Car quit on the freeway this morning - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

leathermang · #16 01-12-2007, 10:57 AM

Ok.. we have established that the voltage regulator won't stop the car traveling down the street ... AND neither will a bad starter...
He can have two or three problems at the same time... but not likely all of them would cause the car to stop from an at speed situation.
I am still betting fuel starvation at some level.

barry123400 · #17 01-12-2007, 01:23 PM

Assuming the engine did not jump timing. Was it cold enough to get a little ice buildup in a low spot in the line? I would add some fuel conditioner if it was cold enough the day you were driving it. I think the engine shutdown might have been preceeded by a general lessening of power available if just an air leak. I would add some conditioner and wait till the weather was above freezing for a time before trying a restart. Depends though if you were below freezing the day it quit. I have even seen fuel filters freeze up in cold weather if there was enough water in the system. Best to thaw the car in a heated garage when this is suspect. Saves a lot of effort sometimes.

Shorebilly · #18 01-12-2007, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

Correct.
One of the poor design features of the CAT 3208 is that despite the fact it is as mechanical as a 617, the fuel solenoid is 12volt. No voltage no fuel. Low voltage, low fuel.
How much engineering would it have taken to keep the engine non-electrical?

This is a common item on many Marine and Industrial engines.....has to do with safety, generally.....remote and safety shutdowns.....depending on the use, and any regulating bodies involved (USCG, MSHA, OSHA, etc)....you can replace the stock solenoid with one that has a hand jack that will allow you to open it if there is no power......

SB

wheelguru · #19 01-12-2007, 05:56 PM

It was warm - about 35 degrees. I don't think it is cold related. Starter may be on the way out, it wouldn't surprise me, but I know the battery is crappy, I can get it to crank much faster with jumper cables than without.
I am pretty sure it is fuel related, just wanted to know whether that screw-on filter should be full or not.
No matter what it is, I am not touching it til it gets warmer out. I only drove the car 1200 miles last year, I can get by without it until warmer weather. It would be nice to drive when it gets below zero though, thats when it really starts to suck when you are riding a bicycle.
Thanks for all the suggestions.