contaminated diesel fuel
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11
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From: Chicago SW Cook County
'08 ML320 CDI Pewter/Black MBTx
contaminated diesel fuel
My 08 ml320cdi started to smell of diesel fuel in early December. Then check engine light came on so I took to dealer and told that fuel filter cartridge was cracked and they replaced the fuel lines, filter and return lines. Check engine light was reset but came on again before I even got home. Took vehicle back and now they tell me that I have contaminated diesel fuel and need a new fuel tank pump and replacing of filter and lines not under warranty estimate $2000. My car has 30K miles on it and I have to admit I did not change fuel filter at 20K service.
Last edited by mattma; Jan 5, 2011 at 10:05 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
If there is one place that you fuel most of the time I would tewll them what happened and ask that they pay the bill. I would also rethink where you purchase your fuel. In addition I would be certain to perform all maint items when required. What were you thinking re the fuel filter?? Trying to save a nickle or doing the inspection at an Indy or yourself. Guess you didn't save much!!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
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From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
Mattma, a cracked fuel canister sound strange. Its a solid metal can held in place by a 3 bolts and a clamp. Very well protected in the center of the V6 engine, so its hard to understand how it cracked after being installed at the factory 30K miles ago. 10,000 extra miles on the filter will not cause the metal to crack.
As for the replacing of lines and pump, tell what the contaminate was that requires this much. The system is designed to handle/filter some water in the system, which is the most common thing that I can think of that contaminates diesels. There is a sensor in the filter that will turn on the water in fuel light on the dash.
Also, when they replaced the lines in the first place, why did they not notice the bad fuel then?
Check for more facts before handing over $2000, and keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Chicago SW Cook County
'08 ML320 CDI Pewter/Black MBTx
Thanks for the replies. All my fuel was purchased at same COP station dating back to October. When I refused to replace fuel filter at 20K service I was not told how critical this was by my service adviser. They should have educated me how significant this filter is with a diesel engine. The insurance adjuster will look at the suv on Monday. Will keep everyone up to date.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 574
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From: Pennsylvania, USA
2011 GL450, '06 R500 traded, '08 ML350 sold
Thanks for the replies. All my fuel was purchased at same COP station dating back to October. When I refused to replace fuel filter at 20K service I was not told how critical this was by my service adviser. They should have educated me how significant this filter is with a diesel engine. The insurance adjuster will look at the suv on Monday. Will keep everyone up to date.
How was it determined that you had contaminated fuel? Was it sent out for analysis? Could it be that your clogged fuel filter alone did the damage? In any case, I don't see how you can have an insurance claim when you have not maintained the car properly.
Last edited by aggst1; Jan 8, 2011 at 08:29 PM.
