Please help diagnose my problem, im seriously losing patience

[paulwilson1980]

Hi chaps,
This is my first post as I have just joined today.
I am in desperate need of help to try and diagnose a problem im having starting my van, the van is a merc vito on a 52 plate.
The starting problem started roughly a few months ago and got worse, I dont really use it on a day to day basis but it does still do a few miles.
If I manage to start the van it may be ok to start a few times after or it could possible take some starting, I honestly have no idea now and im starting to think either a diesel/merc specialist is the answer - only prob with that is thats money I just dont have.
I have so far changed, battery, heater plugs, diesel filter, had the injectors blead, its had a full service and still the problem persists.
Im not a mechanic by any means but I can certainly find my way round a car/van.
Id be hugely appreciative of any help that any of you guys can give me, thanks Paul...

 

[kwakdonut]

Where are you located? One of us might be able to point you in the direction of a good quality Indie (some of whom are Forum members)

 

[Ian B Walker]

Paul check for air in the fuel lines. It may have a couple of "O" rings that need renewing.

 

[paulwilson1980]

Thanks for replying guys.
Im in Stockton on Tees near Middlesbrough.
I have thought about air in the fuel somewhere along the line thats my next on the to do list. A friend of mine from work came over on Wednesday and blead the injectors and the fuel was straight there but it still would not start, after that he was positive it was the filter, he took off a couple of rubber hoses that connected to the filter and straight away it fired up.
He pulled back the rubber on one of the lines that went to the centre of the diesel filter on the top and you could see the diesel going in which made me think its surely not the pump.
After that I turned the van on and off probably 5 or 6 times and on the 6th it was slightly hesitant, I said to my mate Ill guarantee it wont start at 8 which was 3 hours later and it wouldnt, he then says change your filter, so this morning I go buy a new filter, some diesel and injector cleaner and £30 worth of new diesel, problem still there.
I know I am banging on a bit now but one thing I did notice was that the pipe coming from the bottom of the filter was slightly cracked I think maybe 7 or 8 slight cracks, im not sure if this is a fual line or some sort of breather but it runs from the bottom front of the filter straight down.

Sorry for the long post chaps, your help is greatly appreciated, Paul...

 

[kwakdonut]

Your 'long' posts are no problem Paul! We will all try to help where possible. I'm with Ian on this and would say you have air being introduced into the fuel line somewhere. Very carefully look over the whole of every fuel line and replace the hose or seals as necessary.

 

[paulwilson1980]

Thankyou very much, I hate asking for help but its starting to get me down, I'll try and get it on some ramps and see what I can do and get back to you tomorrow, I have to watch the kids today so cant investigate till tomorrow when the wife is not at work.

Thanks again for any help guys I appreciate it

 

[Ian B Walker]

Thanks again for any help guys I appreciate it

Hey, no problems. Thats what this forum is all about, help. No man knows it all.

 

[birdy100]

i had a simaler problem on a jeep diesel, i fitted a non return valve (£10 from a diesel specialist in sheffield ) i fitted it close to the fuel filter in engine bay, it meant that the air leak i had would not drain all diesel back towards fuel tank, it left enough diesel in system to start car and once started it would drag diesel through its self, hope this helps

 

[paulwilson1980]

I have had a look in the engine bay and cant find anything there so Im going to have to get hold of some ramps to get the van off the ground.
I managed to start the van up and I noticed that it wont rev over 3000 revs, does this mean Im getting air in somewhere or is this a safety feature?
its only taking a couple of seconds to start now but im slightly worried it will deteriorate again so I want to get the problem nipped in the bud and get it off my mind.
Thanks fellas

 

[kwakdonut]

Possibly in 'limp' mode. You need to get the vehicle to a specialist to help out

 

[paulwilson1980]

This may of been my lucky day!
Decided to have another crack at the van this afternoon, still could not see any leaks but spotted a jubilee clip not tightened fully and air filter housing not correctly assembled.
Bloke from round the corner goes past asking what im doing only to find put he used to be a diesel fitter.
He fiddles with a few things and has a look at my filter which I am embarrassed to say was filthy and threw it away, ill buy one in the morning.
Takes it out for a quick spin and it goes like a train, that was roughly 4 o clock so im just hoping she fires up first time at 8ish this evening. Thanks a lot fellas

 

[kwakdonut]

Good result - fingers crossed!

 

[paulwilson1980]

Fired up first time in the quickest time I remember in at least the past few months, there was also a small black tube coming out of the back of the main black housing that goes to the air filter that was for some reason not connected to anything. After a bit of close investigation I connected it to some kind of sensor at the top of the engine bay.
Im very happy, thanks to everyone who replied your a credit to a decent site, kind regards Paul...

 

[moonloops]

Fired up first time in the quickest time I remember in at least the past few months, there was also a small black tube coming out of the back of the main black housing that goes to the air filter that was for some reason not connected to anything. After a bit of close investigation I connected it to some kind of sensor at the top of the engine bay.
Im very happy, thanks to everyone who replied your a credit to a decent site, kind regards Paul...

Feels good to get it sorted in the end eh !

 

[jonnyboy]

For van owners generally the key is to make sure you change the diesel filter regularly along with the oil/air filter.
I change all of mine before the recommended intervals, my vans all do short journeys.

 

[paulwilson1980]

For van owners generally the key is to make sure you change the diesel filter regularly along with the oil/air filter.
I change all of mine before the recommended intervals, my vans all do short journeys.

This is exactly what the diesel fitter told me, he said diesels love clean air, oil changes and diesel filter changes.

I wont be making the same mistake again thats for sure