Chafing of 300TDI Leak-off (Spill Rail) Pipes

[withabix]

Just as I was finishing some maintenance on the Landy yesterday (mainly tightening various things to deal with a selection of door and exhaust rattles and various squeaks), I started the engine to take her off the ramps, only to find a rapidly-growing lake of diesel appear under the engine.

Upon inspection, it was obviously coming from the injector leak-off pipes, but I was surprised to find that TWO had both failed at once.

The previous owner had evidently replaced two of them with un-braded hose and the plastic engine 'lid' had sliced through them.

It is a quick fix and was actually very quick as I had the correct braded hose to hand - I actually had a complete brand new Leak-off assembly in a box of bits that someone gave me whilst I was still in the UK, so I didn't even need to go and buy some braded hose!

My only recommendation would be is DON'T even contemplate using un-braded hose if you have to replace these. It is braded for a reason - that plastic cover slices through them with ease!

Having looked in to his further, leaks in the Leak-off pipe can cause problems with cold starting and may contribute to white exhaust smoke, even if there is no evidence of any diesel leaking from the pipes.

My advice: Check your pipes and replace any un-braded ones. Also make sure they aren't stuck under the side of the the plastic engine cover!

I also noticed that the 'entering' Leak-off pipe on the cylinder nearest the bulkhead was detached - what function does that one have and where does it come from?