Rough First Start of the Day...
#1
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Thread Starter
Rough First Start of the Day...
I've had my car for four years and have put about 62k miles on it.
It still drives great and I haven't had any problems. No leaks on the ground, oil level is fine, etc.
But, over the past month, I've noticed that the first start of the day, the car starts up very roughly and idles roughly (on startup). After that initial start, every subsequent start of the day was fine.
I did some STFF
and really couldn't find much aside from:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ighlight=rough
I thought that at 62k miles, that perhaps my spark plugs needed a change...
I was talking to Frank about it two weeks ago and he thought that my injectors were dirty and recommended that I use fuel injector cleaner since he uses Lucas on his C32 every 3k miles.
I know Lucas has quite the reputation, but I wanted to go with something somewhat "milder" and found more commonly... So, I went with Techron Concentrate Plus. (http://www.chevron.com/products/ourf...tives/tcp.aspx) I bought the 12oz size which is supposed to treat 12 gallons (the 20oz version is too much for our 16.4 gallon tanks).
I followed the directions to the T. With the help of the fuel content monitor in the car, I knew there was only 1 gallon left in the tank. I put in the Techron then put in 11 gallons of gas.
After about 1 day of driving, I felt that the start had gotten slightly smoother. By the end of the week, it was improved, but still a tad bit rough.
I decided to give it one more treatment of Techron. Well, after half a week, the start is MUCH better and not rough at all.
to Frank and for Techron.
It still drives great and I haven't had any problems. No leaks on the ground, oil level is fine, etc.
But, over the past month, I've noticed that the first start of the day, the car starts up very roughly and idles roughly (on startup). After that initial start, every subsequent start of the day was fine.
I did some STFF
![Stick Out Tongue](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ighlight=rough
I thought that at 62k miles, that perhaps my spark plugs needed a change...
I was talking to Frank about it two weeks ago and he thought that my injectors were dirty and recommended that I use fuel injector cleaner since he uses Lucas on his C32 every 3k miles.
I know Lucas has quite the reputation, but I wanted to go with something somewhat "milder" and found more commonly... So, I went with Techron Concentrate Plus. (http://www.chevron.com/products/ourf...tives/tcp.aspx) I bought the 12oz size which is supposed to treat 12 gallons (the 20oz version is too much for our 16.4 gallon tanks).
I followed the directions to the T. With the help of the fuel content monitor in the car, I knew there was only 1 gallon left in the tank. I put in the Techron then put in 11 gallons of gas.
After about 1 day of driving, I felt that the start had gotten slightly smoother. By the end of the week, it was improved, but still a tad bit rough.
I decided to give it one more treatment of Techron. Well, after half a week, the start is MUCH better and not rough at all.
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#4
Techron was the Benz factory supplier for fuel system cleaner for years. It is probably the best over-the-counter stuff available at Wal-Mart and most auto parts stores. Costco used to sell 4-packs for about 10 bucks. I recommend BG brand product "44K". It is the stuff used by Benz now and works real good. I have had no results with any Lucus products.
I usually get the big bottle of Techron and put it in a full tank. Run it about half empty and then fill up again. The I will run that tank completely out. You must do this with "44K" as well. It will make a bit of difference.
I usually get the big bottle of Techron and put it in a full tank. Run it about half empty and then fill up again. The I will run that tank completely out. You must do this with "44K" as well. It will make a bit of difference.
#5
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2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Good news Phil! Techron is also the only "approved" fuel system cleaner other than the OEM MB stuff (Which I have been told is Techron re-bottled for MB), so that is a plus as well.
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Roger161 (02-22-2017)
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#12
Senior Member
In fact, it is an additive in every gallon of Chevron and Texaco gas. Why not just use the gas? I always use Chevron gas. It may cost a bit more, but it's cheaper than buying the additive separately.
#13
Super Moderator
You’ve discovered a legitimate cure for your ailment…in a bottle. Excellent.
Most of us burn Top Tier fuel, but that occasional extra dose of Techron CP is good stuff.
Most of us burn Top Tier fuel, but that occasional extra dose of Techron CP is good stuff.
#14
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white and whiter
most of us do use chevron and what not, but the additive in the gas is not as concentrated as the fuel injector cleaner. adding them once in a while is good for your engine.
#15
Good gas
Hey guys, I was wondering if any of you have seen this: About 30 miles from my home, There is a texaco station and they sell (at the pump) 102 octane unleaded fuel. Its about $7/gallon. Thinking about a few gallons for the fun of it. I love the smell of race fuel anyway. This might be off-topic
#16
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I drive a Toyota Hybrid...
Hey guys, I was wondering if any of you have seen this: About 30 miles from my home, There is a texaco station and they sell (at the pump) 102 octane unleaded fuel. Its about $7/gallon. Thinking about a few gallons for the fun of it. I love the smell of race fuel anyway. This might be off-topic
from somewhere i heard they put 100+ in a non-AMG W203 won't make any difference at all.
#18
Super Member
I was having the same issue on my 2003 c230 (76k miles) as well. Finally led to a check engine light last week.
Added the Chevron Techron cleaner and changed my spark plugs yesterday and it is much, much smoother today.
Added the Chevron Techron cleaner and changed my spark plugs yesterday and it is much, much smoother today.
#19
MBWorld Fanatic!
A number of things cause that rough 1st start.
For me, sometimes it seems to get off on the wrong foot,
shakes and sputters.
If I shut it off right away, and then restart it's fine.
Odd.
Cleaning the MAF seems to help, and of course if your spark plugs are past 60K, it's time to replace them.
I've never added any Techron, but maybe not a bad idea.
A serious tromp up a twisty back road will shake loose some carbon as well,
also known as an "Italian Tune-up".
For me, sometimes it seems to get off on the wrong foot,
shakes and sputters.
If I shut it off right away, and then restart it's fine.
Odd.
Cleaning the MAF seems to help, and of course if your spark plugs are past 60K, it's time to replace them.
I've never added any Techron, but maybe not a bad idea.
A serious tromp up a twisty back road will shake loose some carbon as well,
also known as an "Italian Tune-up".
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hey guys, I was wondering if any of you have seen this: About 30 miles from my home, There is a texaco station and they sell (at the pump) 102 octane unleaded fuel. Its about $7/gallon. Thinking about a few gallons for the fun of it. I love the smell of race fuel anyway. This might be off-topic
#23
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'02 CL203 M111
So if the techron works well I'll give it a try since I have the rough cold start too, even with new intake filter and fuel filter. There is also the "gasp" for lack of air many people mentioned in an other thread. Well I'll try one of these amd hope it'll be better.
Thx guys for sharing that.
Thx guys for sharing that.
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#24
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02 C320 Sedan
Just added this stuff yesterday and went around for a 100 miles. Lets just say i can tell it did something. The car is smooth at stop lights were it used to sputter now it just sputters from the base of the bose system =P Thanks guys
+1 great stuff will buy another one soon
kinda pricey at the gas station 10 bucks.. Any other place cheaper?
+1 great stuff will buy another one soon
kinda pricey at the gas station 10 bucks.. Any other place cheaper?
#25
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CL203, W211
Just added this stuff yesterday and went around for a 100 miles. Lets just say i can tell it did something. The car is smooth at stop lights were it used to sputter now it just sputters from the base of the bose system =P Thanks guys
+1 great stuff will buy another one soon
kinda pricey at the gas station 10 bucks.. Any other place cheaper?
+1 great stuff will buy another one soon
kinda pricey at the gas station 10 bucks.. Any other place cheaper?
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