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  #1  
Old 02-19-2008, 09:37 AM
Rod Rod is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Sunset, Louisiana
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I smell gas on startup

I have a 89 S420 that has been working great for about 4 years, no problems at all. Lately when I start it I smell gas inside the car as if the fumes were being sucked in by the AC blower and out the air vents into the car.

I can't see anything wrong and the car runs great, I only smell gas at startup. There no gas leaks on the ground.

Any suggestions on where to start?

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1998 Land Rover Range Rover 66K Miles
1988 300SE Totaled in 1998, hit by drunk driver, but we walked away OK
1989 420SEL 140,000, just warming up. Total by 18 wheel gas truck rear ended, but refused to lose another MB. Had it repaired cost $10,000+ Great Car again SOLD it for a 2003 C320 to save on gas
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  #2  
Old 02-19-2008, 01:16 PM
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Sometimes when the oxygen sensor(s) begins to fail there is a gas smell at start up only.
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  #3  
Old 02-19-2008, 01:51 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Seattle
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If you have a small exhaust leak where the downpipe connects to the exhaust pipe it can cause that smell. When the engine is first started the exhaust has a strong gas smell especially before it goes through the cat. I had that exact symptom. But it could also be an actual fuel leak of course.
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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
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  #4  
Old 02-20-2008, 06:09 AM
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Rod, a leaking EHA valve could be causing the gas smell. Older ones develop hairline cracks that weep gas which can be observed best with a cold engine. Once the engine warms up the weeping gas evaporates so there are no tell-tale signs of a leak.
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  #5  
Old 02-20-2008, 01:31 PM
Rod Rod is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2003
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Where's the EHA valve on a 89 S420?

Just a little help when I open the hood, so I can find it quicker. Is it under something else, i hate those.

Thanks
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1998 Land Rover Range Rover 66K Miles
1988 300SE Totaled in 1998, hit by drunk driver, but we walked away OK
1989 420SEL 140,000, just warming up. Total by 18 wheel gas truck rear ended, but refused to lose another MB. Had it repaired cost $10,000+ Great Car again SOLD it for a 2003 C320 to save on gas
1991 2500 Suburban 454, 130,000, Best truck in the world. SOLD it out right.
1952 8N Tractor 1,000,000-/+
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  #6  
Old 02-20-2008, 02:27 PM
david s poole
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: dallas
Posts: 1,822
take off the air cleaner housing and the eha is the black box on the side of the fuel distributor with two pin electrical plug .standing by left fender it is right in front of you.

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1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL
1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator)
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