Please offer a tip for starting 1987 190d turbo - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rustyh · #16 04-12-2014, 06:12 AM

So first thank you all for the suggestions.

My son and I reached a pretty high level of frustration with the problem. We were unable to get the car to start regardless of what we tried. The weather here was pretty cold during this process adding to the challenge. We tried to work on warmer days in between snow and ice.

We had opened connections along the fuel flow line from the tank to the injectiors in sequence verifying that there was fuel flow at each point. When we got to the main fuel filter we got no flow on either side of the filter. At this point the battery had run down again and needed an overnight charge and the starter was acting like it did not like us anymore. We buttoned it all back up and left it.

Fast forward a few weeks.

We waited until the weather warmed up here and we were not working on the car after 30 degree nights. We basically had closed everything up and walked away.

We had a few back to back 50 degree days. We set off early Saturday morning to pull the battery and the starter as nothing was working properly.

We set up tools and were unloading jack stands and floor jack. On a whim we tried to turn the engine over to verify the starter and or battery were dead. The last time we touched the car the battery acted totally dead and the starter would not even sputter.

We gave the ignition a twist and the engine turned over pretty strong. Surprise! At the end of the engine spin it seemed that a cylinder or two tried to start. What! We hooked up a set of jumper cables to give the battery a chance and tried again. It almost caught and started. We held the pedal to just above the shift switch point as we cranked the engine and released it when the engine seemed to want to catch.

It started! Rough at first but smoothed out after a few minutes.

I have no idea why leaving it sitting for a few weeks helped but it now is back on the road. Only thing I can deduce is there may have been gunk or water that froze in the lines to inhibit fuel flow.

Woot woot. Thank you for the suggestion that worked. No idea what helped but it did. Next project. Interior.

ichris93 · #17 04-13-2014, 05:14 PM

I want to post a word of caution. Be careful when pressurizing a fuel tank. I made the mistake of pressurizing a Seadoo's gasoline tank and then cranking it over. It backfired and there were fumes sitting around in the hull I did not notice. Needless to say, there was an explosion and I burnt my arm and my face. Learned a lesson the hard way and do not want others to. I know diesel is less volatile but still something I wanted to share for safety.

Maxbumpo · #18 04-14-2014, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustyh

. No idea what helped but it did. Next project. Interior.

Glad to hear you finally get her started!

I suspect a combination of weak battery, and perhaps water in the fuel filter that was frozen.

I'd also recommend you ensure the block heater has a cord and is in good working order for "next time"...

Rustyh · #19 04-14-2014, 10:16 PM

...........
I'd also recommend you ensure the block heater has a cord and is in good working order for "next time"..

Block heater........

I knew I forgot something. Best time to check your block heater is when you check your A/C I guess.

Thanks for the reminder.

Rusty