E Class doesn't like hot weather!

[Jon Parker]

Hello folks - do you have any ideas about this one?

I have a 97 E230 that always starts first time without problems.
In the recent sweltering weather whenever the car has been left standing in the sun I have problems starting.This is now developing into a noticable pattern.
I have to crank the starter motor for sometime - eventually it catches, misfires and then evens out.
It gives the impression of suffering from fuel starvation?
In cooler conditions it starts without problems.
Any wisdom would be welcome.

Thanks.

Jon.

 

[stever]

I've seen a few people reporting this on various mercs - I have the same issue with my '79 280 CE. Any suggestions?

 

[stumpy]

Yep - as a rule on the 'E', you have to give it a couple inches of throttle travel when cranking the engine. All normal and ok.

 

[Wezzel]

It's worth checking the fuel pipes to the injectors as they tend to get brittle and let in air. I had problems starting on my '99 c class and my indie solved the problem by replacing the pipes.

They are pretty cheap (if I remember correctly something like £20 for the parts and about £50 to fit)

 

[oigle]

This is not an uncommon problem in Australia, where we suffer hot conditions a lot of the time. Not necessarily talking Mercs here but a lot of cars that are carburetted. We call it vapourisation - heat soak from the engine causes the petrol to boil in the carby bowl and sometimes in the fuel lines to the carby. This prevents liquid fuel being drawn in to the engine and causes bad starting - wind on starter for quite a while and then an uneven start. OK once going again and fuel moving through the lines. Sometimes the fuel pump can be the culprit too when fuel vapourises in it or its lines. Not a lot can be done to fix it. Shield the fuel lines can help a little.
Don't know if this applies to your vehicle but may be the answer.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

If you can't trace the problem, you could perhaps consider putting a timer on your engine fan to help cool the engine for a set period (say 10 minutes) when you leave the car?

 

[stever]

With my car starting when the engine is hot is fine - it's when the engine is cold but the car has been standing in the sun I have the problem. I'm also beginning to notice some petrol fumes, but there's no sign of petrol leaking.

 

[brandwooddixon]

The fact that you can smell petrol, but not see a leak indicates to me that you may have a fuel hose which has become porous. This is quite common in both older vehicles and those subjected to high temperature climates.

Get that nose working and locate the source of the vapour.

 

[Wezzel]

The fuel pipes on my car were clear and in at least one of them you could actually see the air bubbles. Definately worth a look.