hard starting 300CE

[franktalk]

Just bought 91 300CE with 173k miles. It was meticulously maintained but has a starting problem which was addressed with replacement of EHA valve and recalibration of fuel injection. It was still hard to start and then started having intermittent low idle missing and idle surge. Next idea was new fuel pump check valves and fuel filter. It no longer requires 3-4 starting tries with the last one of as much as 5-10 seconds of cranking. The car still dies immediately after running perfectly for a split second and will restart quickly after 1-2 more tries. Shop next wants to try checking fuel injectors. Shop also says this is not an uncommon problem. Any ideas. Thanks from Frank in Portland, Oregon.

[Ferdman]

Frank, the shop is correct about hard starts being a commom problem, at least according to our local independent MB tech. I have a 1992 300CE that rarely starts on the first try ... typically takes 2 tries. Suggest you check the condition of the distributor cap, distributor rotor, spark plugs and ignition wires. I routinely replace the distributor cap, rotor and spark plugs every 30,000 miles. Spark plugs are Bosch F8DC4. If the first try emits a puff of black smoke from the tailpipe it's likely that the fuel injectors don't hold pressure and leak fuel into the combustion chamber. Checking the fuel injectors would be a good idea.

[franktalk]

Thanks Fred. Plugs have about 12k miles on them and will try replacing. Also putting in K&N air filter. All other ignition stuff has been recently done. Will also check for black smoke. Thanks again for the tips and confirming local Benz comments on starting. Frank

[Husky898]

This all seems odd. I own a '93 300CE with 157K on it and it always starts on first try without any problem. Only problem I have had is if I am above
10,000 ft on a mountain pass.