D24T.com  

Go Back   D24T.com > Technical Discussion Area > Diesel Engine and Drivetrain

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-11-2021, 04:11 PM
DieselScout DieselScout is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Upstate, NY
Vehicle: 1982 245-GL D6, 1982 244-GL D6
Posts: 163
Default Diesel Smell from Engine

So my '82 240 sedan is slowly driving me crazy.
There's a a strong diesel smell (as if it is leaking somewhere) coming from the engine, but I can't locate any leaking fuel.

I've tried UV dye in the tank, fuel filter, and direct into the injection pump and can find no visible leaks.

I've used engine degreaser and brake cleaner to remove any grime from the engine but everything still looks dry.

No dip in fuel economy from what I can tell, but it's been like this for about a year now.

The car takes about 6 seconds to start, which I am attributing to air getting into the fuel line, but haven't yet confirmed theory.

I can smell the diesel while driving, idling, etc...
It's a pretty strong smell considering that my '82 d24 wagon has no diesel smell from the engine bay.

Anyone know how I should further proceed with diagnostics/searching to locate the source of the diesel smell?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-11-2021, 09:16 PM
ngoma ngoma is offline
Supporting Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,351
Default

Can be frustrating. Very small leaks can still produce enough odor for the human nose to perceive.

Some IP leaks can be difficult to uncover. Can you wipe a clean paper towel along the extreme underside protruding ridges at the bottom of the IP? If that picks up fuel moisture there is a small IP leak somewhere. Commonly at the mainshaft seal or at the distribution head large diameter o-ring seal. The throttle shaft seal is another common leak area but you would be able to see this easier.

One time when I had persistent fuel odor yet no evidence of leaks it was the deteriorating injector fuel spill lines that were damp with fuel on their outer wrapping. No dripping leaks yet squeezing them released fuel like a sponge.

Have you looked at the fuel tank, cap, fuel rails?

Any way apparently you are way more advanced than I, who have never used UV equipment to discover leaks.
__________________
1985 744 gle d24t
1985 745 gle d24t
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-12-2021, 08:10 AM
v8volvo v8volvo is offline
Supporting Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Montana, USA
Vehicle: '86 745, '83 764
Posts: 1,618
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ngoma View Post
One time when I had persistent fuel odor yet no evidence of leaks it was the deteriorating injector fuel spill lines that were damp with fuel on their outer wrapping. No dripping leaks yet squeezing them released fuel like a sponge.
^^^ This would be my guess. Those little hoses can seep when they deteriorate, kind of like sweating fuel, not enough to drip anywhere visibly, but enough for the cloth braiding to hold some fuel and give off a smell especially on a warm engine.

If they are leaking a little, then they can also have the effect of allowing air to be pulled back into the top of the IP and let fuel siphon back to the tank when the engine is off, leading to a loss of prime in the pump that can result in extended cranking to start. If this is happening, then it can be especially pronounced when the fuel level in the tank is low and/or the car is parked facing uphill. So it might explain both of your problems.

When was the last time those injector overflow hoses were replaced?

Don't forget about the little cap on the #1 injector -- it can leak in this same way too.
__________________
86 745 D24T/ZF 345k lifted 2.5"
83 764 D24T/M46 155k
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
d24t, diesel, fuel, leak, smell

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:16 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.