E280cdi fuel leak

[ken last]

My 2006 E280cdi has just suffered a major diesel leak at the front of the engine. Spilled fuel disabled the power steering. Fortunately I was travelling slowly but otherwise there could have been serious consequences. Is this a common occurrence? Are Mercedes aware of the problem?

 

[jberks]

Never heard of one springing a leak. Very rare I'd say. What bit leaked?

 

[Cole@MBS]

Have you had the fuel filter replaced, last time i see that the pipe had a spilt in it where the clips had removed with pilers!

 

[ken last]

Have you had the fuel filter replaced, last time i see that the pipe had a spilt in it where the clips had removed with pilers!

Thanks Sam, Car was last serviced by Mercedes dealer Sept 08. Fuel filter not mentioned specifically on invoice but "combination filter" was replaced. Is that the same?
Dealer has now confirmed that the leak occurred due to a pin hole in the fuel return pipe - must have been some hole or very high pressure! Is that the pipe which you have seen damaged before?

They seem to have cleaned the spilled fuel carefully but I do wonder if there may be long term damage to wiring and other items. The drive belt has been replaced as it was deemed unrecoverable.

Thanks again,

Ken

 

[ken last]

Never heard of one springing a leak. Very rare I'd say. What bit leaked?

Thanks for your response and reassurance. The dealer now tells me that it was the fuel return pipe which had failed, it looked damage to me. I also had a response from Sam to whom I have responded in more detail as his past experience may have hit the nail on the head!

Glad to hear that such breakdowns are unusual, don't want to worry every time we set out on a journey, fortunately this time it failed on our drive, apart from the damage to the tarmac how lucky can I get!

Thanks,

Ken

 

[5pares]

Had one in just last week doing the same thing.Expensive job for a small peice of leak off pipe.

 

[Cole@MBS]

Its where they remove the fuel return pipe of the filter with grips, it pinches the hose!