I noticed a fuel leak recently in my '99 E300TD. The fuel is dripping from an area just behind the fuel distributor unit near the front of the engine. The fuel unit has a number of metal tubes running to the cylinders. I cannot see the source of the leak since it is hidden by mechanical parts, but I can see the liquid dripping. Is it safe to drive this to the dealer for repairs? I have an extended warranty that runs for another 15K miles, the car has 85K on it now. I must drive 40 miles to the dealer tomorrow morning. Please respond quickly with your advice, thanks.

 

Diesel fuel is by far less volatile than gasoline, but you still need to be very careful with it. The risk of a fire depends not only on how much fuel is leaking, but more importantly, where the spilled fuel ends-up.

If you can make sure that the leaking fuel does not end-up anywhere near the exhaust system, than chances are that you will be OK for that 40 Miles trip. But you have to MAKE SURE that it does not drip on the exhaust, or somehow gets blown onto the exhaust while driving.

Stop frequently during the trip to verify.


Phil

 

Thanks for the info. Wish me luck![IMG][/IMG]

 

Bare in mind, diesel exhaust does not get anywhere near as hot as gasoline engine exhaust gets, and a leak at the IP, (injection pump) is located on the opposite side of the engine from the exhaust manifold.

The risk of a fire from a dripping IP is almost unheard of, but this is not to diswade you from posssibility of such, just highly unlikely for such.

Sounds like a crack in one of your injection tubes, and is quite common. If this is the case, it is an easy fix.

 

Bob, you are correct again. How long have you owned a Mercedes?? My car is still at the dealer right now. Today is the second day they've had it because they had to order parts. They tell me it should be ready tomorrow and the problem was dry, brittle fuel lines at the Injection Pump. They are replacing all the lines and seals under warranty. Is this normal to have the fuel lines rot out after < 6 years? I love the car, but I'm getting worried about future repairs considering the cost of parts & labor for this vehicle. My wife wants me to sell it and buy a Subaru because of the repair cost and the fact that the E300 is lousy in the snow even with new snow tires on all 4 wheels.

 

The car is fixed now and the dealer replaced a fuel pump as well as the fuel lines going to and from the pump. This work took 3 days because they had to order the parts. Good thing my dealer gives customers free loaners. They gave me a C240 4-matic. I really liked it. There's a lot of snow around here this winter and this car tracked beautifully thru the snow. I noticed a button labeled CS located near the shift lever and also on the shift indicator. Anyone know what this means?

 

I understand your love for the car, but go for a late 90's diesel. Your wife will be happier maintenence-wise more than the Subaru.

ALi,

81 300 SD 86 320 SDL 91 420 SEL