2001 E320 Cdi Bad Starting And Blue Smoke

[codereader]

Firstly hi to all MB club members.
I just purchased a 2001 E320 CDI and it has an intermittend starting issue and is also started producing some strong smelling bluey grey smoke.
9 out of 10 times it will start first time but every now and then it will take upto 10 attempts before it will fire up properly.
The power seems slightly down aswell.
I have had a Snap-on scanner plugged into it and there are no DTC's current or stored so nothing to go on there, I have also had my scope hooked up to the crank angle sensor and cam sensor and I am getting the correct outputs according to Vivid Workshop Data.
I have changed the fuel filter and canister lid seal after noticing some air passing from the filter to the pump but this has'nt cured it totally, there are still air bubbles in the diesel supply but they are minimal now and only at high revs.
I have checked the supply to the filter from the tank with some clear tubing and there is no air bubbles present.
It appears that the air is being sent to the filter in the return line from the fuel rail ??.
Would this cause blue smoke and intermittent starting, Im not sure and I am now wondering if it has a fuel pressure issue at the lift pump(its an engine mounted lift pump not an in tank type)
Any info would be glady appreciated as I am pulling my hair out with this one now and I am refusing to be beaten!!.
Just thought I should add the car has done 61000 miles and has a full MB service history.

Regards to all readers

Lee :bannana:

 

[BlackC55]

Replace all the rubber O rings on the flexible fuel line to start with because it sounds like you have an air leak and the O rings are the normal cause.

It may also be an injector problem They need to be checked with a leak off test kit.

 

[slamspider]

hello codereader, did you solve your smoking problem? only i have a similar problem with my E300 diesel 1995. i have serviced injectors and changed all filters without much success. i did notice some air bubbles in the fuel lines so will try that next unless you can shed any more light on the situation. let me know where your at.