youseffex

Hello everyone ..

I've been having trouble starting my 1998 E280, It often cranks for too long before it starts. Sometimes after I switch it on it doesn't crank at all and instead I hear a single choking sound with the RPM reaching 4-5

My real problem is when the intake manifold explodes after trying to switch it on too many times. I had that replaced twice $$$$

Any ideas?

Max Hughes

Not sure but that might indicate a valve problem when the intake valve sticks open, the fuel goes into the intake, the spark plug ignites it and it explodes.

youseffex

Hi Max

Thanks for the idea, it may be stuck open, I have to discuss that tommorow with the mechanic. By the way .. my intake is the turtle looking one for V engines but it happened twice unless the 2 manifolds got stuck.

I was thinking about a problem in the fuel relay, engine starter or relay ,, Maybe the battery ....

youseffex

OK guys .. I have changed the battery with a new one and it cranks and runs fine but it is a long embarrassing crank, how to get rid of that?

Hirnbeiss

Youssef,
I don't think it's your starter. My 104 would start on the first half-whirr. I would look to the ignition side (plugs, wires, coils, crank sensor) or the fuel starting circuit. Especially if your manifold is exploding, some extra fuel could be accumulating there.

youseffex

I think it is the fuel starting circuit, but what is exactly the fuel starting circuit and where is it located, you know i have to translate all that to my mechanic who will be skeptic anyway cause I'm telling him stuff, I would appreciate if you or anyone can answer me.

ejsheltra

Agreed. Good guess is starting circuit. Fuel is pumped to the injectors upon start up and enters the combustion chamber in a rich mixture. Since no initial spark the gas amount keeps building up till the circuit triggers a spark from the coil down the plug wire and bang you get too rich a mixture going off. It does not sound like the coils as it is unlikely they can't all be going bad at the same time. So it does sound like what is in front of the coils controlling when that spark single is being sent out. That would most likely be the starting circuit as the signal for spark is not phased properly. try there and let us know. And get to a good Indie mechanic who understands a Benz. This is pretty common modern day technology and he should have a grasp of it to be working on your ride.

cig3

I have had a similar problem with my 1997 E320. The dealer tech said that the ecu was not getting a full signal and would not let the car start (no spark). The issue is the ecu. If I crank the car and back the key off until it stops turn over and then crank it again it will start. Some times it take a couple tries. I have another ecu but need to send it out to Bekkers to get it unlocked before I can install it. Just a thought.

fitzcarraldo

inlet manifold exploded in a ML430 when (according to the owner) the ign/key was turned on to ignition position. Anyone has seen this before ?

Thanks,
fitzcarraldo

desired_speeds

possibly crank position sensor? It throws off the timing even if it does end up starting.