Got my car started but discovered other problems
 

I took the battery in to autozone to check it since its under warranty and they gave it a deep cycle charge. Car started first time i cranked it. I let it run for a bit but i had to give gas sometimes when it sputtered. The brakes aren't really working. The discs are rusty and the red parking brake light stays on. Other than that though it runs like it always has. Any diagnosis?
thanks

Are you impyling that the car hasn't been run for some time? If so it is normal for the rotors to be rusty. The rust will wear off with use.

The brake light staying on could be because of low brake fluid or the parking brake pedal not being all the way to the rear. Have you checked the Master cylinder resorvoir brake fluid level?

Not enough information given to diagnose any engine problem but you shouldn't give it any"gas". And I don't know how it has always run.

P E H

Well, if the car hasn't been run for a while, do the usual "diesel rehabilitation" by changing the fuel filters (adding a full bottle of Red Line 85+ into the main filter before installing), changing the oil and air filter and adjusting the valves. If you still experience running problems, you've probably got some water or algae in your tank. The algae will clog the pickup screen.

Aaron,

Oh come on. Do all that just because a Diesel hasn't been run for a while? Ridiculous.

I have at least 2 MB Diesels that sit all winter in the garage. They never go out in the winter. What is my rehabilation: Turn key (charge batter if needed), wait for GP to heat, start engine and go.

This has been my procedure for more than 10 years and it works every time.

Seems like everyone, except me, thinks that changing the filters is a miracle cure for all problems. I don't subscribe to that theory. If the filters were not plugged and the valves were OK and would run the engine when the car was parked they will be OK to start and use after the hibernation is over.

P E H

Make sure the parking brake has completely disengaged -- if the pedal isn't all the way up, the brake light will stay on.

Also check brake fluid -- if it is low, find and repair the leak. Rust will wear off, but if it is very deep, you may get pulsation from where the rotors didn't rust under the pads. Might need to do brakes if that is really bad, it won't go away by itself.

Peter

I drove it around today and the rust is completely gone. I still have to push the peda all the way to the ground theh to et the regular brakes to engage.

adiaw83,

That's unsafe! And if you don't fix it, you are negligent.

Have you checked the brake fluid level? If you have to keep replacing th brake fluid, you must have a leak and it should be repaired before you have an accident.

P E H

Check all the hoses for evidence of leaks -- this can be "blisters" in the outer coating, too. Also check the wheels for brake fluid -- if the seals on the pistons go, all the fluid leaks out on the brake disk.

DO NOT DRIVE ON THE ROAD UNTIL YOU HAVE BRAKES, PLEASE!!!!

You may need to do caliper "rebuilds" -- that is, replace the piston seal and dust boot after cleaning the piston and bore. Very easy if you have an air compressor, slightly more difficult without. Cheap, too -- about $30 a side.

Peter