Diesel smell outside of car

[Wilko1977]

Hi all,

Just wondering if any common issues with a diesel smell once I have driven my car, pull up turn off engine and when exiting the car, there is a strong diesel smell.

 

[Taffy7hfa]

Hi, Investigate urgently, engine fires are not uncommon.

 

[A.J.]

Hi, Investigate urgently, engine fires are not uncommon.

I can remember the days when Lorry drivers used to light fires under frozen Diesel tanks to un-freeze their tanks

 

[Wilko1977]

Hi, would blocked fuel filter, worn spark plugs or similar, cause the car to jerk when at low speeds? (as if the car was kangarooing when first learning to drive, but this is an automatic)

 

[mersum1es]

I truly hope there is no spark plugs since its diesel...
Fuel probelms like blocked filter would more probably cause engine stall and shut down. Take engine cover away and see where is moist places. Check injectors feet that there is no pool of diesel (broken nozzle holder), check all visible fuel fittings are dry.
Car is your signature W204 with OM642 engine?

 

[Wilko1977]

Thanks, engine seems dry when inspecting, and never a pool of diesel or anything, if put foot down on accelerator, then there is no issue at all, it is only when going really slow, like around a car park or similar

 

[Taffy7hfa]

Leaky O rings are the most likely culprit, but if you can smell diesel the problem won't be difficult to spot.

 

[mioba]

Injector leak as above, check them and for signs of tar like residue around them. A diesel spill will be easy to to see as it doesnt evaporate as fast as petrol and it leaves a residue.
Whip the covers off and have a poke about. Using a torch is good as the oily residue provides a good reflective interface to make it easy to spot.

let us know how you get on.

 

[Wilko1977]

Thanks for the reply, having a new fuel filter fitted soon, will ask mechanic to have a look then

 

[Manc Rick]

I can remember the days when Lorry drivers used to light fires under frozen Diesel tanks to un-freeze their tanks

Yes my dad has told me about this (he used to drive an HGV). Back in the days!

 

[Snake Charmer]

I had a whiff of diesel on occasion with no visible leaks. One injector to head crush washer was leaking.