Anybody got any advice on how to troubleshoot a problem that just started happening? I start my 1999 E300 TD, it seems to be running fine, pull out of driveway, get about 1/2 mile down the road and the engine slowly putters out. I pull over and then the engine will just not restart. Got towed to dealer (non-Mercedes) where I purchased. They "clean" the fuel system, injectors, etc. and tell me everything is fine. I pick the car up after handing over my credit card for their "work", get 1/2 mile out of the parking lot and the exact same thing happens. Today they tell me they are replacing the fuel filter. "That should do it". Yeah, right. Any idea how many heads are going to roll in that store if this happens again? Why is it that the car seems to run fine in their parking lot, while idled, but then stalls upon starting to drive away? I don't believe it's the fuel as I have purchased all my fuel at the same place (Shell) and I was at about 3/4 tank on the latest tank when this problem happened. I ordered the fuel test kit anyway just to be sure, but is it possible it's an electrical issue (fuel pump, etc) and can a TRUE Mercedes dealer troubleshoot these systems looking for computer fault codes, etc?

BootieNH.

What is the mileage?
What was the mileage when you
bought you the car.
When was/were the fuelfilter(s) changed last?
They should be replaced atleast every
30K,more if you see that they are black.

One other consideration is that you have
a leak in the fuel system somewhere and
is sucking air.

Louis.

Take a peek here and here.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Ok. Have to admit dealer seems to be trying to treat me ok. They paid for this most recent tow and gave me a rental. (Ford Focus with overflowing ashtray, but at least it runs!) Anyway, picked up car this morning after they replaced fuel filter. Had my wife follow me just in case. No problems. Car runs as good as new. My confidence in the car at this point is obviously very rattled, and reading those other threads (thanks Rick), though informative, are obviously concerning. Some history on this vehicle... purchased used with 76k miles, no knowledge of previous service history. Car now just under 80k, was literally scheduled to go in this last Tues. to authorized Merc. dealer for overall checkup, oil change, etc. Almost made it, missed by 2 days... After purchase, I too had a (small) puddle of fuel on my garage floor. Brought it back and dealer replaced "leaking" components and there has not been a drop on the floor since and the car had truly been running like a dream for about 5 weeks or so. Until this last Sunday. I rescheduled with the Merc. dealer for next week, and intend to have them give the whole fuel system the once-over. Make sure things are cool. Maybe it WAS just the fuel filter....

Hi Bootie.

At least it was something simple.

This was a maintenance issue and has
nothing to do with the quality of the brand.
On the other hand I would question the
quality/integrity of the seller.
Selling you a vehicle that wasn't serviced
before they sold it to you.

Some other considerations.
You might have filled up with bad fuel,
this will clog the fuel filters really quickly.
Always fill up at a high volume station,
i.o.w. where they sell a lot of diesel.
Or you might have algea in the tank.
This will leave you stranded again if not
corrected(check this,black stuff in the pre-filter)

I,as a rule,replace all filters and fluids when
I buy a used car.
I also check and replace the pads,shoes and
rotors on the brakes even if not needed.
Yes,sounds stupid and a waste.
At least this way I know that everything is
new and I can have some peace of mind.
Lotsa sellers will say"all fluids and filters
where changed,brakes where done.
BUT I didn't see it,so I don't trust those
statements.

A week-end worth of work could have saved
you the inconvenience of being stranded.


Louis.

Well it happened again this morning. This is AFTER a new fuel filter and complete inspection of my fuel delivery system by an authorized MB dealer. I'm beginning to wonder, could it be just as simple as BAD FUEL? I've been buying my fuel at the same place since buying the car in Dec/03, but all of a sudden, at the 3/4 mark with this latest tank - three roadside breakdowns. I did manage to get her started this morning after about 15 minutes of wait... crank... wait... crank. I'm at a 1/2 tank now, what can I try next? Should I refill now, with fuel from a different supplier? I use RedLine diesel additive, that should only help my fuel situation, shouldn't it?

hmmmmmm. I would drain the tank and KEEP THE STUFF for future testing. Also collect all your fuel receipts you can get your hands on to prove where you've been filling up.

Install a CLEAR fuel filter in the fuel line somewhere to see if you have algae growing. You might be able to also see if you have water in the fuel. Refill the tank from somewhere that sells ALOT of diesel such as a truck stop.

If changing to another vendors fuel solves the problems you should approach the service station owner.

__________________
"If anyone knows other lessons I need to learn, please tell me. I'm tired of learning them the hard way".
by JerryBro

The Glow Plug Wait: This waiting period is a moment of silence to pay honor to Rudolph Diesel. The longer you own your diesel the more honor you will give him". by SD Blue

My normal daily life; either SNAFUed- Situation Normal... All Fouled Up, or FUBARed- Fouled Up Beyond All Repair

62 UNIMOG Camper w/617 Turbo, 85 300SD daily driver- both powered by blended UCO fuels

Broke down again this morning. For good. Couldn't get it started. This is getting expensive. Towed for 3rd time in a week - back to MB dealer. I will forward these suggestions to the service mgr. I have been purchasing the fuel at a Shell station and it is a high-volume truck stop. Algae in the tank...hmmm.. would that be a problem associated with warm climates? or can it happen anywhere?
thanks for all the suggestions!

Did You cure your Mercedes from stalling ? And if so what was replaced?

Mine is stalling and every 10th try will not start.

I have been checking threads for a month.

I too started with the fuel filter.

There apprently are about 6 electric/sensor parts it could be or fuel pump which I expect to be delivered tomorrow.

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

For me, it turned out to be a simple problem - leaking fuel lines. Is your car diesel? If so, start there. Have your mechanic check for any air getting into the system and if so, replace these lines. Once that was done, my car has run beautifully since.

mine is the ML320

just searching all possible causes, thanks for the reply.

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

Should be all the help you need.

I had this problem years ago purchasing fuel from a bad source. A real PIB because I was constantly bleeding the fuel pump to get the thing working again. Thirtyfive years ago, don't remember the details now, but it sure sounds familiar.

Bootie,

Did someone check the fuel strainer inside the fuel tank? The strainer could be plugged with a fungus. THe fungus will look like a brown silicone rubber type substance and is not soluable in gasoline or Diesel fuel.

If you have a fungus problem, only a biocide such as Biocor will solve the
problem permanentely. The fungus probably came from a station that had fuel contaminated with the fungus. The problem is worse in warm weather climates but I had the problem in PA. The cars goes thru the south west every year and I probably got the contaminated fuel there. I only had the fungus in one vehicle in 40 years of running Diesel engines.

P E H

Honestly, never had to go to the point of checking for a fungus since the fuel lines were replaced and the car has run flawlessly since. I've always bought my fuel at the same station and have not had any problems, and it tested ok when I checked it a while back.