Strong fuel smell 28oCE

[Marks Benz]

My 280CE has developed a strong fuel smell at the front lower section of the M110 engine - near the power steering pump. I can't see any fuel leaking but it sure smells like it.

[cth350]

outright leaking fuel should leave something clean, since gas can do that. On the carb'd cars, there are all sorts of vaport absorbtion thingies up front, including a hard plastic line tied to the crankcase as a breather line. Anything like that present on your car?

-CTH

[Marks Benz]

As it is fuel injected there are bloody lines everywhere. It's a really difficult area to get to.

Thanks mate

[ctaylor738]

That's where the idle air valve and warm-up valve are located, but I think those are mainly air regulators, not fuel fittings or lines.

[300SDog]

Have fabric covered original rubber fuel lines been replaced yet?? They run underneath the car.

Fuel lines become porous and fabric covers get soaked, then it evaporates..... insidious fuel leaking that doesnt drip or cause puddles.

Bad fuel mileage is symptom too. Just replace em all, says me, from 12' length of hose cut'n measured. This happened to me with the '77 280SEL.

Otherwise, how's the fittings on FI pump? Fuel return lines see alot of pressure too.