98 C240 Starting Problem - intermittent, but annoying

[tim odonoghue]

Every now and again, my 98 C240 refuses to start.  The symptom is either:

* turn the ignition, starter motor turns for a fraction of a second, then stops
* turn the ignition, and nothing at all happens

The car will usually start on the 2nd, sometimes 3rd, occaisonally 4th attempt.

The starter motor was replaced ~1 year ago.  My main dealer suggested greasing the motor, but I feel that can't be the problem (since I had this problem with the original starter motor and the new one).

While being an intermittent problem, it is much more likely to occur on a warm start than a cold start.  Alas, that is the only trend that I have been able to identify.

Also, when it does start (after not having started), the engine runs unevenly (as if misfiring) for ~1 second after starting.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[fuzzer]

98 C240 Starting Problem

You need to get the flywheel greezed . I got mine done in the dealer with some special stuff and it has cured the problem , which was exactly like yours. Seamingly this is the fix from MB

 

[tim odonoghue]

98 C240 Starting Problem

Quote: from fuzzer on 5:00 pm on May 14, 2002
You need to get the flywheel greezed . I got mine done in the dealer with some special stuff and it has cured the problem , which was exactly like yours. Seamingly this is the fix from MB

Thanks!

Can you recall how much this cost?

 

[fuzzer]

98 C240 Starting Problem

It was about £30 , it was done at my last service , it works a treat , it even sounds a lot smoother when starting.

 

[tim odonoghue]

98 C240 Starting Problem

Thanks Jason.  I'll get this done at my forthcoming service.