MSC230K

I have a 2005 C230K that has the rough idle then stall. I pulled the codes and and the usual suspects popped up. Said i needed the hose that dries, air oil separator etc. and that a coil was non op.

I got up the next day and the car will crank but not start. I crank it and get a pop and then a quiet crank as if i an not getting spark.
Here is what I have done so far.

Verified spark on all 4 coils.
Verified I had good batt voltage (just because)
Checked all four plugs, they all look good and have correct gap.
Cleaned the plugs on the cam sensors.

I have the parts for the Air/oil sep and the crank case vent hose etc, but have not done the work yet as it wont start.

Any thoughts on some direction?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Holmes5518

check fuel pressure. check compression.

Russell Ormerod

Check valve timing

johnhef

compression is a great and easy place to start. I've seen the intake cam gear teeth wear and have had a chain jump before.

MSC230K

Thanks for the replies! Compression test it is. Here are the results. I checked the the first cylinder and it registered a big zip! To verify the gauge was working I tried it in my SBC and it worked just fine. Tried cylinder number 2 and..... A big zip, zero, zilch.

An interesting observation, it cranks but it does not sound like a whole lot going on. If I did not see the belt spinning I would swear that the only thing spinning was the starter.

Thanks everyone. Thoughts?

MacVidMB-V8

Valves open and/or not moving or head gasket failure.

Better hope it is a false reading.

Russell Ormerod

Nothing to think about. Remove cyl head cover and check valve timing

MSC230K

Thanks for the responses! Does anyone know where to get the tech info on that job? The how too, what to look for and what else to replace while I have it open?
I really appreciate the input. Mercedes is new to me outside of general maintenance.

MSC230K

Ok, challenge accepted. How about parts suppliers that will have these parts. Checked some i use for my other cars but do nit see them available. Found some Victor Reinz gaskets etc. Thanks! I am just going to go ahead an pull it apart and replace anything that seems worn.

Russell Ormerod

Don't just pull it apart. Check the position of the camshafts first. If they out then it needs a new chain and tensioner and possibly gears

MSC230K

Russell, thanks. I would check all of that to see if it was off before dis assembly so I know if any potential damage was done to the valves etc. si I know what I am in for before sending the head for a refurbish. I may just have them rebuild it anyway. When in Rome! I am hoping for very low wear on the gears!

Russell Ormerod

If the head is ok. ie no bent valves I would rather spend the money on new gears