CLK 270 CDI Auto (2004) Power Issues!

[MikeWoodhouse]

Hi,

First post, but really could do with drawing down on the collective experience of all on this forum.

For around 2 months now I've had power challenges with my CLK, originally thinking it was due to not driving it enough as a change in work has seen me use it around 2 times a week now. Previously every day.

It all started with finding the indicators blinking on the car, and then gradually got worse. to the point where the remote key would not unlock the car and I was having to use the metal key and then jump start. So, replaced the battery and after some messing around with the garage (SRS, Service and other notifications coming up) thought it was sorted. That was 3 weeks ago, and back to the same problem.

Now she won't even come to life off jump cables or even a fully charged battery pack.

Help!!!

 

[mersum1es]

Faulty alarm battery/siren (perhaps drained main battery too)
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/86238-indicators-fast-flashing-no-apparent-reason.html

then check all fuses, jumping may have done some damage...

Then Check earth strap of the engine block, starter motor wires.

 

[MikeWoodhouse]

Thanks for the link and the advise. I've had a MB specialist pick up my battery to charge (as completely dead) returning to me tomorrow.

I'll then be in a position to get a diagnostics tool on it and see where that takes me. They've quoted £45 ex VAT for all of this, which seems reasonable to me.

 

[MikeWoodhouse]

After the garage dropped the battery off this morning, fitted back in the car and took her to the shop, they've confirmed there's no issues with the electronics and that there's a diesel leak in the engine bay. Apparently under the main plastic cover. Not what I expected.

They've put the root cause of the battery/power issue down to driving the car so infrequently.

I guess the diesel pipes do perish, do you know if this is an expensive job?

 

[dazzaf1]

Hi there . Don't no if you have the same issue as my 270 but mine had a diesel leak but only when cold , the seals in the high pressure pump at the front of the engine perish. . Leaks for approximately a minute then the heat plus pressure seal it , changed the pump . An easy job ony 3 bolts plus a few pipes , like a different car now. It's a very common problem on this car . If it's this you will smell diesel in cabin . And see the leak if you start from cold with bonnet up. Will leak over auxiliary belt.

 

[MikeWoodhouse]

Thanks Dazzaf1.

I've just picked her up from the MB specialist and the job changed ever so slightly.

It turned out the alarm siren was draining the battery after all, so that's been replaced.

As for the fuel pipes, they've been replaced. To your point around smelling diesel in the cabin, last winter it was quite noticeable, however, I put it down to cars in front as it only happened when stopped. Typically at traffic lights. I hope this is now sorted.

Like every visit to the garage there's always the unknown and I've walked out with an advisory on the V-belt and there's a slight leak on cylinder 5's injector!

Does anyone have experience with the V-belt replacement? They've quoted me circa £85, having looked on mister-auto.co.uk I can see there's either a kit or belt (stand alone).

Also, have you had any issues with the injector seals, could it be a seal or a new injector that's needed?

 

[mersum1es]

Changing serpentine belt is (in theory) easy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5U2wS9uSvE

Problem is that in 5 and 6 cylinder inline engine there is very little space. Just right sized tool may have done the job, but I removed fan shroud when changed my W210 belt. Usually belt tensioner not needed to change.

Usually if bottom seal of injector is leaking, its not diesel but more like black gunk around the injector. Fuel leak may come if nozzle holder cap is broken (then cylinder pressure is normally leaking too, and situation is not 'slight leak'). If they talk about tank line leak, it means inner seals are worn, and new injector needed (There is seal kit for injectors too, I've posted some pic/thread in Finnish forum where the replaced them).