190e 2.0 starts but wont run(very serious repercussions!!)

[R22]

Gutted from essex is upset, in fact even sad.
There I am banging on about build quality and how you only get what you pay for, how Mercedes screw together a high quality vehicle that will last and last as long as you service corectly----(you can see what this is leading to....)
Leave the pub only for my car refuse to run. Fire and start as usual, but then immediately stop.
Firstly blame the wife (I had been drinking, dearest was driving) who was totally blameless. Then go back and borrow the landlords extremely batterd Scorpio to get home.........as you can see, this very serious!!!
I am afraid this has stumped me, fuel pump runs as usual to prime then stops, turn key, fires perfectly and then engine immediately stops.
Please in the name of all that is holy help me save face!!
Thanks for all advise in advance.
Lloyd

 

[bazza]

Fuel???

Bazza

 

[R22]

starts but wont run

Yep,Bazza, that is exactly how it is acting. I know there is fuel in tank, but just to double double check, nipped back in morning nice and early b4 anyone was around, added another gallon and tried - absolutely the same.
:?

 

[babybenz]

Fuel pump relay?

 

[R22]

190e

Update::
Foam on inside of air filter housing is faling apart, some hs been sucked into intake plenum for fuel -injection :?
Oh well, thats a crap idea gone wrong, but hell, it could'a been worse!!

 

[Geronimo]

Will it run with the petrol cap/filler cap removed? They have a breather on top of the fuel tank don't they? I presume this is so the tank doesn't crush itself with the fuel being sucked out of it, if it dies after priming matbe its not breathing so not able to pull fuel through?! Just thought I'd throw this in while you chucking in crap ideas. Otherwise change the fuel filter and throw loads of redex in, if that doesn't work get your hand in your pocket and the car in the garage, filters about £18 quid I think, from local stealerships. Let us know what it is anyway.
Be careful about changing filter you have to turn the ignition over to reduce the pressure in the fuel lines, think its about 3bar? Theres a relay next to the fuse box or disconnect the fuel pump from under the car, and the battery(after you've relieved pressure)and wear a fireproof suit(only kidding), its a bastard to get to without a ramp so good luck.

 

[R22]

Has my pussy collapsed???

I am no muppet, and also pretty methodical, can read and follow wiring diagrammes but am by no means knowledgable in all things (old saying--- he who thinks he knows all, knows nothing at all) but I think the problem may be a collapsed catalytic converter.

When you can catch it and get it to run, it will only run at high revs, proving that it is responsive to the throttle, that the fuel pump relay is OK that the fuel pump pressure is ok and that there is fuel in the tank.
BUT--- that cat is SSOOOOO hot after just a few seconds I am convinced its restricting the gas flow, hot to the extenct that it is nigh on glowing, that smell you get after you had thrashed the billies out of the MK3 cortina 2000 (bet some of you know what I mean!)

Has anyone any knowledge of what happens when a CAT implodes???

 

[dieselman]

If the cat has blocked then there would be no output from the exhaust, and the car would suffer at HIGH revs due to the gas flow being higher. The engine would start but would then slow to a stop due to backpressure building.

You need to ascertain if the spark is consistant at lower revs (use a timing light) and also check the timing. In addition check the spark is actually beefy enough to fire the plugs. You can buy small testers or expect the HT spark to jump about an inch.

If you have a reliable spark try dribbling fuel down the inlet manifold to see if it fires. If it then fires easily you have a fuel related issue.

Have you checked the Lambda sensor. If they fail it plays havock with the fuelling and often cuts the engine. This may also account for your hot cat. if indeed it's not normally hot. They do run over 1000C.