E220 CDi Starting Problem

[mbportcul1s]

I have a problem starting my 2001 E220 CDi, the problem came on suddenly and not progressively.
You have to hang onto the starter for about 25-30 secs before the engine kicks into life. When started it idles and runs perfectly. Someone has suggested a leaky injector not allowing pressure rail to build up quickly, is this a possibility. Also, I notice there is a sensor with an electrical connection on the end of the pressure rail, is this used to indicate rail pressure and could this be faulty causing same problem.

 

[rpe2]

As you suggest an injector (would require a leak off test to confirm), could equally be a fuel line seal leaking air in thus requiring cranking to expel the air.

Can you see any air in the fuel lines?

Do you know of an independent specialist near to you?

 

[mbportcul1s]

Richard,

Many thanks for your response, not sure how to check for air in fuel lines but there is no smell of leaking fuel so I assume fuel system is intact. Have it booked in with an Independant for next tuesday but hoping to get a lead before then.

 

[rpe2]

You can't assume that as you can't smell diesel there is no leak as the air can leak in and the fuel will run back to the tank.

If you take the black plastic cover off the top of the engine you will see the fuel filter to the right of the engine. With the engine running you should be able to see any air bubbles in the clear plastic pipes.

 

[star]

is the poor starting 1st thing in the morn? or all the time. if the later check fuel pressures and leak off. if 1st thing check for air.

 

[mbportcul1s]

Star,
Thanks for your response. I tried to start the car from cold for the first time this morning and it would not start at all, it seems it will only start from extending engine cranking when already hot. Richard, I checked the clear plastic fuel lines running to the high pressure pump and could see no air bubbles in them, the other lines running from the filter are non-see-through black rubber. Have put battery back on charge and hoping for some good advice.

 

[star]

get your fuel pressures checked and injector leak off, plus make sure you haven't filled it petrol.

 

[mbportcul1s]

E220 CDi starting problems

Will get the Indi to do this when the car goes in, not a problem with fuel type, have run about 80 miles without problems since my last fill up.

 

[star]

Will get the Indi to do this when the car goes in, not a problem with fuel type, have run about 80 miles without problems since my last fill up.

depending on how much you put in and whats left, the car will still run, even with a petrol fill, don't dismiss it, worth a check.

 

[mbportcul1s]

Residual tank contents was low when I filled, also checked the credit card receipt which gives details of pump, fuel type and cost. It was recorded as diesel on the receipt but if garage filled their tanks with the wrong fuel then thats a different situation. They are also the garage looking at my problem.

Can anyone give me a step-by-step procedure to start checking out the possibility of air leaks in the fuel system that doesn't need specialised garage equipment before I take it down to them for their diagnosis.

 

[mbportcul1s]

Following on from my previous request, I would like to check out the fuel journey from the tank through to and as far as the high pressure pump. Can anyone give me guidance on checking out the fuel lift pump (ie - where is it located and is it electrical or mechanical) and the fuel filter unit. If electrical, then I assume I can check fuel flow through the filter when ignition is turned on.