Help, E300 Diesel W210 Starting Problems

[Mercedes cozy]

You did say just the small (lift) pump, I forgot.

Look for bubbles going up from the lift pump towards the main filter and down fromteh filter to the IP body. If there are no bubbles make sure fuel is actually flowing, then discount air.

Beg or borrow a compression tester from a diesel specialist or an engine rebuilder.

Did this engine suddenly stop running or was it just getting harder and harder to start, with more smoke.?

The engine slowly started to start with a couple of turns and after a week or so it got harder to start and then wouldn't start.


Do I need a special tool to remove the injectors in order to do the compression test?

 

[Dieselman]

Either remove the injectors or glowplugs.
I'd go for the glowplugs as they don't need new washers.

The course of a week sounds a bit drastic for a compression failure, it still sounds like an air/fuel delivery problem, but would be worth checking the timing.

 

[Mercedes cozy]

Any Pointers on how to check the timing?

 

[Dieselman]

Remove the 25mm bung in the side of the IP casing (towards the rear in the circular section), then gently bring the crank round to 14 Deg ATDC and check the IP timing pointer now visible through the bung hole is centred . (That is ATDC, not BTDC as the IP pointer is offset.)

Another way is to remove No1 HP line and dry out the delivery valve. Turn the engine by hand until it is at 15 deg BTDC. Watch the delivery valve start to fill.

I have a proper timing tool if you need it, but would need it back ASAP.

 

[Mercedes cozy]

Thanks for the help.

I check and update.

 

[Dieselman]

The problem with easystart is that due to fumigation with ether, the charge expodes under compression and can blow out a pre-chamber.
Rather than using easy-start try a blowlamp down the inlet manifold when cranking, to force some heat into the air.

 

[spock500]

Just to add to Dieselmans psot above re timing:

You need to make sure number one cylinder is on the TDC compression stroke otherwise the timing can be 180 degrees out - happened to me

I used a small mirror and torch which worked really well if you havent moved the main pump.

If its running afetr much cranking its almost certainly air in the system, its always difficult to spot as it may not leak from the seals due to small vacuum but will pull in air.

As previous posters have mentioned, chk the tank strainer, pre-filter even though it may have been replaced recently it can clog real quick.

I fitted new ring seals on my clear pipes which turned out to be useless, removed them and added PTFRE tape

 

[Mercedes cozy]

All thanks for the adive.

I will be looking further into the problem today and making a few checks.

Where abouts around the tank is the strainer?

 

[Dieselman]

In the bottom of the tank. If it's blocked it will normally fire up be cut out or stumble when under hard load.

Just concentrate on looking for air and try running from a can. Check the metal to rubber termination at the rear of the engine bay, the rubber hose splits and leaks air.

 

[spock500]

One more thing to check is the electrically operated one way valve, I swapped mine for an 8mm non electric from ebay

My old pre-filter

 

[ukgun]

starting probs

My c250 td has started playing up in this dept again, I'm sick of it 3rd time now so I bought an 8mm Fuel Primer Bulb Petrol Diesel inline non return from ebay Item number: 290248061957
it hasnt stopped the air leak problem but means if I see any bubbles I give it a few pumps till they are gone and the thing starts first time

I am going to have to get it looked at though

 

[Mercedes cozy]

Finally sorted out the problem, the small diesel pump on the side of the injection needed replacing and no more bubbles in the pipe.

Although the glow light in side was working fine I had no voltage going to the glow plugs.

Then I traced the problem back to the glow plug relay (the old box type relay next to the ABS) which had a fuse that had cracked and was causing a intermintent conection.

All this trouble over a 10p fuse


Once i changed the fuse the car started up on the spot.:bannana: :bannana: :bannana:

Many Thanks to all that supported this thread


NICE TO SEE A GOOD ENDING.

 

[johnsco]

What a really-useful thread this has been.
Thanks to all.
Johnsco