1990 190e 2.6 - starter issue? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cleavster · #1 05-29-2014, 01:50 AM

Hello Everyone:

Last week when I started the car, starter engaged, engine stumbled, and then quit. On the second try, starter cranked very very slowly, engine fired, and then I have to step on the gas pedal slightly for fuel delivery to keep the engine running. Once started, engine idles and the car runs fine on the freeway. At this point, I possibly have a fuel delivery issue.

Today, starter cranked very slowly again as if my battery was about to lose power. I had the battery checked at a local Auto Store and it holds the correct voltage and the CCA checked out. Starter cranks slowly again but engine fires up right away and no issues.

This evening, starter cranks slowly, no start, and then clicks. Try again. starter cranks very very slowly and then nothing. Try again, no clicks, but I have power in the car.

Waited 30 minutes, no crank and no click. At this point, do i have a bad starter? If so, what is the procedure to change this part? How many miles does a starter last before replacement? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

pawoSD · #2 05-29-2014, 07:24 AM

Sounds like a failing battery or a weak alternator not charging it enough between starts.

cleavster · #3 05-29-2014, 07:49 AM

Battery checked out fine and alternator replaced about six months ago.

pawoSD · #4 05-29-2014, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleavster

Battery checked out fine and alternator replaced about six months ago.

If those are both good then I'd replace the starter. I had the starter fail on my 300E a while back, it was just plain worn out when I removed it, motor brush dust everywhere, sloppy bearings...make sure to get a quality rebuilt starter online from a place like pelicanparts so it is a german rebuilt unit. The Malaysian ones from stores like autozone etc never last.

cleavster · #5 05-29-2014, 08:53 AM

Is there a way to check the starter without removing the part from the car?

Elektri · #6 05-29-2014, 09:41 AM

Sounds like a bad alternator...

For example... With a cell phone - if you don't charge the cell phone, it will gradually lose the charge on its battery.

So try charging the battery with an automotive battery charger - I bet everything works great for a little while again - until the battery again drains down.

The way to check this is with a voltmeter set on DC volts. What is the battery voltage with the car off? (Should be 12.75 volts or so.)

After starting the car, what is the battery voltage? (Should be 13/14 volts.)

Note the higher voltage with the car started is the alternator charging the battery!

Also because the alternator was just replaced does NOT mean that is not the problem! (Test with a voltmeter to find the problem. Can also be a poor connection to the alternator...)

liquiddog · #7 05-29-2014, 01:28 PM

Google: voltage drop test auto

First two videos

cleavster · #8 05-29-2014, 03:37 PM

When the autostore checked the battery, the voltage was at 12.38 volts. However, I did not check the voltage last night after my failed attempt at starting the car. By the way, the battery posts are clean.

I will check the voltage this evening before starting and if it starts, perform a voltage drop test. If it does not start, I will go ahead and charge the battery before trying again.

lsmalley · #9 05-30-2014, 03:39 AM

Check the cables going to the B+ and D posts on the alternator

Elektri · #10 05-31-2014, 07:45 AM

Another way to look at a battery is it is like a fuel tank. You wouldn't replace a fuel tank if it was empty - rather you would fill it with more gas.

And with a battery which has a low charge, try charging it with a battery charger (fill it back up with electricity - if you will).

Ferdman · #11 05-31-2014, 12:25 PM

cleavster, recommend removing the voltage regulator from the back of the alternator and checking the length of the brushes. If the brushes are worn down to short nubs replace the voltage regulator. Worn brushes will eventually cause the alternator to not adequately recharge the battery. That could just be starting to happen with your 190E.

cleavster · #12 06-08-2014, 12:31 AM

I did my tests and when I turn the key to cranking position I was getting the proper voltage. Then, I used a mallet so I can whack the starter several times, and it fired up right away. At this point, I can only deduce that I do have a bad starter and will need replacement, correct? If so, what are the steps to move forward with the DIY? I'm assuming it will be a bit difficult since there is little room and looks heavy.

Thanks for all who assisted with my inquiry. Much appreciated!

Cheers,