230TE starting problem.

[Tashman]

My 1986 W124 230TE is getting harder and harder to start.
When I bought it 6 months ago it would start after turning the key for 1 second. Now it takes 20 - 30 seconds with the key turned to start it in the morning.

I have changed the plugs and leads but it made no difference to the problem.
I have changed the air, oil, and fuel filter - no difference.
What other things should I check first?
Many Thanks

 

[Bolide]

A petrol car needs fuel, air and a spark to start. Make sure it has all three and that the spark arrives at the right time

Logically if it starts after 30 seconds it has to wait 30 seconds to get one of the above. Fuel is the logical culprit so check the fuel system - filters, pumps, pressure, etc

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Tashman]

Do these engines have a cold start system of any kind that I could check?

When I say it starts after 20-30 secs, it doesn't just spring into life, 1 cylinder starts to fire, then another joins in after a bit, then the last two join in aswell. The idle speed will be something like 450-500, and after a few minutes this slowly increases back to normal. If you press the accelerator to increase the revs they drop and the engine stalls ( unless you do it extremely slowly). Once its warmed up it runs fine and revs up fine.
Feels like it possibly could be running too lean when cold.
I believe they don't use an auto choke so how does this engine get its enrichment when cold?

 

[Tashman]

If nobody has any ideas at all, can someone recommend an independant merc specialists in the west london area.
It was cranking for so long this morning that the battery went flat before it started.

 

[jibcl500]

get a compression check done.

jib

 

[supercharger]

i would say the cold start valve on top of the engine to the right of the rocker cover about half way back ,has a plug on it and is held on to the block with two allen key bolts .

supercharger

 

[Tashman]

I think I know the thing you mean - Does it look a bit like a modern day fuel injector? (the electronic type). So what do I need to do - just clean it or replace it. Are they expensive?

 

[Tashman]

Fixed it!
It was the fuel accumulator.- the object thats held on next to the fuel filter and it maintains the fuel pressure when the car is switched off.
The car now starts after 2 seconds now rather than 22!
Shame that part cost £102 from merc tho!