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diesel smell inside when motor is off

November 21, 2014, 09:27:48 pm

Why does my 1992 225 smell like diesel inside? I have opened everything to air it and it seems better. It is too cold now to do that. As soon as it is shut for night it smells again. Anyone know why or what I can check? I have read a few other  diesel owners complain. Thanks for any ideas..

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #1 – November 21, 2014, 09:52:41 pm

Elaine,

Sounds like you may have a small leak somewhere.  Where does the smell come from at first, front or rear?  If it's the rear it's probably on the engine or more likely the primary fuel filter.  If near front it's fuel tank or return hose/fitting.  Diesel does not evaporate like gasoline and will leave a wet area at the site of the leak.  Look around for what looks like an oil leak starting with the filters over the engine start batteries.  Also check that the filler caps on the tank are sealing.  Using a good flashlight will help

Keith

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #2 – November 21, 2014, 10:18:33 pm

Agree with Keith.

Identify the SOURCE of the smell-- where it smells strongest.

Most likely areas are the front bay with diesel tank and engine compartment, though a line could be leaking anywhere.

You CAN find and fix it.

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #3 – November 21, 2014, 10:29:29 pm

 Have been looking but haven't found anything yet

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #4 – November 21, 2014, 10:58:03 pm

Elaine,

If you can't see anything look around the generator.  Also suspect the tank filler caps.  Failing that if no leak is apparent it could be the fuel lines where they run through the bays.  I am not familiar with your coach model but if, after checking like I suggested, try opening each bay and see if you can smell diesel in there.

Keith

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #5 – November 22, 2014, 12:22:10 am

The hard to find leak on my 95 U280 was at the lift pump, would smell when fan was on inside and drew air into the coach, took fortever to find, finally seen when the injection pump failed and we could see wetness on the head of the lift pump.
Gary B

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #6 – November 22, 2014, 01:13:41 am

Elaine, your coach does not have a diesel generator, but instead a propane gas unit.  That will help eliminate that area.

As said, diesel is an oil and shows as wet spots, and can collect more road dust.

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #7 – November 22, 2014, 10:53:51 am

Keep in mind that when doing a fillup your footware can soak up diesel fuel and retain the smell for quite a long time and not manifest itself until your coach is closed up.
I change footware whenever filling the tank, as I don't want to contaminate the carpet with diesel fuel.

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #8 – November 22, 2014, 11:05:42 am

I had a diesel smell problem at one time and it was coming from the fill spout outboard of the drivers seat and and a little lower.  On our 91 GV there is a hose to pipe connection in that area that was loose and that could be something for you to check.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz 

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Re: diesel smell inside when motor is off

Reply #9 – November 22, 2014, 01:20:16 pm

 I will try each suggested idea .. thanks so much

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