M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

2000 ML320 w/193k miles - Fuel Smell

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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:13 AM
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2000 ML320 w/193k miles - Fuel Smell

I searched and didn't find too much, so here goes:

I have over the last month noticed a fuel smell after filling up, which would go away, but the last two fill ups it seems to stay around throughout the whole tank, i.e. full to empty. I am one of those who "over fills" to round off to the nearest dollar.

I am thinking it is the charcoal evaporator canister thing since I do not have a check engine light or fuel on the ground.

I will be changing the fuel filter soon (never have yet!) and am thinking to change the canister, does this sound logical? Any way to be sure that is the problem? Any other thoughts on what it could be?

Thanks
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:19 AM
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You must check for a fuel leak at the top of the fuel pump.
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:33 AM
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OK, that should be easy to do. I replaced the fuel pump about a year ago due to the fuel gauge not working. I will easily check that when I replace the fuel filter. Any other thoughts?
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Old Mar 19, 2013 | 08:55 AM
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I haven't had a chance to trouble shoot this yet or replace anything, still have the fuel smell and just threw a P0442 code last night, any other thoughts on where to start?
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 12:20 AM
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I can't understand why you see no urgency in finding the cause/location of this fuel smell. Does "fire" ring a bell?
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Old Apr 1, 2013 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
I can't understand why you see no urgency in finding the cause/location of this fuel smell. Does "fire" ring a bell?
OK, no leak seen when looking at the top of the tank through the access panel under the seat.

Would it be one of the following:

- Fuel system regeneration valve
or
- Purge Valve for Fuel Vapor Canister

The smell is near the rear only on the filler side (from what I can tell), I've had the CEL come on for P0442 twice and it has gone off by itself both times after a day or so.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 04:08 AM
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Code P0442, as you know now, is for a detection of a leak in the Evaporative System.

The first thing to do is remove the gas cap and inspect the interior rubber O-ring for cracks and dryness.

If that is not the issue, then there is probably a leak at the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor (pictured below). The most cost effective way to find out if it is the valve is to have a Smoke Test done at your local mechanic.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Code P0442, as you know now, is for a detection of a leak in the Evaporative System.

The first thing to do is remove the gas cap and inspect the interior rubber O-ring for cracks and dryness.

If that is not the issue, then there is probably a leak at the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor (pictured below). The most cost effective way to find out if it is the valve is to have a Smoke Test done at your local mechanic.
My thought is that it is cheaper or the same cost to just throw a new valve at it for $200. I'll check the cap then the Pressure Sensor first.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by paulzale
My thought is that it is cheaper or the same cost to just throw a new valve at it for $200. I'll check the cap then the Pressure Sensor first.

Well that is strictly up to you.
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Old May 8, 2013 | 06:09 PM
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I finally got around to changing the fuel filter and found fuel on top of the pump assembly. I am assuming that the retaining ring is not tightened properly, so I removed and tightened accordingly.

Last edited by paulzale; May 10, 2013 at 03:01 PM.
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Old Sep 1, 2013 | 07:31 PM
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From: Raleigh
1999 ML430
Originally Posted by paulzale
I finally got around to changing the fuel filter and found fuel on top of the pump assembly. I am assuming that the retaining ring is not tightened properly, so I removed and tightened accordingly.
I just had to access the top of the fuel tank on my 99 ml430, not too bad just time consuming to remove all the bolts holding the rear seat, anyway, the top of my canister aslo had about an inch of gas in the top. I dried it off and cranked the engine, there was fuel imediately leaking from the "front line", I took the line loose, cleaned just a little and re-attached it but routing it under the wiring harness, this time, no leak. I had been driving around smelling gas for a few months, it was actually a little scary once i realized that there was almost a cup of gas just sitting under the rear seat. But that was all it was, no more smell, so I assme no more leak. ood luck.
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Old Jan 15, 2024 | 04:18 AM
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