W202 C250 D - more non starting woes :(

[jools182]

So I changed all the flexible fuel pipes on the car about 2 weeks ago, and hey presto, its been starting great (apart from the drain on the battery, but thats a different problem )

Today, however, it was a night mare to start. Flattened the battery that was in it, and almost flattened a fully charged spare one before it finally started

Any ideas on why its been fine and suddenly its not?

One idea I had was that the fuel line with the banjo on the end had a little green o ring that had been chewed up last time somebody had changed them. I replaced it with a standard black o ring of exactly the same size. Maybe its green for a reason?

All flexible fuel lines have been changed, apart from the one behind the shut off valve, because I couldn't get it off due to a rounded bolt, but like I said earlier, its been fine for 2 weeks

 

[dog68]

I think you have answered your own question, a drain on the battery.

 

[jools182]

the drain on the battery is an entirely different problem

the battery has been lasting 4 or 5 days, but the car has been starting first turn of the key

today however, it took a good minute or so of turning over before it fired

 

[dog68]

If its not an electrical problem, could be that air is getting in the fuel lines, maybe diesel is eating away at the o ring ?

 

[jools182]

thats an idea I had, that the green o ring is green for a reason, but I'm not sure, can anyone clarify?

 

[ronka30]

when you start engine , go smoke from exhaust pipe ? if smoke go, fuel ok.

 

[Olivier]

You might have a lift pump issue? Cannot get the fuel through the pipes?
I don't think the Oring is the bother as its the overflow valve, it should get air back into the system.

 

[jools182]

it just seems odd that its been fine for 2 weeks after changing the fuel pipes and now all of a sudden its not

 

[Olivier]

Yes, its odd indeed.
What make you think its the fuel line too? As all was good for 2 weeks.
You might have a blocked pre-filter, filter, tank strainer?

 

[jools182]

well I have been having problems beforehand, with fuel tracking back to the tank
so I changed fuel lines, and its been fine for 2 weeks since then, looked like I'd cured it
but today its worse than ever

 

[Olivier]

Did you change any of the filters?

 

[jools182]

no i didn't

 

[Olivier]

it might be the bother then, you might have a blockage? Worth a try, its cheap enough to give it a go. Make sure you fill up the main filter before refitting as it contain 0.5 litre of fuel, you might drain the battery if not trying to purge it.
I think your car is like mine too, check the pre filter, might need a good clean? The Oring should be replace too if you move it.

 

[jools182]

I replaced the o ring on the pre filter and cleaned that out, I just didn't do the main filter, worth a try I guess

is it easy to fit?

 

[Olivier]

I think you have the same as mine, just untie the top bolt and that's it. I got a E300TD tho, sure there must be someone who'll know here.
Did you mentionned WVO also?
If you did use it it might have cleaned the pipes and your filter got clogged, or the WVO was too fatty.
Give it a go and let us know.
All the best.
Olivier

 

[jools182]

no, i haven't used wvo, having enough problems without it!

cheers

 

[SilverSaloon]

goooooood advice

 

[jools182]

so this morning it started first time!

I really don't get it

might it be glow plugs as its warmer today?

 

[SilverSaloon]

does the glow plug light go on and off with ignition switched to Pos II but NOT starting the engine?

if so, are you waiting for the glow plug light to come on and go out again before starting?

 

[jools182]

yes to both questions