Checking fuel delivery when running poorly may help with diagnosis

I had similar problems……..see my ‘Italian Tune’ thread……………. that wasn’t helped with fuel filter replacement……..but was cured by cleaning out the tank and replacing the in tank screen

Couldn’t believe the crud……….but my ’78 280CE hadn’t been used for 5yrs……..or perhaps we have particularly cruddy fuel in Australia !

In any case, if fuel delivery is good when playing up you can save yourself pulling the tank ……..which for my w123 was the easiest way to clean the crud & replace the strainer

The crud was a couple of inches deep around the screen…….my theory is that a few corners shook up this crud which plugged the screen……..I noted pump ‘zinging’ as it tried to suck against the blocked screen……………turning the motor off for a few minutes allowed the crud to float off the screen and everything ran well again………I also noted it ran for longer in a straight line………..died on corners & hills

If fuel delivery is shown to be the problem……..bite the bullet and pull the tank……start at the top and work down stream to clear all the supply system

Good Luck

David

Link to 'Italian Tune' thread