difficult cold start when car's been standing in the sun

Hi,

I have (also) a strange problem with starting my 230E (1989).
I browsed through the messages on the board and most seem to be
about starting problems when the engine is warm.

My problem seems different.

Early in the morning 7:30 (when outside temperature is not very
high and the car has been standing stil for 11 hours or so, it
starts usually within 5 seconds. No problems with that for me.

But, in the evening, when it's time to go home from work and the
car has been standing still in the sun (even in the winter at 5 Celsius)
it has a difficult start. It takes usually 10 to 15 seconds to start and then
runs smoothly after a few seconds or so.

When outside temp is above 20 degrees, it usually dies after that.
The second time time I try it starts within 10 seconds and then runs
smoothly after a few seconds.

When it is just a few hours ago when then engine was used, it starts
within 5 seconds or so.

At the MB shop they want to look at it (trial and error), but they can't
promise that they will fix it with an estimation of what I have to pay for it.

Maybe someone of you had the same problem and fixed it?

Any advice is appreciated.

Many thanks in advance,

Kees.


230E (W124)
march 1989 (germany)
195.000 km

[Petesmith]

I have a similar problem - difficulty starting after standing for a couple of hours....... fime in the morning when completely cold.

Did you get a fix for this problem,

Thanks,

Peter

[Gurkha]

This is classic case of vapor lock, very common in regions where summer temps are high.

[Petesmith]

Thank you for the reply..... That sounds good as I live in Durban South Africa and the temp is around 30C+ at the moment.

I have a W124 230E and it runs fine except when I start after stopping for say an hour. It takes about 3 or 4 attempts to start - which causes anxiety to all including me!

I will check the fuel line in case its too close to the engine. Should I get the fuel pump serviced? I have also heard that a filler cap that is not breathing properly can cause a problem.

Peter

[Gurkha]

Start with the filler cap, then proceed to the fuel pump, it could be a simple matter of poor venting in the tank, also try and insulate the fuel pipes inside your engine compartment.

[Petesmith]

I will do all that this week and let you know - thanks for the interest.....

Peter