Petrol spill

[Old Bob]

I have a 98 E280 which recently left for 2 weeks whilst on holiday. On return started up and petrol pured out underneath. RAC guy said it was either pump or filter or pipes but could find nothing wrong so off we went. Local garage also can't find a probem but it has happened again after being left for 10 days. Again it righted itself after restarting. Any ideas?

 

[brandwooddixon]

Where was the petrol pouring out? Was it from the rear of the car and on the side opposite to the fuel filler?

The rubber fuel pipe from the tank to the main metal pipe fixed to the chassis is known to perish.

It's possible that it has become porous and during the two weeks standing dries out. Starting the car forces it to leak until it has wet out (like a sponge).

If you can smell petrol near it then it's porous.

 

[Old Bob]

Petrol Leak

Yes it does leak where you say, so probably is the pipe. I'll get it checked out.
Thanks.