Great write up, and photos. I downloaded the lot of them from your site - thanks!

I have to learn how to get my photos down to the allowable size to post, and still have them show any useful detail.

How often is this job necessary? I am just beginning to notice a slight smell of Diesel and a loss of fuel efficiency in my 1998 with 162,000 miles. I inspected the top of the injection pump the other day and noted it was grimy and wet looking, and with my nose in the vicinity the Diesel fuel odor was pretty strong. I get no spots on the ground though, so the leakage rate is pretty low - seems it must be evaporating at nearly the same rate it is leaking.

Thanks again, I will be off to find the Viton O-ring thread, and gathering the parts. I will likely replace most of the fuel line seals at the same time. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)