96 E 300 D-sp sp sputtering acceleration
 

On first start of day, acceleration is sputtering with hard shift into 2 nd, hesitation when pedal depressed,etc. Once warmed up after about 10 minutes symptoms disappear & engine runs fine. Glow plugs were replaced 15,000 miles ago without any problem. Just finished 2 weeks of trips through 100 degree temps. At least it waited for me to get home before this,although at one point on trip I felt the problem,but once on the highways & operating temps reached (easily !) no problem.
My feeling is something in fuel system. Any advice & where to look ?

Perhaps is minor air leak getting into the lines from in/and around the fuel filter housing to the IP after siting overnight.

IP is good at evcauating air from system with small leaks present.

Ip ?
 

TM, thanks. Only one question - What's IP ? where is it, & how does one clear it out. okay that's 3 questions..

Got It
 

TM, must have been the heat's effect. So where's the injection pump & how does it liked to be cleaned out ?

If you don't know where the injection pump is, it might be difficult for you to diagnose this problem correctly and you may want to bring the car to a mechanic who knows Mercedes. What needs to be done first of all is to examine the whole engine for fuel leaks. This includes the IP, all the fuel lines running between the IP and the fuel filter, and all the injector hoses that are hiding under that black, plastic cover. Second, while the crossover intake pipe is off (it'll need to be off to remove the black cover) the flaps in the intake need to be cleaned and lubed. That should take care of your running problems. If not, there are other things that can be done.

gotcha
 

Diesel addict, thanks for the reply. I'm not sure why not initially knowing where the fuel pump was has anything to do with not being able to diagnose, but appreciate the reply & directions. I've done glow plug replcement,blower fan,& numerous other repairs that haven't required "specialized" tools or lifts. Generally I'll tackle the more labor intensive ones where the parts are less significant.IN the next few days, I'm visiting the dealer anyway for oil change & will have them check the fuel systen out. Appreciate the help.