UPDATE: Help!!! W163: Engine shut down in the middle of the road -AGAIN- wouldn't start up after....

[DexterML]

Hello all, an update

Changed the fuel filter and the CPS. Had some issues with the fuel filter but bought a hand vacuum pump and sorted it out.

The car died again. I drove it for about 30 minutes, the same as last time it died. During this the only thing that happened was that the BAS/ESP light came on after I used some gentle braking.
Drove the car for approx 30 minutes.
Had different key in that the first time
No warning lights came on.
The temperature was slightly above 40 which is not even halfway.
was just driving it when I felt the car lose power and die.
Tried to start the car 3 times, didn't start.

I think this is it, the car is going to be scrapped.
I have no idea what could cause a diesel engine to die about 30 minutes in without any temperature or oil related issues. And I don't have those.


2001 W163 270CDI

 

[ChipChop]

Hello all, an update

Changed the fuel filter and the CPS. Had some issues with the fuel filter but bought a hand vacuum pump and sorted it out.

The car died again. I drove it for about 30 minutes, the same as last time it died. During this the only thing that happened was that the BAS/ESP light came on after I used some gentle braking.
Drove the car for approx 30 minutes.
Had different key in that the first time
No warning lights came on.
The temperature was slightly above 40 which is not even halfway.
was just driving it when I felt the car lose power and die.
Tried to start the car 3 times, didn't start.

I think this is it, the car is going to be scrapped.
I have no idea what could cause a diesel engine to die about 30 minutes in without any temperature or oil related issues. And I don't have those.


2001 W163 270CDI

Bummer. The BAS/ESP can be triggered by a faulty brake light switch but that would not cause the engine to die as far as i am aware. Sounds like you probably need to book a diagnostics session with an independent mercedes specialist if you want to get to the bottom of this cutting out will not restart issue.

 

[Smiley]

If you still have the old fuel filter I would cut it open and have a look inside to see if there is any contamination of the fuel. I did have similar cutting out problems years ago on a car I had just bought - it turned out to be an algae that grows in the diesel in the fuel tank - it is caused by condensation usually in a car that has been left unused for a while. It is called "diesel bug". There will be black crud in the filter if you have this - it blocks the filter and car stops. For some strange reason my car would re-start and then die again. Once the fuel system was cleaned through and treated with diesel bug killer (from marine chandlers) it was sorted.

 

[Numair Aidroos]

If you still have the old fuel filter I would cut it open and have a look inside to see if there is any contamination of the fuel. I did have similar cutting out problems years ago on a car I had just bought - it turned out to be an algae that grows in the diesel in the fuel tank - it is caused by condensation usually in a car that has been left unused for a while. It is called "diesel bug". There will be black crud in the filter if you have this - it blocks the filter and car stops. For some strange reason my car would re-start and then die again. Once the fuel system was cleaned through and treated with diesel bug killer (from marine chandlers) it was sorted.

So this cleaner solution is just poured in the tank?

 

[mioba]

fuel pump, injectors, plugs, fuel pump relay - are they all good?

You need a decent indy who if can get it running will read live data and hopefully it dies on them while reading the data....

 

[Smart320]

So this cleaner solution is just poured in the tank?

Yes , it is very effective , have used it both on boat engines and in my oil central heating tank

 

[DexterML]

fuel pump, injectors, plugs, fuel pump relay - are they all good?

You need a decent indy who if can get it running will read live data and hopefully it dies on them while reading the data....

The car started again as expected later the same day. I don't know about the injectors, but the fuel pump is mechanical if I am not mistaken. There is no lift pump in the tank, just a mechanical high pressure pump attached to the engine.

The problem is that the car needs to be driven for about 30 minutes before it dies. Will it die in the shop just on tick over?
I've found an indy in Portsmouth, says they are expert on MBs .. .will call later today to verify they got the stars diagnostic, try to book an appointment. They are close enough for the car not to die on the way there I hope.

 

[DexterML]

If you still have the old fuel filter I would cut it open and have a look inside to see if there is any contamination of the fuel. I did have similar cutting out problems years ago on a car I had just bought - it turned out to be an algae that grows in the diesel in the fuel tank - it is caused by condensation usually in a car that has been left unused for a while. It is called "diesel bug". There will be black crud in the filter if you have this - it blocks the filter and car stops. For some strange reason my car would re-start and then die again. Once the fuel system was cleaned through and treated with diesel bug killer (from marine chandlers) it was sorted.

I still have the old fuel filter. I pumped the fuel from it and it was clean as a whistle. I tried to cut it open and failed miserably. I will try again though.

 

[Numair Aidroos]

Yes , it is very effective , have used it both on boat engines and in my oil central heating tank

You sold all your mb cars?

 

[Smart320]

You sold all your mb cars?

Unfortunately yes after having an E class, 2 ML’s , an A210 boys toy and then a lovely R172 SLK 55 AMG. Wasn’t feeling great and just moved to a new house that’s become a major project so sold it, then discovered I was suffering from Heart Block, one pacemaker later feeling great and wishing I hadn’t sold it, especially seeing how prices for used cars shot up this last year. Managing with my wife’s old 3 door Rav Auto, which is not a bad drive especially as we don’t do much mileage and spend more time going to the local tip while we are renovating.

 

[Numair Aidroos]

Unfortunately yes after having an E class, 2 ML’s , an A210 boys toy and then a lovely R172 SLK 55 AMG. Wasn’t feeling great and just moved to a new house that’s become a major project so sold it, then discovered I was suffering from Heart Block, one pacemaker later feeling great and wishing I hadn’t sold it, especially seeing how prices for used cars shot up this last year. Managing with my wife’s old 3 door Rav Auto, which is not a bad drive especially as we don’t do much mileage and spend more time going to the local tip while we are renovating.

Sorry about your health. Rav is a good little Swift SUV. Easy to park, and frugal to service.