Sound of air and gas smell
 

My 89 190E is acting up. I have to step on the gas pedal a little to get her started. I can hear the sound of air leaking out of something underneath. And there is the faint smell of gas. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks in advance.

First a little more detail:

Where is the sound coming from underneath? Where do you ahve the gas smell - inside teh cabin or outside of the car?

It comes from outside the car. The car will start up without help from the gas pedal if I try a few minutes later.

Is the fuel pump going?

Nobody has an answer?

Larz

Check underneath the car, rear passenger driver's side. There you should find the fuel pump and the fuel filter. You will have to remove a black covering around them - very easy.

The sound of air escaping could be a little like a buzzing? The sound could be the fuel pump. From what I have read on this site the pump can make noise for a long time before it finally goes. Also, check here for leaks since you are stating that you have a gas smell. The lines here over time can become cracked. This is a good place to start.

Iggy

I checked underneath the car, but not that area. I'll do that asap. The sound comes from a line. The previous owner said it has been like that. I've seen the car as long as he's owned it, and it's been like that. I didn't notice a buzzing sound.

I changed the fuel filter and tightened all the lines. Still has the problem at start up. The previous owner said it did that before the cap and rotor had met their limits. I orderd the parts and will have them by the end of the week.