95 c280 hard start sometimes when hot - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-26-2002, 04:33 PM

Hello everyone,
This is my first post on this board! Just want to say that i'm glad i became a member, this forum is great! Anyways, the problem i'm having is that sometimes, when its hot (90 C), my engine cranks but does not start. If I turn the key off and restart it again it will start. I found that by holding the gas pedal down a bit, it helps it alot with the starting. Any ideas? Oh and 1 more question. The fan clutch on this model, how do you remove it? I mean any special tools required? The car is at a local shop right now, my cousin is working on it. He wants to know if the center bolt that holds the fan clutch is clockwise or counter-clockwise when you want to remove it. He said it was hard either directions and just want to make sure before he damages something.

thank you in advance

,
Sid

Ashman · #2 07-26-2002, 06:45 PM

Do a search on OVP or oveload protection relay or overvolt protection relay.

This may be the answer.

Where is David C Class to chime in with his opinioon on OVP.

Alon

Gilly · #3 07-26-2002, 08:37 PM

Sounds like it could be a number of things. Maybe even as simple as worn or incorrect spark plugs. i recommend Bosch F8DC4 plugs gapped to .032" or .8mm. Someplace simple to start. How many miles on it, and when was the last major service done ie. air filter, fuel filter, plugs, etc? Fuel filter or fuel quality/octane could be a source also. How about the coolant temp sensor, that may cause this as well, or possibly the intake air temp sensor. Overvolt protection relay, as has been mentioned.....ah, maybe, I'd look at a few basics first. If someone has put in any "fancy" spark plugs such as Platinum tip or "splitfire" or some such plug, that may be a problem.

On the fan, I'm curious why he wants to take it off, but to answer the question, the bolt is a normal "right hand" thread, righty tighty, lefty loosey, and there is a special tool you use to hold the fan hub locked to be able to loosen the bolt, and yes, if you don't know what you're doing with it and force something, things will break.

Take care and welcome to the site.
Gilly

#4 07-26-2002, 09:42 PM

Hi guys,

Thanks for the quick reply. Well to answer your questions, spark plugs were changed less than 1k miles ago, same with fuel filter, air filter. I only pump 92octane gas. I thought for sure the plugs would take care of it but it didn't. As for the fan clutch, its going bad. Its causing my temp gauge to rise in stop and go traffic. My cousin checked it out and said that the clutch is worn. Gilly, you mentioned that there's a tool for this. Can you tell me the name of it and how much you think it might run? Again, thank you for all your help. I will pass the word out about this site!

Gilly · #5 07-26-2002, 10:24 PM

Sid:
OK, and you used the previously mentioned plugs, the Bosch F8DC4's? It can make a difference.
You could try using a mid-grade instead of the 92 as an experiment, I have seen a few around this vintage, mid-1990's 104 engines, that did start better on an 89 octane, so that may be an easy fix. You've also got the other sensors I mentioned you can check. Lots of possiblities here, just mentioning a few I can remember.

I believe the tool to lock the fan hub is simply called the fan hub holding tool. There are a few different designs depending on the year, and I can't remember exactly which your would use, but i believe it's just a hooked rod similar to the 103 engines. Other possibilities are a handle with a "C" shape on the end with 3 drilled holes that fit onto 3 of the 4 bolt heads on the back of the pulley, or a tuning fork looking thing that slips over 2 bent sheetmetal ears on the back of the hub.
Since I work at a dealership, we get the stuff from MB. This takes time. if you need them right away, maybe someone in an independent shop can direct you to a fast cheaper supplier,or just try your web browser.
Gilly

David C Klasse · #6 07-27-2002, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ashman

Where is David C Class to chime in with his opinioon on OVP.

JUST CHANGE the OVP (Overvolt Protection Relay) and be done with it!!!

E2.3 · #7 07-27-2002, 11:07 AM

Sid,
I had a similar problem with my 190E. My fuel check valve was bad. I'm sure you're car has one. A very cheap part.
Randal

#8 07-27-2002, 12:12 PM

You can remove fan clutch without special tool if you remove serpentine belt and idler pulley located at 11 oclock facing front of engine, by holding pulley with a strap wrench which can be purchased from Sears and almost any tool store. A universal tool with many uses. I did this on 96 C-280.

Hilton Smith

#9 07-27-2002, 04:36 PM

Thanks guys, i will try the ovp and look into removing the fan clutch by holding the pulley. Just wondering though, how much do you think that tool is anyway, the one actually made to take off the clutch?

Thank you,

#10 10-27-2002, 09:34 PM

I just found the fan hub holding tool for C280's at www.********.com. Go to SIR tools, it is part number M0040 'locking hook' for $15.00. I just made one and will try it out tomorrow - .225 inch diameter I think I read on this forum.

Hilton Smith