Oily smell inside car when idling

[GeorgeA]

While sitting in traffic the smell of oil inside the car is readily apparent.

Lifted the bonnet and found some oil residue around the filler cap, looked like a small overfill from sometime ago, certainly not fresh oil. Used an engine degreaser to clean it up. Following day the smell of the degreaser was in the cabin and after a few more days the oil smell is back.

No other obvious sources of oil leak under the bonnet. Looked at the air filter and found it to be full of dust and grit but do not think this would be the source of the smell, plan to replace this anyway.

Any ideas thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated

 

[c240yaz]

You may need a new rubber seal ring for the filler cap. They are not expensive. £2-£3 from MB. Also check the condition of the Pollen filter.

 

[GeorgeA]

Will check the seal on filler cap. Don't suppose anyone has the part number?

Pollen filter replaced at last service in May.

Thanks

 

[c240yaz]

Will check the seal on filler cap. Don't suppose anyone has the part number?

Pollen filter replaced at last service in May.

Thanks

P/N...That's one for Television !

For the V6 petrol engine it is P/N 1110180080, I had to buy one. Not sure if your engine filler cap uses the same ring.

 

[kasino]

remove the black plastic engine cover and check for injector seals blowing, a black tar like residue will be visable around any leaking injector

 

[Benzowner]

The smell could be getting into the cab through the steering wheel gaitor, maybe split

 

[television]

These are the items

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.466&CT=M&cat=19U&SID=18&SGR=060&SGN=02

 

[GeorgeA]

remove the black plastic engine cover and check for injector seals blowing, a black tar like residue will be visable around any leaking injector

Had the cover off and the engine running with no residue or evidence of any leaking injector - thanks anyway

 

[GeorgeA]

The smell could be getting into the cab through the steering wheel gaitor, maybe split

Guess I need to crawl under the car tomorrow and check this.

Bit worrying cause I have a long journey planned for next week. Isn't it always the case when you need the blasted car something goes wrong!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[television]

Sorry I put up the wrong link, its Friday blues

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.466&CT=M&cat=19U&SID=01&SGR=075&SGN=07

 

[c240yaz]

Filler cap seal is the same P/N. Item 29. 1110180080. I am not familiar with your engine set up, but could it be "other" breathing problem ?

 

[GeorgeA]

Filler cap seal is the same P/N. Item 29. 1110180080. I am not familiar with your engine set up, but could it be "other" breathing problem ?

I thought this also and disconnected the breather hose from the top of the engine crank case. It was clear - followed it down into where it joined a large air hose into the air filter. Failed to disconnect it at this point due to lack of access and it was getting dark at the time. Will do so tomorrow.

One aspect that was a bit of concern was when I removed the air filter it was full of dirt and grit. I suppose it has done its job but concerned it was so dirty. Just how often does an air filter get replaced? I have full MB history and this is the original part. After 3 years plan to replace it myself.

Are there other breather hoses I should look at?

 

[c240yaz]

I am sure one of the MB tech guys, or someone more familier with your set up, will come in on this thread soon.

Unlikely that it is the air filter that is causing the "smell" in the interior, but it is important to have a clean air filter on a diesel, or it will affect the perfomance of the engine.

You mentioned that the Pollen filter was changed last service, have you physically checked it yourself ?

Also, are you sure it is engine oil that you smell, or could it be fuel oil, diesel ?

 

[GeorgeA]

You mentioned that the Pollen filter was changed last service, have you physically checked it yourself ?

Also, are you sure it is engine oil that you smell, or could it be fuel oil, diesel ?

Where do I find the pollen filter to check?

I am fairly sure the smell is oil. Diesel has its own distinctive smell, but a small leak in a hot engine compartment could provide an aroma of its own.No apparent increase in diesel consumption - yet.

I'm getting worried now - aaargh

Appreciate your input

 

[c240yaz]

Pollen Filter on mine is above the battery. Could yours be in the same place ?

3 snap clips and it pulls off. I also had trouble finding it until other members told me where it was !

I posted these previously on an earlier thread.

 

[GeorgeA]

So thats the pollen filter. Yes I checked that also and it looks brand new. Pleased about that since it was £17 on the invoice. I would have rather had the air filter replaced at the same time - but the MB dealers know best.

Plan to have a good examination of the car tomorrow and get to the bottom of this issue.

 

[c240yaz]

If you plan to change your airfilter, purchase a Hengst filter here. They ussually deliver the next day.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecommerce/Search_Results.asp

Or give them a visit in your local Newcastle.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/branch.asp?branch_id=16

 

[GeorgeA]

Had a closer look around the engine bay of the car today. Sprayed engine degreaser everywhere but failed to find a reason for the interior smelling of oil, or is it diesel.

After a run the engine still emits an odour and I think it may well be diesel ( thanks to C240yaz for all your assistance )

Looks like I have no option other than to get it booked into a garage.

Unless anyone has any final checks you think I should undertake?

 

[c240yaz]

Any tech guys out there have any thoughts on this ? This "smell" problem cannot be unique,

 

[television]

A part of the system often overlooked is the return to tank that includes the charcoal filter

I cant be sure but I believe that the 202 filter sits under the nearside wheel arch (please correct me if I am wrong) if this is leaking the smell will come into the car


http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb1.as...722.614722.699&GM=717.466&CT=F&Cat=45H&SID=47

Open link 15 30 45 and 60 this is the whole fuel system