from an outright flu down to just a few sniffles.

This morning I read your replies about the BS with the 'fuel injector pump' and decided to a little more background on the vehicle. I called the fellow who I bought the vehicle from (I auction off vehicles during the week) and he gave me some information that was worthwhile.

It turned out that the car had been sitting for a couple months after his wife got a minivan for their second child. The first thing that I thought was that the battery must be as down as possible so I went to straight to the auction, brought out the biggest battery box in the place, and started her up.

It worked perfectly. However the check engine light was on the vehicle. I went to Autozone to have the battery checked with one of their newer systems that's actually able to check the battery, alternator, and related electrical systems. It passed both tests.

The check engine light turns out to be a P0380 which is a 'glow plug ckt a malfunction'. Apparently there may be something in there that's either draining the battery and/or won't let the glow plugs warm up. Either that or it's ust a routine code.

Still I want to make sure this whole episode doesn't reoccur. Is there a particular circuit I have to replace? If so, will plugging in the 110v into the house enable the vehicle to start well in the meantime or am I going to need to get it jumped until this circuit is replaced?

Thanks for all your help. You guys have been absolutely fantastic. Now all I need to do is replace the aftermarket stereo system with a stock one, have the crack in the rear fender redone, take care of a windhsield crack, and catch up on whatever remaining maintenance issues are present and I'll be set. Thankfully, the fellow did have the fuel filter replaced at 176K and changed the oil with Mobil dino so that shouldn't be an issue.

Oh, one more thing. I did notice that the needle wavers between the low ends of 80 to just over 100 when I'm driving. At cruising speed it stays at 90. Is that where it should be or should I consider a coolant flush as well? The vehicle was dealer maintained during the first 150K (booklet is stamped) so that's not an issue.

Thanks again for all your help. Look forward to meeting a few of you someday during my travels.

That coolant temp is high for the om606 engine. These engines almost always run near 80 C when warmed up (except maybe when the ambient temp goes over 100 F). Maybe a coolant flush with extra attension to getting all the air out would be decent place to start. Your car should not be running at 100 C. I am a bit of a novice, I am sure others will offer advice.
Paul
________
98 E300

reduced from an outright flu, down to just a few sniffles.

This morning I read your replies about the BS with the 'fuel injector pump' and decided to a little more background on the vehicle. I called the fellow who I bought the vehicle from (I auction off vehicles during the week) and he gave me some information that was worthwhile.

It turned out that the car had been sitting for a couple months after his wife got a minivan for their second child. The first thing that I thought was that the battery must be as down as possible so I went to straight to the auction, brought out the biggest battery box in the place, and started her up.

It worked perfectly. However the check engine light was on the vehicle. I went to Autozone to have the battery checked with one of their newer systems that's actually able to check the battery, alternator, and related electrical systems. It passed both tests.

The check engine light turns out to be a P0380 which is a 'glow plug ckt a malfunction'. Apparently there may be something in there that's either draining the battery and/or won't let the glow plugs warm up. Either that or it's just a routine code.

Still I want to make sure this whole episode doesn't reoccur. Is there a particular circuit I have to replace? If so, will plugging in the 110v into the house enable the vehicle to start well in the meantime or am I going to need to get it jumped until this circuit is replaced?

Thanks for all your help. You guys have been absolutely fantastic. Now all I need to do is replace the aftermarket stereo system with a stock one, have the crack in the rear fender redone, take care of a windhsield crack, and catch up on whatever remaining maintenance issues are present and I'll be set. Thankfully, the fellow did have the fuel filter replaced at 176K and changed the oil with Mobil dino so that shouldn't be an issue.

Oh, one more thing. I did notice that the needle wavers between the low ends of 80 to just over 100 when I'm driving. At cruising speed it stays at 90. Is that where it should be or should I consider a coolant flush as well? The vehicle was dealer maintained during the first 150K (booklet is stamped) so that's not an issue.

Thanks again for all your help. Look forward to meeting a few of you someday during my travels.

I agree with Brian, get another opinion.....
I suspect an electrical problem ...relay, sensor, actuator etc....