300E Difficult Hot Starts Problem Solved
 

Hi,

As many of the 300E owners, my hard start (hot) problem turned out to be related to a leaking fuel distributor. It cost $7 for the tiny o-ring around the shaft of the fuel distributor. I went through the whole fuel system trying to figure out the problem. I checked the ovp fuse, the EHA for leakage and vacuum hoses. Also, I should mention that the rubber boot at the bottom of the fuel distributor was not installed properly from the time I took the distributor off the first time. Also, the airflow disc on top of the air intake had to be adjust to be concentric with the opening (execuse the use of the wrong terminology). The idle control valve was soaked and cleaned. I replaced both check valves at the pumps. All vacuum hoses were also replaced.

So, the problem is almost gone now. It starts fine cold, and when hot it tends to start week, shut off once or twice before finally running. I have the Bosch Pt spark plugs which are not desired. Could that cause a problem?

I have just picked up the car last night from our local transmission shop where I had my tranny rebuilt. The car was delaying going into reverse and can not climb any incline in reverse, especially when hot. The forward gears seemed to work OK. So I decided to rebuild the whole tranny instead of just patching the reverse, and I am glad I did. The car now shifts perfectly, very smooth.

YE

New/rebuilt trans are truly one of the most wonderful parts of car repairs. Congrats!

You mentioned in your post the O-ring around the shaft of the fuel distributor. Could you elaborate a little more. I want to check mine out.

Thanks,

Haasman

Platinum PLugs
 

You asked if platinum plugs could be contributing to your starting problem.

I would definitely change to standard copper core plugs, either Bosch or NGK. I had terrible problems with platinum plugs in my car, especially starting in winter.

John

Haasman,
After you take the fuel distributor off, there is a nut on the bottom with a thin washer, bent over the nut. There is a second (slotted) nut inside the first nut. Mark the relative positions of both nuts for installation (I didn't do this). If you unbend the washer, remove the first nut, the central shaft of the distributor slips out with a very small o-ring at the end. The o-ring can be replaced. Originally my car smelled like gasoline from under the hood and I was told that it needs a new fuel distributor but after talking with another tech he mentioned that this ring can be replaced without having to replace the whole distributor.
YE

Re: Platinum PLugs
 

I will replace my plugs shortly. Thanks, John...

Thanks elkadi