My mercedes just stopped for no apparent reason

[Peter David Dunphy]

:sad: My wife was driving along and my Bavaria 300 1984 diesel just switched itself off and cruised to a halt, no steam, no noise, no warning lights! Oil and water present and correct and clean. timing chain seems ok, starter tested and working, fuses ok. Only clues: motor won't turn over in fourth geer, all panel lights working, starter makes a click every time key turned to start. Mechanics here mystified, all think the engine has siezed but how can that happen without fireworks or warning? Same thing happened to me with a Renault 5, 1984 petrol engine, same sypmtoms, diferent car, I changed the starter now works fine, any suggestions?
:cry: :!:

 

[woodturner-fran]

2 things to check....

1. If the starter is clicking but not turning over the engine, the solenoid is knackered... time for a reconditioned starter.

2. If the starter is turning over the engine, but the engine is not starting, then you may have either fuel pump or electrical problems

Lastly, I don't know if both fuel pump/starter are on teh same fuse, but it would be worth actually taking out the fuses and cleaning them or replacing them to rule out bad contacts


Fran

 

[paulcallender]

My motor won't turn over in 4th gear either. I have to put it into "P" or "N" to start it. I hope, for your sake, its not as simple as that!!!

Yes, probably the starter solenoid is sticking. I'd seek other mechanics, if the ones who are looking at it, are mystified by a sticking solenoid. If you are concerned that you have a seized engine, then turn it over by hand, using a socket & short entension on the nut on the crankshaft. You will be checking for resistance which varies, but it should be 'medium' effort to turn by hand.

 

[Peter David Dunphy]

Thanks Everyone, I will check the solenoid and let you know


Really grateful to you guys will start checking!!!
Cheers Peter