w202 c220 diesel starting problem?

[gt750jim]

every time i start the car the engine management epc light comes on and it runs rough and smokes if i then turn if off and restart it it is fine this happens every time hot or cold so if i fill the tank when i get back to the car i have to start turn off then restart the car and then its ok any ideas please?

 

[Dieselman]

It could be as simple as the fuel shut-off valve sticking partially closed.

When it does it try giving the pump a sharp knock to see if it frees off.

 

[gt750jim]

also sometimes as i am driving the heater plug light comes on for about 20 sec again the car is warm and been driving for a while? it may do this 4 times in a 2 hour run

 

[Dieselman]

Check the plugs and relay. It's a bit odd as they shouldn't be monitored once warm. I go for the relay.

 

[gt750jim]

according to the manual the plugs heat up if the coolent temp is low the temp gauge reads fine ? when starting from cold the are clouds of smoke like it was a petrol with to much choke any ideas?

 

[Dieselman]

Sounds like the glow plug relay may be duff.

 

[gt750jim]

ok changed 2 duff glowplugs and ran injector cleaner through it still smokes on start up and same problem with management light but it now starts when hot without the management light comming on so slight improvement the injectors are knocking like mad when cold and still smokes like mad when cold so new injectors tommorow, do i realy need the erg valve as it just seems to send crap into the manifold would it be worth blocking it off as all it seems to do is suck exhaust gas into the engine will the be any problems if i block it off ?

 

[Stratman]

"New injectors"

Them's not cheap for common rail engines. It may be worth having the Microbrain's memory read first. It could save you a lot of money.

 

[gt750jim]

are c220d common rail they are standard lucas cav indirect injectors and anyone any ideas on the erg setup?

 

[Dieselman]

I take it you are not referring to a 220CDi, but as you say the earlier indirect engine with Lucas fuel pump.

Not sure how the injectors will help unless one has a timing sensor, which I didn't think the 220 had.

The injectors could be causing the knocking but so could incorrect timing, and given that the EPC light comes on I would check that.
Get them tested before replacing and run more cleaner as well.

Just plug the EGR vac pipe as it isn't monitored on your engine and as you say it lets a lot of soot through.

 

[gt750jim]

update had the injectors out and tested 2 working ok 2 not atomizing properly so they are being re'coned (all 4 after all the car has done 140k) at £30 each get them back wednesday i will let you know the results

 

[Dieselman]

140k isnt a lot, are they definately worn or just dirty so dribbling.

Have you been using injector cleaner and lubricant?

 

[gt750jim]

still smoking on start up and running lumpy till its warm but then its fine i just have to put up with a smoke cloud following me for 2-3 miles then all is well changed the injectors and put the thing on the diagnostic computer comes up with fault code p1226 which is y23/2/1 pump cam timing sensor duff! this apparently is inside the pump requireing an re con pump to fix the problem! £700 for the pump £250 to strip and refit the new one . bugger it it can keep smoking for the first few miles i give up