2003 CLK 270 CDI Starting problem advice

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taziz2

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Hi,

Im having some starting issues with my 2003 270 cdi CLK (Automatic) and was wondering whether anyone may have some idea as to what could be wrong.

- The length of time it takes to start can vary drastically
- It always turns though
- Usually (surprisingly) on a cold start (or when the cars been off for a while) it starts almost immediately, on the first attempt
- However subsequent starts get increasingly difficult, and sometimes it can take a number of attempts, and when it does start it can mean keeping the key turned for quite a while. Sometimes it wont start even after lots of attempts
- It always starts with Easy Start straight away
- When attempting to start the car, the rev counter sometimes fluctuates strangely (just jumps up and down...ranging from 0-to the very low numbers)
- The car has got very high mileage (180k+) (I acknowledge im due an upgrade very soon! :) )

My mechanic suspects it might be something to do with the fuel pump sensor (?)...and as a first attempt has tried to repair it with a repair kit of some sort (Im not convinced this has made any difference)

If anyone has any ideas, i would be very grateful!

Thank you :)
 
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Cole@MBS

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A leak off test is the first move........Checking the fuel pipe "O" rings is the 2nd........
 
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taziz2

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Hi,

Many thanks, will run that past the mechanic!

Please excuse my lack of knowledge :Oops: but - where would the o rings be, and also could you please tell me a little more about what the leak off test entails?
 
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taziz2

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Sorry you said fuel pipe 'O' rings! :)
 

Steve@Avantgarde

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Leak off test is the amount of fuel being returned by the injector to the tank. pipes clip into the where the leak off pipe clips. Its a simple test.
 
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taziz2

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Hi,

I spoke to the mechanic earlier today, and he told me that they had done a leak off test and it seemed fine...and he also reminded me that we had the fuel pipes changed just a few months ago.

Any other ideas? Is it still likely to be the 'o' rings?

Thanks again
 

mersum1es

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Has the leak off test performed also with warm engine? And injector correction values too, both cold and warm?

If not injector, then the pressure regulator valve or o-rings of the valve (was that 'the kit' which was changed?), pressure sensor and wiring, hp pump...


Rail pressure should be investigated, if ok problem is not fuel delivery problem.
 
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taziz2

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Thanks, ill take those points to the garage.

However, just to confirm, does that fact that it always starts immediately, confirm whether it definitely is a fuel problem or not necessarily?
 

Martin Jennings

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Now, my car is doing exactly the same as of today and I have also been pointed in the direction of the crankshaft sensor as this may be rapidly failing. Another avenue to explore! :(
 

hammyharrison

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I had this problem on my ML. I refurbed all injectors, changed the O rings on the fuel pipes, new cam and crank sensors and have been basicly looking for the problem for 2 years. Last week I noticed in the cold snap that there was a dribble of fuel coming from the pump so took it off. After opening the pump up it was clear the rubber rings were past their best so I decided to refurbish the whole pump ( at a cost of £2.30 ) myself. Put the pump back on and PRESTO she starts first time every time. I would go for the pump if I was you. I phoned the Bosch injector place in Wrexham who wanted the best part of £200 pound for the refurb of the pump. So I told him I would have a blast myself " Oh but you need bench presses for it " ...... It was a piece of cake.
 

antony38

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Hi, Could you tell me which part have you had change at a cost of £2.30 ?and also could you tell me where did you get that part?
I having the same problem whit my CLK270 cdi :mad:
Believe me it is embarrassing to start Mercedes all the time whit easy star :Oops:
Please help............
 

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