Ran out of diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RukatheBlackfis · #1 10-15-2007, 02:17 PM

I have a 1981, 240D.
So I did a really dumb thing and ran my car out of "gas". And now I don't know what to do. You're supposed to turn the primer pump (right?), but it won't budge an inch. If anyone can help me with this issue, I'd owe you big.

TX76513 · #2 10-15-2007, 02:19 PM

Look Here

RukatheBlackfis · #3 10-15-2007, 02:27 PM

I tried to do what it says, but that thing won't turn at all. Do I need a tool?

zeke · #4 10-15-2007, 02:34 PM

My primer pump had already been replaced when I bought the car. No turning needed. Just pump and go.

Is your original, or a replacement?

RukatheBlackfis · #5 10-15-2007, 02:41 PM

It's the original.
I hear how easy the replacement is, I'll be sure to get it replaced asap after this!

MattBelliveau · #6 10-15-2007, 02:49 PM

Someone probably overtightened it to keep it from...ahem...leaking.

Jordan G · #7 10-15-2007, 02:49 PM

You shouldn't need a tool to unlock the white primer pump knob. Just unscrew, lift up and pump like mad (50 times maybe?).

It's extremely easy to replace the old one (if it's leaking, otherwise, why replace?). Just use a vice grips to get the old one out.

Be careful not to nick the old nylon fuel line immediately to the left of the pump...and causing a nasty leak (not that I speak from experience or anything

)

RukatheBlackfis · #8 10-15-2007, 02:55 PM

Is there any tips? I'm telling you it feels like it's completely stuck. Should I just turn the plastic part or the metal part? Perhaps enlist the help of a stronger person?
I wanna replace it, just in case this happens again, and I won't be so helpless.

Jordan G · #9 10-15-2007, 03:00 PM

crank on the plastic "wheel" part, CCW.....never heard of one completely stuck before. Is it really gummed up/filthy?

Otherwise....I think it's just like another poster suggested.....a previous owner cranked it down to prevent a leak.

I suppose if you know you're going to replace it soon anyway, a vice-grip clamped to the plastic part might give you some leverage (versus your fingers). I'd use some caution in doing this though.

winmutt · #10 10-15-2007, 03:12 PM

If you have a good source of juice, just crank the engine a few secs at a time and pause inbetween to let the starter cool down. Do this until it catches. 5min or so is not unusual.

RukatheBlackfis · #11 10-15-2007, 03:19 PM

I tried again, nothing. Later I'll try and get a neighbor to turn it. I'm not very good at opening jars....
It doesn't seem to be too dirty. Not anymore then the other parts around it.

Thanks for the help

Edit:
Winmutt, so I don't need to pump the primer? I put about 3 gallons in there, and the light isn't on anymore. I'd tried to start it, it turned on, but didn't last for very long, and then the next two times it just kept turning over.

TX76513 · #12 10-15-2007, 03:25 PM

Did you fill your fuel filter first?

RukatheBlackfis · #13 10-15-2007, 03:27 PM

I didn't know you had to. How do I do that?

JimSmith · #14 10-15-2007, 03:27 PM

I have had these things stick, and yes, I have run them out of fuel, and so have my kids now, several times. I usually have to wrap the plastic, knife edge knurled sadistic plastic cover with a an old T-shirt to really get a good grip and apply some torque. Otherwise you will rip skin off your fingers. Same with the pumping action - I use the rag to keep from tearing the skin off my fingers while I pump the mechanism. Nasty, sadistic German engineer designed that thing to punish you for running low on fuel. Jim

TX76513 · #15 10-15-2007, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RukatheBlackfis

I didn't know you had to. How do I do that?

It helps if you are going to do the dry crank method