawback is the "odor" you smell. I'm going to replace it anyway because my wife really doesn't like the smell. As with you, my M103 engined '89 300CE has between 70k and 80k miles.

Gas smell, where to start looking?

[J.HIDALGO]

before buying the EHA. It may not work but, it is only a couple of bucks.

[Stan Pittman]

First of all I can't believe someone said that because it's not on the same side as the exhaust manifold it was no safety hazard but also replacing the rubber orings will not stop the leak. Replace the unit and be comfortable riding in a car without a potential fire hazard.

Enrique of Mr. MB Motors has been highly praised by quite a few folk that live in Southern California and post to these forums. They have taken their car to Enrique and trust him completely. Based on the recomendations, I tried him, and I feel that I can trust him also. He will not replace things on your car unless it really needs to be replaced. If whatever part can last a while longer, such as the motor mounts on my CE, he will say that it doesn't need to be replaced now, but probably the next major service, as is the case with my mounts. He says the leaking EHA is not major problem and nothing to be overly concerned about. (Maybe this only applies to my particular auto as he inspected it and showed me where it is leaking, and how much. Other cars might not be in the same situation and the EHA really does need to be replaced.)

BTW, when my Sportline sway bars and Bilstein HD come in, I'll take the car to him to have them installed and I will ask him to go ahead and replace the leaking part.

[joel]

i'm with Stan all the way. safety is first and foremost.
i recall when i had a tune up done on my car by my local
MB dealership several years ago, they pointed to me this
problem which i was not even aware of. they told me
that they have to replace the EHA unit before they proceed
any further. it is a safety issue, hence, a liability issue
for them.

no, they were not twisting my arms for more money.
they were merely avoiding any liability lawsuit.

[keithed]

Al

I agree with others the valve is probably going bad, thus the gas smell. It will only get worse and the gas smells stronger, trust me on this one. Been there, done that. There is always the potenial for a fire where fuel (gasoline) is concerned. They are quite expensive, but I replaced mine with a good used one. There are different ones, so make sure before you buy a used one its the correct one, if you go that route.

K

[keithed]

Volosong

Can't beleive with gas leaking out the EHA valve and a smell in the cabin, this wonderful shop/mechanic said its not bad, you don't need to replace it? Whats up with that. I guess when the headaches get bad enough, it will be time to change it?

K

[mpc]

I had the same problem with my 1989 300E. I changed the fuel filter and sure enough, thats where a small leak had started.