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Diesel smell under hood

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Old Jan 2, 2022 | 10:37 AM
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Diesel smell under hood
I think I have a small fuel leak somewhere under the hood.
I can smell diesel for a day or so after driving, but can not see any signs of new "wet" spots, and it is not dripping anywhere.
2008 with 180k miles.
Any common places to look?
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Old Jan 2, 2022 | 10:54 AM
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Check the injector seals and around fuel lines/connection points.
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Old Jan 2, 2022 | 11:34 AM
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Fuel filter connection; it was one of the major culprits back when I had mine and the same symptom…now if you have a Gasser you have bigger problems.
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Old Jan 13, 2022 | 11:06 AM
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2008 GL320CDI (310k) & 2017 GLS450 (160k)
Originally Posted by N_Jay
I think I have a small fuel leak somewhere under the hood.
I can smell diesel for a day or so after driving, but can not see any signs of new "wet" spots, and it is not dripping anywhere.
2008 with 180k miles.
Any common places to look?
From my personal experience: Check fuel lines at the fuel filter, they could be damaged. Check for injector "black death" (I think it's called). Listen for hissing noises while engine is running.
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Old Jan 13, 2022 | 11:19 AM
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'08 GL 320 CDI
The places mentioned are all normal spots to look at. The only thing I want to add is that, depending on how clean the engine currently is, you may want to degrease it and then monitor closely.
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by DennisG01
The places mentioned are all normal spots to look at. The only thing I want to add is that, depending on how clean the engine currently is, you may want to degrease it and then monitor closely.
Its my DD/work truck so it is not clean at all.
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 08:52 AM
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'08 GL 320 CDI
Originally Posted by N_Jay
Its my DD/work truck so it is not clean at all.
That's no excuse

EDIT... just to clarify.... It doesn't have to be spic-n-span clean (mine isn't), but decently clean will make things easier.
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by DennisG01
That's no excuse
You are right.

It is a reason.

I don't make excuses!
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 11:05 AM
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Another option would be to use a UV dye in the tank and then check frequently.
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Old Jan 14, 2022 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by DennisG01
Another option would be to use a UV dye in the tank and then check frequently.
I nee do some investigating because as of now, I have not found a "new" wet spot.

The UV dye in the tank may separate this seepage from other oil seepage.
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Old Jan 23, 2022 | 04:10 AM
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2008 ml320 cdi
I have the same issue and I found the smell related to an injector leaking.
I hope my video can help you to know about my DIY jobs.

Black Death Diesel Injector fixing for Mercedes ML320 CDI
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Old Jan 24, 2022 | 06:53 PM
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2006 ML320 CDI (2 of) and 2008 GL320
If it is an unburnt diesel smell agree with fuel filter connectors. I had a hose (the hook shaped one ) delaminate under the clamp. I took a while to diagnose it as really only prominent while under pressure. Ended up putting some paper towel around top of filter that soaked up the fuel and identified leak.

If burnt type smell (exhaust) would go with black death.
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Old Jan 24, 2022 | 07:01 PM
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I also came about another X164 OM642 disassembler on YouTube… Goes into great detail on disassembling the OM642 as well as rebuilding it and where are the common pain points for leaks are.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ByEil-_66jk

The guy has like 400 views so let’s give them some MB world love.
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