E320 CDI idiot needs help please!!!

[big_amg]

hi people, recently bought a 2001 e320 cdi avantgarde, beautiful car with leather, comand, parktronic etc. drives lovely and has done 120k miles.

For the last couple of weeks, i have noticed that when i try to start it for the first time of the day, it starts and then cuts out straight away, when i try to start for the second time, it keeps turning and eventually stops without firing up. it eventually starts after 2,3 or sometimes 4 attempts but after alot of turning. after it has started, for the rest of the day it starts first time. however, i may be wrong but i think it should start a little bit faster, it just doesnt seem like the normal starting speed if you know what i mean? any ideas?

Secondly, 2 days ago, after (eventually) starting the car in the morning, i heard a racket from under the bonnet, so i jumped out and popped the bonnet up, i noticed the sound coming from the fan belt area and noticed that a section of the fan belt had split and was flapping about with the turn of the engine and hitting different places causing the sound. I called the stealers and they quoted me £30 for the belt (£20 at eurocarparts same brand!) and minimum £70 labour. i am led to believe from some searching on here and google that its a fairly easy diy, but i havent come across a 'COMPLETE IDIOTS GUIDE'. any help much appreciated!

 

[PJH]

I think some diesel starting problems can be due to air in the fuel-line, possibly a hair-line split in the pipe. I recall some members having problems starting if the car is facing uphill.

I may be wrong...

 

[BlackC55]

It will probably be either air in the fuel pipes or a injector or two leaking off.

 

[atlantictable]

Don't know this model that well but suspect it wil have a manual priming pump somewhere all the same (squashy rubber thing - check owners manual). Try priming the fuel - the squashy thing should meet some resistance. leave it a while and then try again. If the system loses pressure quickly you may have a failed non return valve in the supply line. If this is the case, try priming before you start, at least a few times to see if this improves the cold start situation. If it starts better after priming I would investigate this route further. If it doesn't it's probably air through another entry point as has been suggested. Also glow plugs/glow plug circuit are another potential cause, as is blocked fuel filter, poorly fuel pump etc...

 

[BlackC55]

It does not have a priming pump.

 

[big_amg]

forgot to mention that i park on a slope with the nose up if that helps?

any help on the fan belt?

 

[atlantictable]

...that's why my newest car is 1989!! all the same the principles still apply. Fuel pressure is required at the injectors to start well. Pre heat system must be working. No air should be present. The fan belt could be red herring - the extra cranking required will put extra load on the alternator and ultimately the fan belt - which if in poor condition could show the symptoms noted and is probably not related to the starting problem. Another point to mention however is the cranking speed, has it changed? - is your battery in good condion?

 

[atlantictable]

there was a post that mentioned up hill parking (I found it on the web) - have you tried parking downhil? Does it make any difference?

 

[Benzowner]

I would suggest the fan belt is coincidental and probably not a factor. As atlantictable says, the preheat system must be working, failure will result in difficulty starting. There must also be no air. My W210 diesel fuel system seals failed, as they all do, and needed to be replaced. It is usually the clear plastic ones under the bonnet I think there is about 4 that needs to be replaced.

 

[allias]

Most likely you have to look for air in fuel lines. Parking facing uphill doesnt help. I had the same problem with my W210 300TD.

 

[spock500]

The fan belt could be red herring - the extra cranking required will put extra load on the alternator and ultimately the fan belt

I would check this first, anyone that's used a fish instead of an OEM part has cut some serious corners


Seriously, sounds like the glow plug timer could be cutting out too soon or fuel filters blocked (any of them), this will prevent fuel pressure to the HP pump with the sensor cutting the engine to prevent damage (pumps lubed by fuel)

Check that you have Mercedes FiSH


I'll get me coat....

 

[andymerc]

most likely fuel pipes leaking to high pressure pump drawing in air making hard starting and also diesel leak onto belt making belt perish.Belt change can be difficult as limited space

 

[atlantictable]

that's why herring is an oily fish....

 

[big_amg]

Guys, fan belt replaced and now in need of a new fan couling as old one was half broken and the incompetent mechanic had to break it to replace fan belt! Going for a check with regards to starting problem this week and will park on a level road tonight and see if it helps

 

[big_amg]

Parked on a flat road last night and it started first click today without cutting out! Do you guys still think its the clear pipes or something else? Want to get ths sorted its bugging me! It makes me think ill break down on an uphill road or something crazy like that!

 

[trapperjohn]

With my limited knowledge of all things mechanical! Once a diesel is going you will be fine, you will not break down going uphill - with this sort of issue.
I used to have a C250D with painful starting problems. Sometimes it fired up as it should do, other times it was ages of cranking with my foot to the floor on the accelerator. Once it was going it was spot on, it was just getting the flaming thing started. I had a glow plug issue with it at the same time!
In the end I put it through the auction block and bought a 124, pure bliss decended on my world.