E320 cdi starting problem
Discussion
Hi
I have a 320 cdi auto (2001).
It has done 150k miles.
In the last few days it has developed a problem when i go to start it.
When i try to start it for the first time on a oarticular day it takes a long time to start.
It turns/cranks over strongly for about 10 seconds without firing up at all.
(it then stops turning over as i assume stabdard feature after about 10 seconds).
I have to do this about 4 or 5 times before it starts to fire and starts.
If i then turn the engine off and try to start iy again it dtarts first time no problem.
It is then fine for the rest of the day.
But the next day i gave the same problem.
Soletimes the weather us hot, sometimes wet and cold.
Sometimes the first time i start the car is first thing in the morning or lunchtime.
Ie these things dont seem to make a difference.
Anyone had any similar problems?
As i said the engine turns over very strongly/normally.
Just takes 4 or 5 long turnovers/cranjs to finally have any dign of catching/firing up.
Untill then it turns fine. But thats all.
Is this likely to be fuel rail/pump etc related?
Thanks for any help.
Phil
I have a 320 cdi auto (2001).
It has done 150k miles.
In the last few days it has developed a problem when i go to start it.
When i try to start it for the first time on a oarticular day it takes a long time to start.
It turns/cranks over strongly for about 10 seconds without firing up at all.
(it then stops turning over as i assume stabdard feature after about 10 seconds).
I have to do this about 4 or 5 times before it starts to fire and starts.
If i then turn the engine off and try to start iy again it dtarts first time no problem.
It is then fine for the rest of the day.
But the next day i gave the same problem.
Soletimes the weather us hot, sometimes wet and cold.
Sometimes the first time i start the car is first thing in the morning or lunchtime.
Ie these things dont seem to make a difference.
Anyone had any similar problems?
As i said the engine turns over very strongly/normally.
Just takes 4 or 5 long turnovers/cranjs to finally have any dign of catching/firing up.
Untill then it turns fine. But thats all.
Is this likely to be fuel rail/pump etc related?
Thanks for any help.
Phil
Edited by philv on Sunday 3rd June 13:18
Also worth having a look at the high pressure pump on the front of the engine. It's a small rotary pump with 3 cylinder heads that feeds the injectors. You can get corrosion between the pump body and the pump heads that means it won't get up to pressure so easily. Mine went a little while ago at similar mileage...costs about 400 quid from Merc. Although over time I have done the pipes mentioned earlier as well as a couple of injectors.
I had exactly this problem on my 2001 E320 CDi which proved to be the fault suggested above of brittle seals allowing air into the system when the car was left for a few hours. It was explained to me that the leak allowed the fuel in the delivery pipe to slowly seep back to the tank, requiring plenty of cranking to get it pumped back to the injectors.
Had the pipe seals replaced and the problem was immediately solved.
Had the pipe seals replaced and the problem was immediately solved.
The 10 sec start thing is the autostart - scared the heck out of me the first time my car did it, as it normally fired instantly.
As others have said, most likely cause is fuel line seals - you've done well to get to 11yrs without changing them. If the car is parked facing uphill overnight it'll be worse, and better if facing downhill.
As others have said, most likely cause is fuel line seals - you've done well to get to 11yrs without changing them. If the car is parked facing uphill overnight it'll be worse, and better if facing downhill.
Had the plastic pipes replaced (although they were only partly clear - mstmy just black
plastic).
Car started the next day more easily - but still took 4 full turn overs/turns of the key.
My garage said to drive it for a few days for any air left in system to work its way out.
Does this seem possible?
Im abroad at the moment so fingers crossed when i get back tuesday.
Just in case - is there a way of checking if the high pressure pump is the problem - other than replacing it and hoping?
Is the corrosion etc obvious?
Can the mercedes diagnostics system detect this and identify a mechanical (as opposed to electrical) problem?
I
Thanks
plastic).
Car started the next day more easily - but still took 4 full turn overs/turns of the key.
My garage said to drive it for a few days for any air left in system to work its way out.
Does this seem possible?
Im abroad at the moment so fingers crossed when i get back tuesday.
Just in case - is there a way of checking if the high pressure pump is the problem - other than replacing it and hoping?
Is the corrosion etc obvious?
Can the mercedes diagnostics system detect this and identify a mechanical (as opposed to electrical) problem?
I
Thanks
It turned out to be the clear plastic piprs that take diesal from the high pressure diseal pump.
They go porous over time, letting in air.
So a lot of cranking is required to suck/pump the diesel back up again.
£180 from mercedes for some cheap plastic pipes.
Poor materials/build.
Fantastic cars though.
Turbo recently went kaput and it was scrapped.
They go porous over time, letting in air.
So a lot of cranking is required to suck/pump the diesel back up again.
£180 from mercedes for some cheap plastic pipes.
Poor materials/build.
Fantastic cars though.
Turbo recently went kaput and it was scrapped.
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