I really need some help. After years of ratty old VW diesels (good car, but mine were always on last legs) I finally get my dream car, a 95 E300D. It has about 120,000 miles on it.
Sunday, out of the blue, as I pull away from a light it just dies. I never had a diesel quit without warning before. I managed to get it restarted and limp it the few miles home, but it had no power, even getting up a slight incline killed it, and it was laying down massive amounts of smoke. I decided to check a few things, such as the return lines for cracks or air leaks, but that did not help. I checked the fuel return to the tank, which seemed to be clear. The filter seemed fine, as both had recently been changed. I was half way through a tank of fuel and the car ran fine for the first 350 miles on this tank, so I don't think it was a fuel quality issue. No detectable fuel line leaks. Any way, after going over all this and refilling the filters with clean fuel, I tried restarting. Again, no power, a LOT of smoke. I also noticed that the the air intake on the right front fender was real loud. It almost sounds like a boat engine. I have never experienced loud sounds through an air intake. I have torn apart VW diesels, but I realize this is far more sophisticated. Does any one have any clue as to what this could be? Should I take it to a shop? I'd prefer not to, as I may have to sell the car to pay them!!, but I don't want to do any damage either. Is it possible to have damaged the fuel system, catalyst, or engine by using an additive like ATF in the fuel? I always did that with my VW, and started with this one fairly recently. I am really at a loss and would appreciate any advice. I am afraid of the cost, but with all the elctronics, i fear i may be over matched. I thank any and all of you in advance for any insight you may have. Tony B. |
Your car has a timing chain , Possibly the chain has stretched & has jumped out of time. There is a Service Infomation about this problem on early 1995 models. Also the use of ATF in the fuel can damage the catalyst!!
------------------ MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN 27 YEARS M.B. TECH |
Don't try to drive it!! Tow it to a shop! If the timming did jump I hope you didn't crash the valve train with the pistons.
------------------ Benzmac: ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM [This message has been edited by Benzmac (edited 04-19-99).] |
Thanks to all who responded. The car will be delivered to the shop ASAP as per your advice. When I got this car, I knoew it needed some body repair but I NEVER thought it would be going in for engine work for a long, long time. My Dad had a '72 220D that he sold after 250,000 and it was still running strong. I ran my old Rabbit diesel to 285,000 before rust put the drivers seat thru the floor. Needless to say I am quite disappointed. Oh well, nothing to do ow but wait and hope for the best. I may be posting news about a charity fund raiser soon! Any way, thanjs for the help. I'm sure I'll be back.
Sincerely Tony B. ------------------ Tony B. 1995 E300D |
Tony...You are correct. The diesels (in my
opinion) began to decline in reliability beginning with the 1986 model years +. MB removed diesels from the market 1988 and 1989. The came back in 1990 with the 350SDL. I have owned a 87 300SDL and a 91 350SDL. Both cars were low mileage dealership cars with perfect records. Both were much more troublesome than my other diesels (from 85 back). I sold them;I bought a 1984 300SD with low miles. So far in 3 years, no repair cost. This was true with other diesels as well (82 300SD, 78 300D, 77 240D, 75 300D). It concerns me that MB is having more problems....as a product line. |
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