PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Need a mechanic recommendation in Lincoln, NE ...or some expert DIY advice!

Maxbumpo · #2 07-31-2017, 12:41 PM

Fuel filters and air filter would be a good start. Mann, Hengst and Mahle are all good brands.

Pre-fill the main filter with clean diesel fuel before installing the bolt. Hint: this looks like a spin-on filter, but you loosen and remove and install via the 17mm bolt on the top of the filter holder. When you take it off, you may spill some fuel. Put the new filter in place, fill it up via the hole where that 17mm bolt was (its hollow and has a couple o-rings that you need to replace, they should come in the box with the new fuel filter). Be sure the fuel you fill it with is clean - you are bypassing all the filters, so any contamination could damage the injection pump and the injectors. I like to remove the return line in the engine bay and route that into a clean container, then start the engine and use the filters in place to produce some clean filtered fuel.

If new filters don't do the trick, you may have a clogged strainer in the tank. Fill the tank, and reverse the fuel lines in the engine bay to bypass that strainer, and see if performance is restored.

Last would be an ALDA adjustment, they do tend to lean out with age, but such a dramatic change during a drive may mean that the ALDA has failed. Finding a replacement may be tough, they are not sold individually by MB, you'll either have to find a used ALDA or find a Bosch service shop that can sell you one.