Is it me? or does this car just need a stick of dynamite? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mike-In-Sky · #1 02-06-2010, 09:01 AM

Now that I have the glow plug problem all worked out, I have another dilemma. About a week later, I noticed the check engine light was staying on. The manual says it is a fuel issue. Here is what has happened twice since. I parked the car with the front higher than the back and low fuel. (I think this may play a roll in this, bear with me). After about a ten minute stop, I went to start the car and it would not start. I rolled it back to get it on level ground and after a short cranking period, pedal to the floor, it fired up. So I made it a habit of never parking with the front higher than the back. For about a week I had no problems. Well, I forgot to tell my wife this. Yesterday, she parks it front end high and after about five hours, it doesn’t start. I roll it back, add a little fuel to the filter through the filter mounting bolt hole and after some cranking it starts. Anyone have any idea what is going on and how to resolve this?

Thanks,
Mike

Monte · #2 02-06-2010, 09:07 AM

Have had the same issue going on for 3-4 months...there is a leak somewhere that is letting the fuel pull out of the front end of the system...I replaced, tightened, and troubleshot it all numerous times, and still not 100% sure I have it fixed, as my driveway slants and I just back in as a matter of habit now. I did just find very small seepage at the top of the IP, which is next on my list to repair.
It can be frustrating as hades but it's fixable...you didn't say what kind of vehicle this is?

muleears · #3 02-06-2010, 09:09 AM

What year/model are we talking about Mike? Might want to put that in your signature so it is always there for other readers. If your car is a 210, I'd say you have leaky plastic fuel lines and O rings (common problem) if its a 123, sounds also like air infiltration somewhere, the lift pump is losing its prime, does it leak fuel anywhere? There are many experts on here who can probably give better answers than I.

Mike-In-Sky · #4 02-06-2010, 09:09 AM

It is a 99 E300. Great condition. I like the car. it is just driving me nuts with the little issues.

PaJon · #5 02-06-2010, 09:09 AM

It's air leaking in somewhere. Check all hoses in the fuel system and make sure they are tight. Has the tank screen been cleaned lately ?

muleears · #6 02-06-2010, 09:32 AM

I spent over $600 having a local shop chase an air leak/non starting issue with my 98. I finally took it back when they told me I needed an IP. I fixed the car in about 10 minutes at a cost of three dollars and change with help from this board. Problem was the O ring in the pre-filter (the one mounted on the side of the spin on bracket) not only must you check that one you MUST use the mercedes part. It is not a standard O ring size. The indy had crammed a wrong size O ring in there and it was sucking air. Consequently the pump would lose prime and not start. Replaced the O ring and 10 miles later all the air was worked out and it started and ran beautifully.

Mike-In-Sky · #7 02-06-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

I spent over $600 having a local shop chase an air leak/non starting issue with my 98. I finally took it back when they told me I needed an IP. I fixed the car in about 10 minutes at a cost of three dollars and change with help from this board. Problem was the O ring in the pre-filter (the one mounted on the side of the spin on bracket) not only must you check that one you MUST use the mercedes part. It is not a standard O ring size. The indy had crammed a wrong size O ring in there and it was sucking air. Consequently the pump would lose prime and not start. Replaced the O ring and 10 miles later all the air was worked out and it started and ran beautifully.

Wow! I would have never thought of that O-ring. I replaced the prefilter just this past fall. I didn't change the O-ring. I believe I still have the new one. Great tip! Thanks.

Mike-In-Sky · #8 02-06-2010, 09:32 AM

Tank screen? Tell me more. I will check all the fuel lines today. Thanks!

muleears · #9 02-06-2010, 09:38 AM

I wouldn't suspect the tank screen. A plugged tank screen would restrict flow and probably cause sluggish performance but not introduce air. The 606 you have is notorious for leaking plastic fuel lines and O rings. A search on "606 air leak" should provide a couple hours reading.

Mike-In-Sky · #10 02-06-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

I wouldn't suspect the tank screen. A plugged tank screen would restrict flow and probably cause sluggish performance but not introduce air. The 606 you have is notorious for leaking plastic fuel lines and O rings. A search on "606 air leak" should provide a couple hours reading.

I'm off to read all about "606 air leak". I'm loving this forum!

snookwhaler · #11 02-06-2010, 09:55 AM

If you get your hands on some dynamite, send me a stick.

PM for my address.

Definitelysounds like an air leak to me.

muleears · #12 02-06-2010, 09:56 AM

This one has some good info for you. Remember the leaks go both ways with this car. Air in, which is hard to find and fuel out which is somewhat easier.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=169662&highlight=606+air+leak&page=3

layback40 · #13 02-06-2010, 08:26 PM

snookwhaler,
Amfo is a cheaper alt to a stick of what you wanted!! We have used it for removing a few stumps here. You already have one of the 2 main ingredients in your fuel tank. The other is a common fertilizer. Be careful if you are going to play with that stuff though, it doesnt say excuse me !!! & there may be a law against it where you are.

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