How to Identify Fuel Leak Near High Pressure Pump in Mercedes

Mercedes diesel fuel pumps function at a high pressure because of the way the engine runs. High pressure pumps are designed to keep oil and fuel from combining which can otherwise lead to clogged fuel injectors; however, Mercedes cars often encounter fuel leaks near the high pressure pump, which causes concern for drivers. Not only are fuel leaks inconvenient and costly, they can be dangerous. Fuel leaks must be taken seriously and diagnosed by a Mercedes professional.

What Models this Problem Affects

Several Mercedes-Benz vehicles have encountered a fuel leak near the high pressure pump, but the problem is more prevalent amongst later 90s models of Mercedes E300 that have accumulated higher mileage. The problem is so prevalent that the manufacturer issued an extended warranty for drivers that would cover replacements and services related to fuel leaks. If your own Mercedes encounters a fuel leak, it’s important to check with the manufacturer to find out if repairs can be covered under warranty.

Areas of Concern for Fuel Leaks

There are a few different areas of concern when it comes to fuel leaks, and they must all be assessed adequately to properly diagnose and fix the problem. The two most common areas for fuel leaks to occur near the high-pressure pump in Mercedes cars are:

Fuel Lines

Fuel lines or hoses are responsible for transporting fuel to the engine for combustion. Over time, fuel lines undergo friction within the fuel system as they come into contact with other metal parts. If the problem is related to the fuel lines, you might notice a strong fuel smell inside the cabin, and you also might experience diminished fuel efficiency.

Fuel Pump

If the fuel pump is the source of the leak, you’ll need to replace the pump all together. A leaky fuel pump can create other symptoms, like engine starting issues, engine overheating, and loss of power, just to name a few. A leaky fuel pump is concerning, as it resides close to the exhaust system. You may also notice a strong smell of gas in the car, or notice diminished gas mileage. It’s important to address leaks from this area right away.

How to Prevent Fuel Leaks in Your Mercedes

Preventing fuel leaks isn’t necessarily a difficult task; however, for some Mercedes models it might be more preventable than in others. The best chance at preventing fuel leaks is to perform routine maintenance on your Mercedes, which should include frequent inspections of the fuel system to prevent common problems from arising. Furthermore, using the right kind of gas can keep fuel lines intact for longer, as it promotes cleanliness and prevents debris buildup that can lead to fuel injector clogs and leaks.

The Importance of Hiring a Mercedes Specialist

Hiring a Mercedes specialist can spare you valuable time and money in the exhausting and frustrating trial and error process that most shops tend to go through before finally finding the source of a problem. By enlisting the help of a Mercedes specialist, maintenance and repair tasks can be performed more quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money in unnecessary repair work and replacement parts. Furthermore, Mercedes specialists use parts that are designed to work for your Mercedes specifically, whereas other shops tend to use whatever parts they have lying around or heavily discounted parts that are made of cheap, non-durable materials. When it comes to preventing fuel leaks, your automotive shop should have extensive knowledge of the high pressure pump system and how to detect these common leaks efficiently.

What We Can Do to Help

The Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and pros here at Bavarian Performance Specialists have attended to numerous fuel leaks for Mercedes drivers all over the areas of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA. Fuel leaks are highly concerning, as they can be dangerous, but they also significantly diminish your Mercedes’ performance. We know how much you’ve invested in this special vehicle, and we plan to take care of it as if it were our own. If you’ve recently encountered fuel loss, smell gasoline in your cabin, or suspect a fuel leak, please call us right away—your safety is our number one priority.

* Modern Red Mercedes Car image credit goes to: aapsky.