I have a 1999 e320 and gas is leaking from charcoal canister shutoff valve. There is also gas in the charcoal canister. When i took the hose off the top of the canister gas was coming out of the hose. The car has only half tank of gas in it.What would cause this or what parts will i need to fix this problem. Any and all help is appreciated.

 

Check the fuel filter. The fuel pressure regulator is integrated into the fuel filter and it is very common for the diaphragm to leak. Typically it is not a big deal but on occasion, this will result in flooding the charcoal canister, once flooded it usually is bad. There are 4 hoses on the filter, the smallest will be the pressure regulator. Pull the hose off and chances are that it will leak fuel out. Replace the fuel filter and chances are that you may need to replace the canister w/ shut off valve. Try draining it out and driving for a while before replacing. You may get a CEL for adaptation too.

 

Thank you very much for your reply. I will try all of this and see what happens. Will post back soon. thanks again.

 

MBTECHINFO I tried what you said by removing the small hose from the fuel filter. Sure enough it was full of fuel so i replaced the fuel filter. I then put everything back together and cranked the car and let it run about 20 minutes and no fuel leaking. I then drove the car about 3 miles and still no leaks. I cleared the cel and so far it has not come back on. I believe it is fixed. I will keep an eye on cel and replace canister and s/o valve if needed. Car is running great. Thank you so very much. I never would have figured out the fuel filter being the problem. Thanks again and long live mercedes.

 

Cool man, glad to help and save you a couple hundred in diagnostic costs. :-)

 

MBtech: thanks for the post and helpful hints. I have an 00E430 that started giving the low fuel filter warning light along with CEL. The code comes up to p0455. I've already changed the purge valve and have replaced the gas cap. no change.
Before changing the canister and the canister valve, should I change the fuel filter ? would a bad fuel filter end up with a P0455 ?
thanks.

 

i have a 02 s500 and after over filling the tank i have been having problems with fumes entering the car not really sure what it could be,took the car to mercedes dealership they state no fuel leaks also took and had exhaust system checked and nothing im can someone please shed some light on this situation