Starting problem - HELP!
 

80 300TD - Car has been starting just fine even in cold weather. It started showing starting problems after I removed and reinstalled the #5 fuel injector metal tubing that runs between the IP and the injector. There was fuel seeping around #5 injector and I was going to swap it with a spare inj that I had. I removed the tubing but changed my mind about swapping injectors for now. So I reinstalled tubing.

Tried starting car and it would crank but not start or has very hard time firing. It only starts after several tries and if battery is jumped since battery starts getting weak after 10 tries. It eventually fires with the gas pedal pushed down but not like it did b4 - fired at first crank without touching pedal.

I checked GPs and they all have power. I also primed pump and #5 line to removed air. Did I miss something here???

This is a head scratcher for me....

ps. Yes, I did take it out for a ride. In fact, I drove it to work like I have been doing (after a tough time starting). Had problem starting at work parking lot. Had buddy jump and it eventually started. Drove it home and its inside my heated garage now - hood open and been tinkeringwith it. Still exhibit same problem.

The only thing I can think of are that you might not have gotten all the air out of the #5 injector line. Still, it should start (with difficulty) and run (roughly) on four cylinders. It sounds like you've successfully gotten it started, so if you can, take it out for a drive and see if that helps. If not, you can also try bleeding that line again.

Air leak at the injector line permitting the fuel to bleed out of the lines????

Possible, but in that case there should be a noticable fuel leak-oh wait, there IS a noticable fuel leak. Maybe he should put that spare injector in?

No, the leak was not affecting it b4. Very minute. Just wetness. No different from bad return/bypass line wetness.

check the vac line to the shut of valve? Maybe not off completely but maybe cracked, loosing vacuum.:confused:

where's the shut off valve vac line? I thought the shut off is all mechanical directly connected to the IP. I don't think there's a vac line tied to it.

I was actually thinking that there's air in the injector lines. All fittings are tight.

How much fuel is suppose to be coming out of the fitting at the injector if you crack it while starting the car? I noticed it seeping out of 5, 4, & 3 but not on 2 & 1. Is this a sign that there's an air leak in to the fuel lines somewhere? All lines visible under the hood appear tight.

MB FSM Comes Thru
 

Got it started!!!!!!!!!!!

Air in the IP. Read the FSM on Fuel Injection Venting. Gotta pump the primer till IP vents.

Lesson learned..... check for air if you remove any injection lines.

By "vents" I assume you mean the "squeek squeeek" sound you get from the IP after pumping the primer a while? I always do it for several sqeek sounds. :D

The FSM calls it a buzzing sound....;)