Fuel leak

[njpumphrey]

Hi Guys,

I noticed when I got home last night that I had a petrol leak (on my 1984 230TE). It was dripping quite fast from the fuel pump area only when the engine was on. On closer inspection this morning I could see the petrol was not leaking from the first cylindrical thing it comes to (the fuel pump?) but the cylinder above it. I couldn't see if it was leaking from where the pipe joined it or whether it had a crack in the side. I have two questions:
What is this top cylinder?
Is it expensive?
Cheers,

 

[Francois]

If I remember correctly, the top cylinder is the fuel filter.

Don't know about the price though, but this sounds more like a loose pipe or fitting close to the filter.

 

[njpumphrey]

I hope you are right, as fuel filters are pretty cheap. However, I would have expected the filter to be in the engine compartment and not near the tank, hidden behind the fuel pump. I've got it booked in for Friday morning, so we'll be able to have a better look when it is up on the ramp...

 

[Francois]

Yep, they hide in the strangest places...

 

[neileg]

Fuel filters are near the fuel pump. Since the fuel pump is at the back, that's where the filter is! Filter costs vary but I last paid about £30 for the 190E.

There are a number of fuel unions and short pipes in this area. Plenty of opportunity for a leak, especially on the hugh pressure side of the pump.

 

[njpumphrey]

UPDATE:

The fuel filter and the pipe connecting it to the pump need replacing. The filter is easy - £7 for pattern part, £10.50 for oem from ECP (plus VAT and £5 postage) or £23.50 from Cafco or MB maindealers...not surprisingly I chose the pattern part from ECP! The connecting pipe was more tricky to source and has to come from the maindealer - £15.86. Not too bad, considering. The problem is being without a car for a week in the foulest weather for cycling. :cry: