E300TD - looses power intermittantly

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dodgered

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May 13, 2005
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My 1998 E300TD W210 has started to loose power when running.
From cold it will run OK up to 40mph, then after 3 to 4 minutes, the engine will drop revs to 500 rpm, sometimes stop totally. If it keeps running it will slowley climb in rev's/power to normal. This will repeat every 2 to 3 minutes. My mechanic mate has looked at it but the tempermental bastard engine decided to run like a dream after I got it there (it was already hot when I got to his garage). He looked at the fule lines - OK, turbo connections - OK, suggested dirty fuel. The next day, same thing, power breaks up, every few minutes. When it happens I can shove the pedel to the floor and absolutely nothing happens - very strange. I'm just woundering if Merc's are the real "Hitlers revenge" (my old dub from years ago never caused me grief).

Anyone got any ideas??
 
When was the fuel filter last changed ? If it is almost fully clogged up then it will only let a small amount of fuel through, enough for gentle running but not high RPM.
 
E300TD intermittant running

I will replace the fuel filter. Another thing I didn't mention. When under power (foot down) I can hear a whirring sound, front left under bonnet (not the turbo side). This is a new sound which only comes on when the power is on.
 
This sounds like the EGR valve modulator may be leaking vacuum, or you can hear the fuel pump.

If it's the modulator then this will cause the ECU to trip into "limp home mode" after severa l operations of the EGR valve have failed.

Next time this happens stop the car and with the engine still running look at the turbo wastegate actuator rod. You should see this being pulled and releasing as the engine idles and is then revved. If it's released then the ECU is in limp home.

If what you hear is the pump then all is definately not well.

The part I don't understand is that the power returns, normally if power goes then that is it.

The fuel pump could be sucking air when under full load. try revving the engine flat out from idle. If you see bubbles in the fuel lines then there is a leak.
 
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It's all fixed!!!

After limping the beast to my usual mechanic - only for it to behave OK for him, then taking it to a "Merc specialist" only for him to rub his chin and suggest it's would be "the black box - cost a couple of grand" I took it to a diesel specialist. They found leaks at the fuel filter and lift pump, plus other O-rings that had been deformed over the years. They replaced all O-rings in the fuel line. It runs like a dream now. maybe I won't get rid it afterall!

Thanks for your help. Cheers
 

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