Starting problem

[merc convert]

Hi can anyone help/advise? 1999 C250 TD
1st start of the day I have to keep turning on key for 30/40 seconds to get it to fire. I fitted new glow plugs last year. It does seem as though the plugs are ok as when it has fired it runs ok. I have some small air bubbles in fuel lines but no more than before I had this problem. Any advice appreciated.
Any one know a good Merc mechanic Doncaster area?

 

[television]

It still comes down to air or glow plugs, there is nothing else

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Try a filter and the small seals around it, fill the filter with deisel first before fitting.

 

[merc convert]

Thanks guys will try a new filter.

 

[merc convert]

Slight update, if i press the throttle about half inch the car fires first turn.
Do diesel cars have a choke system?

Thanks

 

[merc convert]

Still having starting problems on odd occasions. If I depress the accelerator a little it will normaly start but recently having a problem again. On checking the fuel lines the one to the fuel pre filter has little bubbles in it when the engine is running, when the engine is switched off the fuel runs back towards the rear of the car in other words am I right in thinking that air is getting in at the connection to the pre filter? How can i cure this? Would this be the answer to my starting problem?

 

[mattkh]

Hi
Yes.
There should be no air bubbles going to the injectors.

 

[merc convert]

Thanks mattkh, can I assume it is the "O" ring problen and will any "O" ring do or are they a main stealer only part? The pipe is also hard do they come off OK ?

 

[Deepfried]

Any viton 'O' ring should do, shouldn't cost more than a few pence each from a motor factor, although Merc dealers will charge £s. It would be worth inspecting the connectors first, the white clips should be pulled out to secure, if any are pushed in, this could be your problem.