98 E300TD Diesel Engine missing
 

Hello,

I have existed in the background during the years reading other posts on this forum and enjoyed it!! My question for anyone out there that has anything to say on the subject:

About 1 year ago my 98 E300TD (150K at the time) started to have a occasional noticable miss. The mileage also decreased rather noticeably from 33-35/gallon to 28-31/gallon. At that time I replaced the air/fuel filters, and added some diesel additive and hoped for the best! As we continue to drive it for 1 year, there has been no improvement. In my mind, the alternatives possible problem sources are not attractive (Fuel Injector, Glow Plug, or Valves).

In the past I have seen posts with similar problems but are unable to locate any at this time. Does anyone have any expierences they wish to share? This has been a completely trouble free car up to this point (160K miles).

Has anyone replaced the injectors with similar symptoms? Before I test the compression (when the weather warms up a bit) and dive into the issue I thought I would attemp to do some research from a climate controlled desktop!!

Well, you can rule out the glow plugs.

The first line of attack would be to do a diesel purge on it and see if you can free up anything stuck in the injectors.

If this fails, you may wish to isolate the cylinder causing the problem by disconnecting the fuel to each cylinder, one at a time.

Once you have identified the cylinder, the least expensive item on the list, and the most likely culprit, is the injector. Remove it and bring it to a "qualified" shop for checking, and, hopefully repair.

You might also consider pulling all the injectors and having them tested, however, with the risks associated with some of the injector shops, this might be a dangerous idea.

Are you getting any check engine readouts from the dashboard? Have you taken it to a Auto Zone for a free computer read out? That might tell you something. Start looking for a good personnel mechanic. People on this forum will direct you to one if available.

Wow, you got a computer in that vehicle??? :D :D

Well, you should now be all set at Auto Zone. ;)

I should have added -

There are no engine code readouts (I have an ODB II Reader). The miss is very slight (one cylinder misfiring occasionally, with no sustained repeats). The warmer the engine the fewer misfires. I suspect an injector as well, but was looking for other opinions

thanks,

I recently had my injectors tested at a diesel injection shop. One of the injectors was a bit off, shooting a stream of diesel. I had it rebuilt at a cost of about $75. Can't tell you if mileage improved...had a mishap with the return lines and one ended up popping off on a trip to NJ. Before I was getting a solid 30 mpgs in the winter running with power service. I'll give you an update on any improved mileage. Just to let you know, if you do want to get the injectors out, you NEED to get the special tool from the dealer or phil at fastlane. I needed it quick so went to the dealer to drop $35 on it. Its just an extra long socket, about 5-6 inches long.

oh yeah, dont forget to get 6 new crush washers for the injectors when you put them back in.

I'd be looking for air leaks in the plastic fuel lines. Common 606 problem, at first causes slight missing and occasional hesitation.

- JimY

Once you move the lines you ahve to do them all. Also, if it were leaking lines, take off the belly pan and see if the floor has a puddle of diesel after runnint it for a bit.

My money's on an injector. Italian tune-up???

Drive it like you stole it. I never do the Italian Tune Up because I am hitting it where I can.