Running on empty
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 56
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From: Dublin, IE
1997 W210 E300 TD Estate
Running on empty
Is thier any harm in running an old car (+10 years) will very little fuel in the tank?
I was recently advsied not to as they'll be alot of crap in the bottom of the tank.
I'd asume it will just get cought by the filter.
What are your recommendations?
Thanks
J
I was recently advsied not to as they'll be alot of crap in the bottom of the tank.
I'd asume it will just get cought by the filter.
What are your recommendations?
Thanks
J
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
It is never a good idea. Diesel tends to create condenstion in a low or empty fuel tank. Also, it is almost unforgivable to run a diesel out of fuel, especially in older models. If it has been sitting for a while, you would be better off filling it and adding a fuel conditioner for diesel. Check the water seperator if it has one and be prepared to change the filter a couple times. Don't leave home without one.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
It is never a good idea. Diesel tends to create condenstion in a low or empty fuel tank. Also, it is almost unforgivable to run a diesel out of fuel, especially in older models. If it has been sitting for a while, you would be better off filling it and adding a fuel conditioner for diesel. Check the water seperator if it has one and be prepared to change the filter a couple times. Don't leave home without one.
A friend of mine who had a 1985 vintage 5 cylinder S Class diesel said he had never changed one in the entire 20 ought years of its ownership. This is not to say the car was running in top condition or if the car had one.
I always fill the tank up whenever it is half empty in the winter.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 857
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
It is never a good idea. Diesel tends to create condenstion in a low or empty fuel tank. Also, it is almost unforgivable to run a diesel out of fuel, especially in older models. If it has been sitting for a while, you would be better off filling it and adding a fuel conditioner for diesel. Check the water seperator if it has one and be prepared to change the filter a couple times. Don't leave home without one.
, i have run my 320 out of fuel-i am happy, however, to report that it went into limp-home mode (which goes away after 4 additional starts), and while it would not start without the addition of more diesel, once it got the diesel, the lights all went out and it is running as good as new. The dealership said that there is some built-in sensor that keeps the engine from "siezing" when the diesel runs out. It was an honest, but painful, mistake on my part.Anyway, at the risk of forum-humiliation, i thought i'd share my experience.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
I must confess, although i know you will all think less of me , i have run my 320 out of fuel-i am happy, however, to report that it went into limp-home mode (which goes away after 4 additional starts), and while it would not start without the addition of more diesel, once it got the diesel, the lights all went out and it is running as good as new. The dealership said that there is some built-in sensor that keeps the engine from "siezing" when the diesel runs out. It was an honest, but painful, mistake on my part.
Anyway, at the risk of forum-humiliation, i thought i'd share my experience.
, i have run my 320 out of fuel-i am happy, however, to report that it went into limp-home mode (which goes away after 4 additional starts), and while it would not start without the addition of more diesel, once it got the diesel, the lights all went out and it is running as good as new. The dealership said that there is some built-in sensor that keeps the engine from "siezing" when the diesel runs out. It was an honest, but painful, mistake on my part.Anyway, at the risk of forum-humiliation, i thought i'd share my experience.
I heard that if you completely run out of fuel that the engine seizes, you have to supposedly change the filters and bleed the fuel system somehow.
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
If the engine "seizes," you're going to have to do more than change filters.
This could total the engine, but then you proably mean "die" (stop running) rather than "seize." "Seize" means mechanical clearances disappear to the point the engine crankshaft cannot physically rotate.
This could total the engine, but then you proably mean "die" (stop running) rather than "seize." "Seize" means mechanical clearances disappear to the point the engine crankshaft cannot physically rotate.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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W210 W140
I was not aware of the engine seizing as a result of running out of fuel.
I thought that you have to purge all fuel lines of air if you run out of fuel. On older model Mercedes, this is a pain because you have to manually pull all the air out of the system. I know my car has a built in air purge system which runs while you are cranking the engine.
I thought that you have to purge all fuel lines of air if you run out of fuel. On older model Mercedes, this is a pain because you have to manually pull all the air out of the system. I know my car has a built in air purge system which runs while you are cranking the engine.
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