99 E300D No Start - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cewyattjr · #1 04-09-2011, 05:14 PM

So on my way home Friday, car stumbles to a halt. Fuel leak. I can see a loose fuel hose. It's a hose that heads way down below the manifold. About 3 weeks ago, I had a local engineer put in a veg system, so my guess was that this particular fuel insert connect was perhaps not inserted securely, or for whatever reason, came completely disconnected. Fuel would spill whenever I cranked.

I had AAA, so had it towed home.

I spent today getting the manifold off, reinserted the fuel line. "Felt" secure at least. Put everything back together. No doubt air in the lines at this point, I'm assuming. Now unfortunately the tow truck left me nose-up in my driveway. Not a major hill, but definitely a few degrees incline the wrong way.

No luck getting a start at this point.

After several hours of cranking/jumping, I'm just going to let it rest for a bit. But here's one symptom: I cracked the injector line closest to the fuel filter, I'm not seeing ANY juice come out.

What's the best method to purge? I'm cranking, assuming it is the highest point, I'm pulling the fuel filter and filling to the brim, put it back, crank again.

I'm getting some very slight stumbling, but that's it. Shouldn't I see some fuel come out of the open injector line, especially if I feel a stumble?

Stumped and tired at this point. Argh.

Thanks for any insight or wisdom!

-Chuck

cewyattjr · #2 04-09-2011, 06:28 PM

Another thought I had is to connect a MityVac to the injector line and see if I can pull in some fuel. Not sure if that would effectively purge some air as well?

TMAllison · #3 04-09-2011, 08:28 PM

Reconnect your inj line. Fill the pre-filter reservoir rather tahn the main fuel cannister.

If it stumbles keep cranking until it catches and runs for 3 seconds; then let off the key.

The white fuel line horseshoes are spreaders used prior to removal. When properly installed they should be loose and floopy.

If that doesn't work remove all the veggie stuff, put it back to stock and try again.

cewyattjr · #4 04-09-2011, 10:01 PM

>>
The white fuel line horseshoes are spreaders used prior to removal. When properly installed they should be loose and floopy.
<<

Wow, that's counter intuitive, eh? I'm sure I pushed it in thinking the opposite, and its the one down into the shut-off valve. Will that let air in if it isn't snapped up right, even with the hose seated? Just curious. Seems that I should pull the manifold again and set that clip in the "pulled out" position. *sigh*

TMAllison · #5 04-10-2011, 12:08 PM

It's easier to move the windsheild washer bottle than the IM; flip it up and out of the way and reach under........the horseshoe can be moved with a 12" screwdriver from above although that doesn't tell you that the line is properly seated and sealed.

cewyattjr · #6 04-10-2011, 01:10 PM

Great, great suggestion. Thank you!

cewyattjr · #7 04-14-2011, 08:27 PM

Just an update. I feel that I get such great help on this forum, so I hope the following is helpful to someone: Here's a link that I found pretty good for detailing the manifold removal without having to deal with those really hard-to-reach 4 bolts right underneath.

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=25922

Also am attaching photos showing the hose that came loose and the removed manifold. I found that it took quite a bit of wiggling to get it loose from the hose assembly right below.

I *still* need to check on the white butterfly clamp, so am driving on a prayer right now.

BTW, the solution for me to getting the air out: my WVO kit guy was smart and put in a skillfully located brass inet, which is actually visible in both photos. I learned from him that I could just apply a mity vac to it and suck air out of both diesel and veggie lines, so that was super helpful.