E220 CDI - Rough Idle, Fuel Injectors ?

[kwano]

Within the last week I have noticed that the engine idles rough on standstill or when gradually coming to a stop. It is fine when driving normally and there appears to be no loss of power/acceleration which I have noticed.

It doesnt matter if the engine is cold/warm/hot it happens at anytime. I have also noticed that the V-belt is vibrating quite frantically (top section) on idle. When you increase the revs even a tiny tad the engine appears to run fine and the noise disappears.

The car is a 2002 W210 with approx 42,000 miles on the clock which I don't believe is high for this kind of model. The car has full MB service with the last service Oct 04 and the next service showing due in approx 6,000 miles (A service).

From some of the searches I've found it appears it could be a fuel injector issue which I am quite surprised for the mileage covered. I have it booked in next Monday for a diagnostics and have my fingers crossed !

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

[Dieselman]

Run a strong dose of injector cleaner throught he fuel system before doing anything else.

 

[kwano]

Any recommendations ? I've heard the word 'Millers' a few times. Can you buy this locally in the Manchester area other than online ?

 

[Dieselman]

Any recommendations ? I've heard the word 'Millers' a few times. Can you buy this locally in the Manchester area other than online ?

You can check stockists on the Millers website. As the company are based in Brighouse I would have thought you should be able to buy it in Manc without any problem.

 

[kwano]

I've just checked their website & have found a stockist not too far. I will call them first thing tomorrow and make a dash if they have some in stock.

DieselMan when you say a strong dosage, what would you recommend from a 500ml bottle to a full tank ?

 

[kwano]

Have bought a bottle of Millers from AutoDen in Knutsford. I have put in a double dosage to clean out the system as outlined in the instructions on the reverse of the bottle.

How long before I should expect to notice any significant difference if anything ?

 

[marcos]

Give it the tankfull and see what happens.

I would also give it a damn good thrashing to help clear all the crappy deposits out.

 

[kwano]

Thanks, I'll see how it goes in the next few days

 

[kwano]

:bannana: :bannana: :bannana: :bannana: :bannana:

All sorted & a very happy bunny now !

Had nothing to with the injectors etc. As I mentioned previously the V-belt was jumping/vibrating quite frantically and consequently this was making all the racket.

After replacing the belt tensioner itself this made no difference whatsoever. I took the car down to SPR Autos in Stockport where Steve's assistant kindly put it on the Winstar which found no fault. Later Steve made some enquiries and as it turns out this fault is highlighted in the MB information Systems back in July 1999 and it advises to replace the Alternator Pulley.

Unfortunately, Steve is on holiday this week and is so busy he was unable to fit me in soon. Therefore, this morning the Pulley was replaced by Hayes of Manchester (Specialist MB Independant) which I can't praise enough for there customer service and especially their prices ! Job done and car running as sweet as anything - noise and belt running perfectly !

I thought I post this for any other members who are encountering this problem. It can be worrying and irratating as it's difficult to find out what the problem is without talking to the specialist and even the Main Dealers.
I have been told that this problem occurrs on all E220/E320 CDI models (water cooled) and the part can be replaced with the Alternator in situ. Do not listen to the Dealers - I had one Dealer quote me £370 + VAT to do the same job and they said they had to remove the Alternator, big job, 3-4 hours labour etc etc.

Hayes of Manchester charged a reasonable £56.92 inc VAT to fit the unit. Apparently, a special tool is required to remove the pulley. For completeness the part no. is 611 155 0415 and is a unbelieveable £82.86 inc VAT (I managed to get a little discount paying £74.58 inc VAT).

 

[Dieselman]

Nice result.
thanks for the tip.

 

[Rory]

Any idea what actually goes wrong with the alternator pulley? Seems strange that a fault identified in 1999 should have not been designed out on a 2002 car?

 

[Paul P]

That is handy to know if we ever get this pulley problem with our E 320 CDI 210 Estate do you have the number for Hayes of Manchester or there address Kwano, as we live aprox. 60 miles from Manchester in shropshire, any way we all thank you for the tip for the cdi engines to be for warned is very helpfull.

 

[kwano]

Hi Paul P. The details for Hayes of Manchester : Schwaben House, 29 Wadeson Road, Manchester, M13 9UG.
Tel : 0161 273 3303 or 3304
Fax : 0161 273 3314
Email : [email protected]

The contact is Mark who was very informative and helpful.

I have since spoken to a MB technician who advises that their Dealership changes approx 1-2 units a month so obviously it is a regular fault. Looks like these pulleys have not been re-designed since day one !

 

[merc-c]

I think i may have the same Alternator Pulley fault on my w203
either that or my Alternator bearing is going.
i get a noise on tickover and if i just touch the throttle it stops.
i will get it looked at this weekend.

 

[Paul P]

Thank you Kwano for all your help.

 

[kwano]

Merc-c, does your V-belt jump around furiously more noticebly in the top area. If it does it could be the same fault. And yes, on idle the engine sounds rough but on increasing the revs slightly the noise mostly disappears and driving is normal.

Contact your local MB Dealership and ask them to check out their Database. Which model do you have ?

 

[merc-c]

Merc-c, does your V-belt jump around furiously more noticebly in the top area. If it does it could be the same fault. And yes, on idle the engine sounds rough but on increasing the revs slightly the noise mostly disappears and driving is normal.

Contact your local MB Dealership and ask them to check out their Database. Which model do you have ?

i have a 2001 w203 cdi
the fault is exactly the same
cheers for the reply

 

[tamrsoft]

I have found out why the alternator pulley change cures the problem. Apparently the pulley has a free-wheel clutch device inside it, it can be checked before changing. According to the MB service manual, you should remove the drive belt and then check that turning the pulley by hand opposite to the normal alternator direction it should freewheel but in the normal direction it should lock and turn the alternator shaft. The problem with this pulley is that the mechanism inside seizes. Why this should cure vibration I do not understand. I gather that earlier cars did not have this type of pulley fitted but it can be retro-fitted to cure the problem. Another MB design cockup ???

 

[silverarrow]

like your explanation an other mbz **** up ??? umm yep

 

[VMB]

Hi,Im Having Similar Problem To Yours (Idling Rough),Although Ive Just Registered And Havent Got A Clue How To Start A Thread, Hoping You Could Help Me Out With This Matter And Post A Thread For Me With A Link To A Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1qohbVEls&feature=youtu.be . Please Excuse My Noobness. And I Do Appreciate Your Understanding.

Thank You.