🚗 Classic Fault — Mercedes-Benz W115 (1968–1976)
Petrol smell inside cabin — fuel system leak
💰 Estimated Repair Cost
$20 – $80 USD
Parts and labour estimate
🔧 Tools Required
Hose clamps, fuel-safe container, fire extinguisher nearby
📋 Overview
Smell of petrol inside the cabin, particularly after driving or when parked. On 50-year-old vehicles this is a fire risk and should be addressed immediately.
🩺 Symptoms
- Petrol smell inside cabin
- stronger smell after parking
- visible fuel wetness near carburetors
- smell strongest when heater is on
🔍 Possible Causes
- Perished rubber fuel hoses
- carburetor float chamber overflow
- cracked fuel lines near firewall
- leaking fuel tap
🛠️ Diagnosis Steps
- Inspect all rubber fuel hoses for cracks or seepage.
- Check carburetor area for wet fuel.
- Test fuel tap for leaks.
- Check fuel pump diaphragm.
- NEVER ignore — fire risk.
✅ Most Confirmed Fix
Replace all rubber fuel hoses. Rebuild or replace fuel tap. Address any carburetor overflow issues.
83% of users confirm this fix worked (19 reports)
🏷️ Parts Needed
Fuel hose set (fuel-rated rubber); fuel tap rebuild kit
🩺 Related Symptoms
🔗 Other Mercedes-Benz W115 Faults
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