E300 owners, car telling you ya got bad fuel? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

michakaveli · #1 10-01-2007, 09:22 AM

My '97 E300 seems that it is really sensitive to some types of diesel I fill her up with. What I mean, sometimes I'll find a station add a few gallons if not top it off and the damn thing while driving start randomly nailing and will develop a light hesitation, a hesitation at a consistent rhythm. Just not what I needed to experience this morning. I bought from a station on my way to Atlanta this weekend. It was a BP that apparently already has the 15ppm ULSD (had the decal on the pump). On the way there it semed ok, decent power and decent MPG. I figure on the way back since it's on the way I'd top her off since my E300 is my current DD again.....

I know I prolly have to service the injectors, but this is random. You can never tell how my E will react. I noticed the cap had some condensation on the fuel cap... Can I assume more water in the fuel that usual for the E to dislike it....

F18 · #2 10-01-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michakaveli

My '97 E300 seems that it is really sensitive to some types of diesel I fill her up with. What I mean, sometimes I'll find a station add a few gallons if not top it off and the damn thing while driving start randomly nailing and will develop a light hesitation, a hesitation at a consistent rhythm. Just not what I needed to experience this morning. I bought from a station on my way to Atlanta this weekend. It was a BP that apparently already has the 15ppm ULSD (had the decal on the pump). On the way there it semed ok, decent power and decent MPG. I figure on the way back since it's on the way I'd top her off since my E300 is my current DD again.....

I know I prolly have to service the injectors, but this is random. You can never tell how my E will react. I noticed the cap had some condensation on the fuel cap... Can I assume more water in the fuel that usual for the E to dislike it....

In general the 606 engine is not that fusy.....at least mine is not. You could be picking up some contaminated fuel (water contamination). By now all stations are pumping USLD for road fuel...so that should not be the issue. Make sure your fuel cap and its gasket are OK and it is seated tight after filling up. Make sure the lip on the fuel tank neck is not deformed preventing the cap from seating properly.
Any fuel leaks? Any air bubbles in your clear fuel lines? Have you had the EGR and Exhaust manifold pulled and cleaned? Any one of these things could cause hesitation if they are not up to spec. Start with the simplest things first.

michakaveli · #3 10-01-2007, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F18

In general the 606 engine is not that fusy.....at least mine is not. You could be picking up some contaminated fuel (water contamination). By now all stations are pumping USLD for road fuel...so that should not be the issue. Make sure your fuel cap and its gasket are OK and it is seated tight after filling up. Make sure the lip on the fuel tank neck is not deformed preventing the cap from seating properly.
Any fuel leaks? Any air bubbles in your clear fuel lines? Have you had the EGR and Exhaust manifold pulled and cleaned? Any one of these things could cause hesitation if they are not up to spec. Start with the simplest things first.

My intake is completely clean. I just replaced many of the o-rings, AND there is no diesel leaking out like before, my oil pan is dry for a change.

Anyone have that link to the water separator someone installed?

pawoSD · #4 10-01-2007, 02:06 PM

You could also just get a few bottles of Redline "Diesel Catalyst" and pour one in for the next few fillups, each bottle will eliminate up to 3oz of water from the fuel system. I run a bottle a few times a year and have never had any water issues.

The 15ppm ultra low sulfer has been standard at fuel pumps across the whole country for around a year now....longer in some other places.

michakaveli · #5 10-01-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

You could also just get a few bottles of Redline "Diesel Catalyst" and pour one in for the next few fillups, each bottle will eliminate up to 3oz of water from the fuel system.

That's what I normally do. I'll go find a few bottles after work.

92497pmu · #6 10-01-2007, 09:08 PM

I dunno about your car not being fussy about fuel.
My e300 gets absolutely awful mileage unless I use Exxon or Mobil fuels.
(unfortunately seem to cost the most around here also)

However, I recently got some Gulf fuel on the Mass Turnpike (I-90 to those in the South) and we got nearly 29mpg!! Not the greatest, but a new high for recently. I think mine likes really clean air also.

The air filter looked like it came from the bottom of a dumpster after 3 months and 20k miles. New AF last week from NAPA and this may have helped also.

TMAllison · #7 10-01-2007, 10:42 PM

For whatever reason, mine doesnt like Shell diesel. MPG always seems to suffer. Maybe it is a point or two lower cetane and I'm putting my foot into it more to compensate?

F18 · #8 10-01-2007, 11:25 PM

There was a water test chemical paste that I got from a gas station years ago. It is used to test the underground fuel tanks at gas stations. A small amount is put on the tip of a long wooden tank stick/probe and would change color if there was any water contamination of the fuel. I used what little I had back when I had the SDs. When I suspected water in my tank I would put a little on the end of a flexible tube and pass it down the filler neck....I assumed it worked for diesel as well as gasoline.
I wonder if that stuff is still used?....I'll have to ask one of the stations I purchased my diesel if they still use it.

michakaveli · #9 10-01-2007, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92497pmu

My e300 gets absolutely awful mileage unless I use Exxon or Mobil fuels.

Funny, I never have luck with either of those stations. A new Mobil just opened up around the corner from me and it was some of the worst fuel I've bought. I've had good general luck with Hess and BP locations.

nhdoc · #10 10-02-2007, 09:39 AM

My experiences aren't so much brand related but the fuel is the single most important factor in determing the fuel economy. I have been able to get as much as 32 MPG around town and as little as 27 depending on fuel quality as I drive the same all the time. I am convinced that the fuel does vary from batch to batch as I buy from the same (Mobil) station 90% of the time.

And don't get me started on winter blends...those will drive down the MPG another 10%.

michakaveli · #11 10-02-2007, 09:46 AM

Added a bottle of the Redline Diesel Catalyst after work. So far it's been better (knock on wood)