W210 E320cdi diesel leak when cold

[Ewen Patterson]

My 2000 model 66000 miles car has developed a slight diesel leak at the front of the engine. I only notice the smell when it's cold. The leak appears to be from the area of the injector pump (diesel dribbling down past the alternator). I pressure cleaned round the pump and can see no leak when hot (haven't checked cold yet). The local indie garage reckons that the injector pump needs new o rings. Before I commit it to his tender care, is there any other possible cause?
Ewen

 

[G-a-r-y]

Do you mean the diesel high pressure pump? Your car is common rail and does not have a diesel injection pump .
Can you include a picture of where the leak is?

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

You indie may well be right, there are o-rings on the high pressure pump which may well be leaking. These are on the low pressure feed and return lines.

However it is just as common for the pump body to be leaking at one of the three piston caps. I dont belive theses seals are replaceable but I wait to be corrected.

Best get some leak detection powder/ spray which is like talc powder and shows exactly where the leak is coming from.

 

[MB TECH WARRINGTON]

You indie may well be right, there are o-rings on the high pressure pump which may well be leaking. These are on the low pressure feed and return lines.

However it is just as common for the pump body to be leaking at one of the three piston caps. I dont belive theses seals are replaceable but I wait to be corrected.

Best get some leak detection powder/ spray which is like talc powder and shows exactly where the leak is coming from.

tried to replace these seals, you are talking about, silicone. nothing seems to work,

id replace all the palstic pipes then clean off, if it still leaks your pump is at fault, if your pump has been leaking id recommend changing these pipes anyway so worth a try.

also replace your 2 coolant pipes from the water pump as the diesel causes them to soften and they will eventually leak, also id replace your v blelt as this too will soften.

these 3 above points should not be ignored, as an untimely breakdown will not be healthy. if your cooling pipes leak and you carry on driving damage will occur.

hope this is of help

 

[Ewen Patterson]

E320cdi diesel leak

Thanks everyone for the input and suggestions. I checked status on cold startup, diesel is dribbling from a rectangular cover plate (the side one over the alternator). It stops when the motor warms up. So it's into the shop to see if new o-rings do the trick.
Ewen