300E must pour gas into air horn to start, help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ron Johnstone · #1 01-23-2003, 02:39 PM

My 87 300E had this problem a few months ago and went away. It's back! The car won't start unless I pour raw gas into the air horn. It will then stall unless I keep it above 1500 rpm. (Fun to drive that way in traffic!). Car has 2 new fuel pumps as well as other equipment in the fuel system.
Suggestions are welcomed.

Ron Johnstone · #2 01-23-2003, 04:55 PM

Fixed! When pouring gas into the air horn, I noticed that some was dripping down the engine. With a good light, I found that the vacuum? line in the front base of the unit (about 1/2" diameter) had disconnected. Re-installed it and it runs fine again. Nothing like working on black things in areas where there is bad lighting.

#3 01-24-2003, 06:56 AM

Mr. Johnstone,

My impression from what you wrote is that you are pouring gas while someone is turning the starter switch. I hope I have the wrong impression. I hope you are actually pouring in some gas, setting the gas can aside, then turning the starter.

POURING GAS DOWN A CARBURETOR OR INTAKE WHILE THE ENGINE IS ATTEMPTING TO BE STARTED IS DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A friend of our familiy was killed some years ago when doing this. If you are doing this PLEASE don't do it ever again.

I hope my message does not seem harsh. And I hope I just misunderstood what you are doing, if so I apologize for sticking my nose in your business.

I just don't want to see someone hurt, disfigured or killed.

I'm glad you found your problem.

With best regards,

Ron Johnstone · #4 01-24-2003, 12:06 PM

Thanks Larry, for your concern. Yes, I poured in a small amount of gas then ran the starter motor to be safe.