350sdl stop running

[trbodzel350sdl]

Hello all, by the title you can tell that I have a 350sdl.

About 2 weeks ago the car started to run rough once it had warmed up. At first I thought it was a clogged fuel filter, so I replaced it. Then I thought that the #1 injector was clogged so I got a new one. Then things got worse now it's to the point that It will not start.

I was thinking it was the injector pump but I'm not sure how to test it. I have read some threads on this site but I am still not totally clear. Maybe someone could explain it in an easy to follow manner.

This is what I have done so far.

1) I changed the number one injector -- no effect
2) I changed the fuel filter --- no effect
3) I took off the little fuel pump next to the injector, seemed to work but not sure how to test it.

Also a bit of funny info, I took it to a shop "EDDIES MBZ" in Lawndale CA, and he said that it needed a pump but he did not say which one, but was still ordering a pump for me. After a week I went back and asked him to show me what pump he was talking about and he pointed the the cruise control unit. That's when I towed it home in a hurry.

Please help Thanks.

[lietuviai]

How was your oil consumption before this happened?

[Brian Carlton]

My guess is that it's not getting fuel.

Disconnect the line from the fuel pump to the secondary filter and put it in a small bucket. Crank the engine for 10 seconds and see how much fuel you get.

You better see a couple of ounces of fuel in ten seconds or the tank screen is clogged or the fuel pump itself is NG.

Oil consumption has nothing to do with your issue.

[lietuviai]

I'm wondering if perhaps it's another rod bender issue. This is why I asked about oil consumption.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by lietuviai

I'm wondering if perhaps it's another rod bender issue. This is why I asked about oil consumption.

I know what you were wondering........and that's why I answered the way I did.

The oil consumption and/or a bent connecting rod will have no effect on the capability to start and run.

[lietuviai]

So even with bent rods the car should still run?

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by lietuviai

So even with bent rods the car should still run?

Of course. They run until the oil consumption is one quart every 100 miles. Then, the idle starts to deteriorate and the power is down because the one cylinder is not producing any power. If you have the money and can stomach the lack of power, you can probably run them even longer.

I drove my '87 when the consumption climbed to one quart of oil every 20 miles. Wasn't pretty and I really had to stop.........or bend a rod myself.

[lietuviai]

I learn something here every time. I thought that once the rods are bent on the 350, they pretty much quit running. Hopefully he doesn't have something too serious.

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by trbodzel350sdl

Hello all, by the title you can tell that I have a 350sdl.

About 2 weeks ago the car started to run rough once it had warmed up. At first I thought it was a clogged fuel filter, so I replaced it. Then I thought that the #1 injector was clogged so I got a new one. Then things got worse now it's to the point that It will not start.

I was thinking it was the injector pump but I'm not sure how to test it. I have read some threads on this site but I am still not totally clear. Maybe someone could explain it in an easy to follow manner.

This is what I have done so far.

1) I changed the number one injector -- no effect
2) I changed the fuel filter --- no effect
3) I took off the little fuel pump next to the injector, seemed to work but not sure how to test it.

Also a bit of funny info, I took it to a shop "EDDIES MBZ" in Lawndale CA, and he said that it needed a pump but he did not say which one, but was still ordering a pump for me. After a week I went back and asked him to show me what pump he was talking about and he pointed the the cruise control unit. That's when I towed it home in a hurry.

Please help Thanks.

Check the "Good shops" section for California. Read the MR. MB thread, and decide if you might want to go there. Sounds like the best bet around, and it is not far from the Lawndale shop. It is in Tarzana.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by lietuviai

I learn something here every time. I thought that once the rods are bent on the 350, they pretty much quit running. Hopefully he doesn't have something too serious.

That's the sinister part about the problem. The rod bends........for reasons unknown.........there is no symptom of the event. The engine runs fine for many thousands of miles and the cylinder gradually is ovalized. Naturally, the more the oval........the more the oil consumption........the more the blowby. But, the engine continues to run fine.

The limit occurs when that cylinder is not making any power and is drinking exhorbitant amounts of oil. The owner finally takes it to a mechanic..........too late.

[lietuviai]

I think these are the most attractive modern MB's made. It's too bad they don't have the reliability or longevity of the 617 powered cars.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by lietuviai

I think these are the most attractive modern MB's made. It's too bad they don't have the reliability or longevity of the 617 powered cars.

The '86 and '87 have the longevity. The reliability isn't bad........not quite as good as the earlier vehicles, however. It's a more complicated engine and demands some additional maintenance and repair.........belt shocks.......tensioners.........hydraulic lifters..........coolant switches............vacuum amplifiers..........etc. But, the longevity of the engine is on par with the 617.

[larry perkins]

i got something you could try,easy and dont cost nothing.
take a hose clamp tool(i use a needle nose set of vice grips)and clamp the return fuel line to tank at the fuel filter.
crank with a charged battery and see if the engine will start.
if it starts release the hose clamp to test, if fuel is bypassing thru the ip relief valve(if its bypassing then the engine will quit or run real bad.
let us know.
larry perkins lou ky

[sixto]

Originally Posted by trbodzel350sdl

2) I changed the fuel filter --- no effect

There are two fuel filters. Which one did you replace? Try replacing the other one.

Sixto
87 300D