engine fails to start occassionally

[rajenpandya]

Hi there, I am at my witts end with my 1999 w202 c 220 CDI. The problem all started when I had an alternator problem, that was replaced and from then on the car would occassionally fire up and then stall after a second. I called the AA and they said that the starter was drawing too much current and I should replace. This has been replaced along with the battery and also forgot to mention, I have changed the plastic tubes and o rings for the pipes that i could get access to, to eliminate any air leaks. However occassionally it still either fails to start or starts and dies after a minute. This is whether the engine is warm or cold. One thing I have noticed is that if I wait even further once the glow plug light has gone out it has a better chance of firing up. Any suggestions would be welcome as it is costing me a small fortune

 

[antijam]

It sounds very much as if the glow plugs themselves are a bit tired.

Presumably you haven't had them replaced or tested yet?

 

[television]

The glow plug light does not make much difference at temp above freezing,if there are no air bubbles in the system, then a leak off test on the injectors or the crankshaft sensor could be at fault

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Hi there, I am at my witts end with my 1999 w202 c 220 CDI. The problem all started when I had an alternator problem, that was replaced and from then on the car would occassionally fire up and then stall after a second. I called the AA and they said that the starter was drawing too much current and I should replace. This has been replaced along with the battery and also forgot to mention, I have changed the plastic tubes and o rings for the pipes that i could get access to, to eliminate any air leaks. However occassionally it still either fails to start or starts and dies after a minute. This is whether the engine is warm or cold. One thing I have noticed is that if I wait even further once the glow plug light has gone out it has a better chance of firing up. Any suggestions would be welcome as it is costing me a small fortune

Get the ECU codes read.

 

[rajenpandya]

Thanks to everyone for the quick replies, I changed the glow plugs last year, I think I will get the ECU readings. Thanks again

 

[television]

We had a case like yours recently where one faulty injector was missed, and no fault codes were present.

By doing a leak off test the high pressure rail readings can be seen. the injector rail normally has around 120 bar in it to open the injectors, when one fails it will drop down to around 70 bar. You can hire the kits to do this test.

If thats OK then the CPS may be at fault and sadly this too may not show up on STAR.

There is much misconception around on glow plugs, a common rail system only need them around 0º C or below

 

[rajenpandya]

Just to update everyone who is following this thread. Went to my Indie and he checked the eror codes and it showed an error on glow plugs, but that was an error that was not cleared from last year when I changed all the glow plugs. He is going to get it onto STAR diagnostics but he reckons it could be a faulty Injector or seal.

On a separate note before I had this W202 C220 CDi i had a W124 e200 and that was rock solid and never have I had to replace the alternator, starter motor and never failed to start and never let me down, even after 124,000 miles. The W202 C220 CDi has only 104,000 miles and in the 3 years I've owned it, I have had to fix the rear door handle, the heated screen wash, change the glow plugs, the alternator and the starter motor twice and now it looks like an injector or two maybe at fault and I almost forgot, change th eplastic pipes and o rings. Have I caught my C200 Cdi in one of the bad years for Mercedes ?

Also, what else should I expect to go wrong at 104,000 ?

 

[television]

One can get bad patches when one feels as though it will keep going wrong, but the 202 is a great car, the hardest thing for you has been possible incorrect diagnosis from the AA man.

It only takes one injector to stick, and the car cannot start, as the rail pressure becomes too low.

This fault will mot show up on STAR, and the leak off test is a must and does not take long, if thats perfect, and I have given you the figure then CPS.

Injectors can be sent away and re conned

 

[BlackC55]

Leak off test needed 100%

 

[rajenpandya]

Folks, it's been almost a week and I think my Indie mechanic has found the fault. After changing a further 2 plastic fuel pipes the problem still persisted. Then when he changed the fuel filter, poured more diesel into the fuel filter and while during tightening the cap he noticed a hair line crack on the fuel filter housing. He has ordered another one and will be testing again this afternoon. This is one for the books !!! Thanks for all the advice folks