300TE possible fuel starvation.

[balge]

Just thinking...you said three year lay-up? Maybe something as simple as fuel contamination? Or the tank vent blocked? Might be worth checking the fuel lines too.
My TE ran fairly happily on one fuel pump for quite a while before I realised there were two...

cheers!

 

[VmanC]

Just thinking...you said three year lay-up? Maybe something as simple as fuel contamination? Or the tank vent blocked? Might be worth checking the fuel lines too.
My TE ran fairly happily on one fuel pump for quite a while before I realised there were two...

cheers!

. Yes, I was surprised to see two pumps too.

I've put £30 worth of fuel in three times now so think the fuel is ok. Also, despite being layed up, I did run it from time to time.

One of the first things I tried when it started to play up was to remove the petrol cap and try it, also thinking I may have a blocked breather, but it didn't help. The fuel lines could be another thing worth checking if all else fails though .

 

[mazza]

Hi Vman,

Is your KE jetronic fitted with a lambda ??

mazza

 

[VmanC]

Hi Vman,

Is your KE jetronic fitted with a lambda ??

mazza

Hi mazza,

It's a 1988 model so I'm guessing no, but will check next time I'm with it. Cheers.

 

[mazza]

Hi mazza,

It's a 1988 model so I'm guessing no, but will check next time I'm with it. Cheers.

Hi Vman,

Ke jetronic with lambda was available and used on Mercedes engines since early 80's..an additional electronic sensor to minimise emmisions which gave way to the mega complicated KE jetronic.

Couple things you can check is the coolant temperature sensor, this is one of the most important sensors for the KE jet..check the wiring on the harness, if possible swap the sensor.

Sensor picks up the coolant temp and sends a signal to the ECU for "COLD START" engagement and normal operating temp.

if your KE jet is fitted with a lambda, the coolant temp sensor gives way to the lambda once the engines reaches operating temp.

The micro switch that is attached to the throttle linkage can also cause problems with fueling and fueling shut off. It has 2 functions, 1 full open throttle and fuel shut off when throttle is closed. woth having a quick look...you should be able to hear a click as part of the throttle linkage touch the switch when the throttle is closed.

mazza

 

[VmanC]

Hi Vman,

Ke jetronic with lambda was available and used on Mercedes engines since early 80's..an additional electronic sensor to minimise emmisions which gave way to the mega complicated KE jetronic.

Couple things you can check is the coolant temperature sensor, this is one of the most important sensors for the KE jet..check the wiring on the harness, if possible swap the sensor.

Sensor picks up the coolant temp and sends a signal to the ECU for "COLD START" engagement and normal operating temp.

if your KE jet is fitted with a lambda, the coolant temp sensor gives way to the lambda once the engines reaches operating temp.

The micro switch that is attached to the throttle linkage can also cause problems with fueling and fueling shut off. It has 2 functions, 1 full open throttle and fuel shut off when throttle is closed. woth having a quick look...you should be able to hear a click as part of the throttle linkage touch the switch when the throttle is closed.

mazza

Trust Mercedes to be ahead of the game .

Thanks again Mazza will add all of the above to my check list. I'm going to need next weeks holiday!

 

[mazza]

Trust Mercedes to be ahead of the game .

Thanks again Mazza will add all of the above to my check list. I'm going to need next weeks holiday!

No worries! hope you get it sorted.

I posted this a while back..its not the most exiting reading..but may be helpful.


http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/86357-bosch-ke-jetronic-info.html

mazza

 

[VmanC]

No worries! hope you get it sorted.

I posted this a while back..its not the most exiting reading..but may be helpful.


http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/86357-bosch-ke-jetronic-info.html

mazza

Would be great to get it running properly, but not till my total no. of posts reaches 30.

 

[balge]

This is the wiring diagram I use working on my '89 TE

Just remembered I had a coil fail on a Triumph, did exactly the same, started fine, then after 20 minutes or so it got hot and stopped sparking, ten minutes rest and alls well again
If it happens again, have a spare spark-plug ready, stuff it in one of the HT caps and see if you still have sparks or not?

cheers!

 

[VmanC]

Superb! thanks balge . I'm sure the wiring diagram will be useful to others too.

So many times I've known people fit a new coil unnecessarily simply because they can't find a fault elsewhere, but this time the coil could genuinely be the culprit. Another thing to change.

 

[219]

Thanks again GP . I do hope it's not ECU related as the two I have to swap with are from my 260E and a 300SE I'm also scrapping, not sure if either of these will do

Quite a lot of bits from the 300SE will be the same or compatible - comparing part numbers is the surest way - although in many cases even slight differences won't matter .

Which wood has your SE got ? Zebrano ( slightly 'stripey' grain pattern ) , or Walnut ?

PS , since you've got the 300SE for spares , it would probably be worth whipping the dizzy cap off that one and trying it on the 124 to see if that helps ...

 

[VmanC]

Quite a lot of bits from the 300SE will be the same or compatible - comparing part numbers is the surest way - although in many cases even slight differences won't matter .

Which wood has your SE got ? Zebrano ( slightly 'stripey' grain pattern ) , or Walnut ?

PS , since you've got the 300SE for spares , it would probably be worth whipping the dizzy cap off that one and trying it on the 124 to see if that helps ...

Thanks Derek, I'm away for a week now but shall start swapping when I get back.

Woodwork is walnut in mine .

 

[219]

Let us know how you get on .

Pity - I was looking for a bit of Zebrano for my 280SE ; have a full set of walnut off the 420 I broke .

 

[renault12ts]

Clarke won the Open.

 

[VmanC]

Back from break

Back on the engine problem today, hope to have some good news later.

 

[VmanC]

Ok, a few days ago I swapped the distributor cap, rotor arm, and leads. I also wanted to change the fuel pump relay but could not find a relay with 'Kickdown' written on it. The long drive home showed that none of the above was the problem, so I enquired about the sighting of the fuel pump reley from someone who knows these things, this has now been swapped too. I'm not able to test the car now until Monday to see if the relay has worked .
It's painful to have to check out these things one at a time, but it would be worse to swap everything in one go and not know which item was the culprit. Stick with me.

 

[balge]

Not sure, but if your car has factory a/c you would have 'klima' or 'kl' or something on the relay instead?
Kickdown relay on my 300TD is behind the plastic cover behind the battery

cheers!

 

[VmanC]

Not sure, but if your car has factory a/c you would have 'klima' or 'kl' or something on the relay instead?
Kickdown relay on my 300TD is behind the plastic cover behind the battery

cheers!

You're dead right, it was behind the battery and ecu's .

I actually found and replaced it over a week ago but have been away since.

I'm very happy to report that the relay has solved the problem , and I can now drive any distance without worry but with a great deal of satisfaction.
The way it drives now, with very little attention considering it's had a three year lay up, is testament to the build quality of this model.
All this recent activity was because I'd decided to sell it, but now my partner and I are so impressed with it we've decided to sell her '56' Peugeot 407 tdi estate instead. There will be price to pay in fuel costs, but in all other respects the Merc is a better car to own, despite being 18 years older!

Thank you to everyone that has helped me with this it's good to know you're out there, especially as I'll be sticking around a lot longer now. I'm not a complete novice when it comes to cars so hope I'm able to return the favour in the future.

 

[drumhead87m]

Hello balge I am new to this forum may I ask you a question about a 1988 300te I purchased with 195000 miles ?? thanks drumhead87m

 

[balge]

Best to post a new question mate then everyone can help
- I'm no expert I just know what I know!
cheers!