ML 164 Crank but won’t start.

[whitters]

I have an intermittent fault where the engine cranks but won’t start. Over the last 6 months I had the vehicle recovered 4 times to the garage as a Crank no start but each time after being transported it starts
Only fault showing on Star is 1 faulty glow plug. No warning lights everything on the instrument panel is normal.
It seems that a process of elimination is required
Any pointers would be appreciated

 

[Dodipops]

An intermittent fault could be awkward to diagnose.

Can you or the garage fit an odb data logger?

I would guess crank sensor but to prove this you would need it not to start and under that condition look for engine rpm reading in the data.

Could be plenty other things as well of course, but something should stand out in the data.

 

[whitters]

Thank for replies update
change fuel filter and up graded software to car.
drove home form garage and parked on drive, next day crank but no start
Garage came out today and plugged into star only showing glowpulg fault which we knew.
Put power pack on and started.
going to put a new battery tomorrow and see.
What i failed to mention if it relivant that each time its failed to start its been on a slight incline.

 

[Dodipops]

Next time it doesn’t start first time, try cycling the ignition for 20 seconds for a few times, that’ll prime the fuel system and if it starts then it could be the fuel running back to the tank.

 

[ALFAitalia]

What was the cranking speed on the diagnostic? There is a minimum speed on CDI engines before the injectors will fire....from memory its 200 or 225 rpm or there about. If it is that then a new battery should sort it.

 

[m80]

I expect the answer to be no, but do these have a saddle tank?
On the theory that a lower fuel level means fuel isn't being transferred.

 

[whitters]

So next chapter of this process a new battery has now been fitted,

 

[whitters]

So new battery fitted started no problem. Drove 6 mile called into a shop came out Crank no start, the car was parked up a slight incline??? Recovered again