yet another issue with my C180...

[hayth_merc]

hello everyone,

This is my 3rd post on the site and i now have yet another problem! I suspect i now have a fuel leak..could smell fuel when i got out of car but couldn't never see anything. Well, this morning i looked under the car and could see a small patch on the ground..and could see where it might be coming from on underside of car..definetly fuel.

Ok, aside from taking it into the garage, are there any suggestions as to the cause? I am no mechanic so will not attempt anything myself.

I have made a previous comment about the poor quality of the c-class..i think this just sums it up. In my entire car history, I have never had a fuel leak..and now i get it on an 8 year old merc. This is quite ludricous as i thought buying a merc was a sign of quality. Obviously not as Mercedes clearly stopped making good cars around 1993!

I have only had this car for 3 months but i am now determined to get rid..quite frankly all the worry about its actual/potential problems have outbalanced any joy i get from driving a merc.

I didn't thinking i was buying a dog but i obviously have!

 

[power-steering]

Hi mate,

couldn't comment on what's gone wrong here but maybe it's not down to how the merc was built, it's all about the history of it's owners. Remember, a pitbull can be as lovely as anything if in the right hands, give it to the wrong person and it will bite back!

May be you've just picked the short straw on this car and it's history isn't so good..

Is it leaking from the front? If so, could be anything..

Good luck,
Jay

 

[hayth_merc]

Hi Jay

Agree about how it was previously looked after. But this motor was a one owner,full service history..all seemed in good nick. Whats happening is that it seems everything is going wrong in my ownership!

I've already had it serviced and has the air flow meter replaced - all at a merc indie..so trying to keep well looked after but problems keep cropping up!

leaking at back of car..so i look under fuel cap side and can see leak coming from middle of the undercarriage.

cheers

 

[power-steering]

Hmm that's very strange!.. weird place to leak from.

Possible damage/repaired vehicle. Where abouts in the country are you? if you're local to south-east london you can pop into a vehicle repair specialist garage called Wellington Auto's in the Charlton/Greenwich area, they will be able to assess whether vehicle was damage/repaired and also possibly find replacement part to stop the leak.

Their contact number is 0208 305 2326. If you ask to speak to SAF and say that JAY from power steering referred you, he'll look after you

Cheers,
Jay

 

[jimsinessex]

What is mileage?

Activated charcoal filter in tank breather should be replaced at 70,000 miles. If it is blocked that may cause fumes. Filter is situated behind rear n/s wheel arch liner and is a doddle to change. New one costs about £70 though.

 

[hayth_merc]

cheers guys, thanks for advice - appreciated.

Its done 89k..had a B service in Jan, so wondering whether they should have checked for that?

 

[brandwooddixon]

It is possible that the rubber pipe connecting the tank to the fuel line has become porous. This is a common fault on older vehicles.

It is simple and cheap to replace - but will need you to drain the tank.

 

[jimsinessex]

cheers guys, thanks for advice - appreciated.

Its done 89k..had a B service in Jan, so wondering whether they should have checked for that?

I can be pretty certain they wouldn't have changed it without checking with you first.

Jim

 

[Quickbrit]

Mine wasn't leaking but look distressed...

My indie (Ollie) changed my fuel line out and it only cost £15.

MikeE

It is possible that the rubber pipe connecting the tank to the fuel line has become porous. This is a common fault on older vehicles.

It is simple and cheap to replace - but will need you to drain the tank.

 

[Iain the gadget]

Sounds like the leak is coming from the fuel filter at the o/s rear. Might just need the connection tightening up!

 

[hayth_merc]

problem fixed. it was the seal which needed replacing. Naturally couldn't drive around in it for too long as a bit of hazard to say the least.took it to local bosch garage and they sorted it this morning.

cheers for the tips/advice guys.