88 300E M-103 auto. turns over, won't start... - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cliffmac · #16 02-08-2009, 10:17 PM

I don't think you can fix 2 years of idleness in 24 hours...if you can...great

400Eric · #17 02-08-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsxr

With fuel and spark, well, it should light up. Try some ether (starting fluid) sprayed sparingly (!) down the throttle body. Make sure there's not a mouse nest in the air cleaner or something else weird going on. Make sure the plugs are not fouled. Thump the fuel gauge with your finger, it may jump up, mine tend to "stick" at empty sometimes.

The #4 LED is supposed to blink codes when you press the little button. With the key on, press the button for 3 seconds, and count the blinks. When it stops, press another 3 seconds, count again. If it blinks the same number every time, only one code is stored. If it blinks different numbers, it will repeat (start back at the first numerical code) after you've gone through all of 'em. Blink code "1" means no codes are stored. There are only 8 possible codes on this old CIS system, btw.

Thanks G-man. You are the best. You remember my mention of Code Enforcement issues? Well here I am. Could you please point me in the right direction to quickly find the page that tells what the codes mean? Thanks again. Regards, Eric

gsxr · #18 02-08-2009, 10:23 PM

If it runs on ether, but not with gas from the injectors, then yeah... sounds like a fuel problem. But first get it fire on starting fluid.

400Eric · #19 02-08-2009, 10:29 PM

Cliffmac,

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400Eric

I appreciate your input but I respectfully disagree about the varnish issue. I've had many cars through the years including my 93 400E that have sat for extended periods without ruining the fuel system. The 400E sat from 8/05 till 6/07 with no ill effect. The 300E sat from 6/07 till now (remember, I said less than 2 years) My 89 300E, which was also parked in 6/07, fired right up and ran great when asked to do so at the end of last October. That's just 3 months and 1 week less time sitting than the 88 300E. No, this is something else.
Regards, Eric

gsxr · #20 02-08-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400Eric

Thanks G-man. You are the best. You remember my mention of Code Enforcement issues? Well here I am. Could you please point me in the right direction to quickly find the page that tells what the codes mean? Thanks again. Regards, Eric

Click here to download the PDF file with the codes. See page 23.

400Eric · #21 02-08-2009, 10:51 PM

Thanks again G-man, you really are the best.
If anybody thinks of anything else, please do post it. Thanks. I'll update when I know more. Regards, Eric

Oracle12345 · #22 02-08-2009, 11:04 PM

did you check fuel pressure?

400Eric · #23 02-08-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oracle12345

did you check fuel pressure?

Not yet. I'm trying to do the easy stuff first because of my time constraints. I work and then when it rains I come inside and check here for more ideas. I'm kinda lost here because my 2 M-103 cars are the most reliable cars I have ever owned so I've never had to learn how to fix them. I'm almost an expert on M-119s now...
With a name like "Oracle" you should know what's wrong with my car lol. Regards, Eric

pawoSD · #24 02-09-2009, 12:24 AM

Comparing one car that sat a long time and ran to another doesn't prove anything. Gas turns to crud after sitting a long time (even after 3-5 months) so 2 years likely did something bad to the fuel system....and I doubt its going to run right (if it runs at all) without a good cleaning and many parts being replaced.

400Eric · #25 02-09-2009, 05:37 AM

Our California gas is so bad that even the ravages of time can't destroy it.

Regards, Eric

pawoSD · #26 02-09-2009, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400Eric

Our California gas is so bad that even the ravages of time can't destroy it.

Regards, Eric

Hmm....that is a possibility.

Oracle12345 · #27 02-09-2009, 10:13 AM

hope this helps

did you check the crankshaft postion sensor?

gsxr · #28 02-09-2009, 10:22 AM

About the LED on all the time - check out page 6 of this PDF file.

Have you tried starting fluid yet? Three bucks a can at the local McParts, c'mon, that would be the FIRST thing I would do.

400Eric · #29 02-09-2009, 07:05 PM

I had to take care of some other business today that couldn't wait and it won't stop freaking raining long enough for me to do anything outside. At least yesterday there were breaks in the rain. The starter fluid is first on the agenda when I go back out there. Right now I'm studying the stuff you fine gentlemen have sent me. Thanks! I'll update when I have news. As always, I would be very happy to hear about any other ideas any of you may have! Regards, Eric

400Eric · #30 02-09-2009, 07:41 PM

G-man, I'm confused. If I understand that page correctly, That LED should only be on if I activated it myself, which I didn't do---it came on on it's own.