nlpamg

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.

MJ50

nice!
will buy some for myself too!

TruTaing

Are these sold at cheveron gas stations?

Thanks for sharing!

whalebird

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.

johnand

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.

johnand

Techron is sold at almost every automotive parts store in the country as well as most large name box store retailers (Wal-mart, Target, etc.)

And, it is in fact sold at many Chevron gas stations.

Cappa26

I'll be doing this today, mines been rough for awile. Thanks

Ryanr317

I had a similar issue and found that changing my fuel filter did the trick.

amanonfire

Awesome!

I've been having this problem. First start of the morning is terrible, yet subsequent starts are fine.

I'm changing my fuel filter this weekend too.

krisv420

looks like i will pick this up 2

FrankW

I use Locus or Techron which ever I have on hand.

GGM

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.

splinter

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.

FrankW

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.

whalebird

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

kirax2

i think i heard our car are made for 87-91 Octane only, but we all think it required 91-93.

from somewhere i heard they put 100+ in a non-AMG W203 won't make any difference at all.

MCONDE01

Great Post!

My start is not bad but it could be smoother so I will be trying this ASAP!

Thanks again!

ambit

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.

C230 Sport Coup

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".

C230 Sport Coup

I put 100 octane in my car once from the racetrack, but didn't really notice any difference.

TruTaing

Ive got two bottles of this stuff sittin' in my trunk. Cant wait to give it a try when I'm down to 1 gallon!

krisv420

doing the same thing haha =D but i think i will go out and cruise the streets and waste the rest of the gas =D gonna go check out the 101 in so cal =P

spyderpig

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.

krisv420

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?

magnus203

Costco.