Engine just wont start. Possible problems? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BigBadJohn · #1 08-08-2007, 12:15 PM

A 300SD I went to go test drive yesterday at a private dealer refused to start. It sounded like it was turning over fine. It seemed to be cranking kind of slow though. Tried multiple times to start her.
Dealer sprayed starting fluid into the cleaner and each time it tried to run but when I tried to gas her up to keep her running she died again.
Dealer said it was the battery (even though we had a diesel truck jumpered to it the whole time)

Any idea what it might be? Almost sounds like bad fuel or problem with fuel delivery, doesnt it?
Dealer said it was sitting in the lot for 3+ months while they were doing title work or something or other. He said noone started it since it was parked
Said hed try and get it running today

What would this typically indicate?
Anybody?

Pics of car >>>>>>>>>>>>>>

http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x78/BigBadJohn79/Mercedes/

rrgrassi · #2 08-08-2007, 12:18 PM

Starting fluid is a quick killer. Jumping the engine is diffifcult due to the GP system. They should have replaced the battery instead.

Clogged filtes can cause a problem, and can just sitting. Did the prime the fuel system?

BigBadJohn · #3 08-08-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

Starting fluid is a quick killer. Jumping the engine is diffifcult due to the GP system. They should have replaced the battery instead.

Clogged filtes can cause a problem, and can just sitting. Did the prime the fuel system?

No.
How should he have approcahed starting this car given how long its been sitting?

Johnhef · #4 08-08-2007, 12:27 PM

a weak starter would also have the symptoms you've described.

BigBadJohn · #5 08-08-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

a weak starter would also have the symptoms you've described.

Possibly but why would the starting fluid have gotten the engine to run for a couple seconds and then stop, whereas trying to start it on diesel, we werent getting anywhere?

Would the cranking speed to get the engine to start be lower with starting fluid?
Is it common to see a starter break even if it hasnt been used for a while

Johnhef · #6 08-08-2007, 12:55 PM

I had one awhile back I simply ould not get to start to save my life. I tried everything. a new starter finally got it runnin with ease.

BigBadJohn · #7 08-08-2007, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

I had one awhile back I simply ould not get to start to save my life. I tried everything. a new starter finally got it runnin with ease.

If it does turn out to be starter, how much would I be looking at? Im not too familiar with MB starters. Otherwise Id search for one

Any ways to tell its the starter w/o removing? If it is the starter, I wouldnt want to let him on to it and try and get the best price

#8 08-08-2007, 01:09 PM

I don't want to discourage you, but this particular car is starting to sound like a real project. I don't know how much money you are planning on putting into this after you buy the car, but buying a car that needs this much work may not be a good deal. You may be better off finding something a little more expensive that needs less work. I would hate to see you get $3-4000 into this thing and still have a car that needs plenty of work.

BigBadJohn · #9 08-08-2007, 01:19 PM

Like $2K at the most
Theres a 83 240D I see on CL right now. Guy wants $1850. Called him and he says it starts up fine and only needs to be plugged in in the dead of winter. Said a/c "just needs a charge" but I dont use a/c even when I drive my parents newer cars.

Said hes getting rid of it b/c his wife just got a newer jetta
Might look more into that one
If its something minor on the 300SD though, I cant bring myself to pay as much for a 240 as I would a 300 with a turbo

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/car/382667003.html

Magoo · #10 08-08-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBadJohn

If it does turn out to be starter, how much would I be looking at? Im not too familiar with MB starters. Otherwise Id search for one

Any ways to tell its the starter w/o removing? If it is the starter, I wouldnt want to let him on to it and try and get the best price

A Bosch reman. starter is approx $150. Trying a new battery first would be a bit cheaper and easier to change. Make sure it's the correct battery for this car- diesel rated.
What about the glow plugs? Does the glow plug light on the dash come on when you try to start it? Did you try a couple of glow plug cycles (approx 30 secs) before hitting the starter?
I gotta agree with Craig that this car sounds like a bit of a project. The body looks nice but I wouldn't give 2 grand for it if it's not running well.

BigBadJohn · #11 08-08-2007, 03:27 PM

No. The glow plug light didnt come on after the first couple of tries
Yeah, I gave it plenty of time before I tried starting it

What do you guys think of the 240D I posted above?

pjc · #12 08-08-2007, 04:19 PM

No GP light? May be a bad GP relay. Would account for the engine cranking but not firing. New replacement part is an easy fix, but probably $125-150. I'd try to borrow a known good one first to verify.

Re the 240: What's "very minor rust"? Some on this board will tell you that if it's from the inside out, there's no such thing. Inspect carefully before buying.

Johnhef · #13 08-08-2007, 07:18 PM

with no gp light, check first to makre sure your plugs are getting power then ohm out the pins to the plugs, you should have about 1ohm or less through each plug. if two or three plugs are out it might not start.

#14 08-08-2007, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBadJohn

If its something minor on the 300SD though, I cant bring myself to pay as much for a 240 as I would a 300 with a turbo

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/car/382667003.html

You have a much better chance of finding a good $2000 240 than a good $2000 300SD. That 300SD looks like it's going to need some significant cash to be in decent shape. If the interior/exterior condition is any indication of the mechanical condition, it could be serious money pit.

Do you need the size and/or power of the 300SD for some reason? If not I would take a look at the 240D and see what you think. I would also be very careful of rust.

patbob · #15 08-08-2007, 08:23 PM

Whoa. You said it started, but wouldn't keep running. Might be the starter is too weak to get it started on diesel, but if once started it won't stay running on diesel, then you've got a major project beyond the starter.

My advice... let the dealer put this car through his shop and get it starting and running reliably when stone cold.. then buy it. Either that or walk away now. Sure it'll cost more if its something simple like a starter, but it started, so it clearly isn't.