1997 e320 cold starting problem
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1997 e320
1997 e320 cold starting problem
Hi gentlemen, i'm new to the post. i have a 1997 E320 which has cold start problem. i have to crank the engine two or three times for about ten seconds before the car will start. once started, there sometimes is a strong fuel smell. it runs well once started,but if the car is turned off and sits for thirty minutes or more,you have to crank the engine a couple of times before it starts.any help will be greatly appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: Western Michigan
2003 E320 4Matic Wagon & 1997 E320
jahman:
I might have some information about your issue but let's try to clarify two things.
Cold start - Like the first start of the morning or a long time after shutting down.
Warm start - 30 minutes to a couple hours after shutting down.
Your problem is warm start, right?
If yes, my theory is that you have a slow fuel system leak (most probably at the injectors).
So buy some Techron and use double strength for one tank, then regular strength for another tank, and change the oil. You should see some improvements but may not get rid of the problem completely. Keep this Techron treatment every 3000 miles or so and it should keep improving.
Here is my hypothesis. When the injectors have leaks (cannot close completely) due to deposits, some fuel leaks from the injector to the combustion chamber but there is only so much fuel that can leak after s shut down.
Therefore, if you try to start your car, say 30 minutes after a shut down, there is too much fuel there. Your first crank might burn off that leaked fuel so the second start is successful.
However, if you wait for a long time after shut down, the leaked fuel has the time to slowly evaporate so the first crank starts the car (normal).
Try the Techron treatment as it is inexpensive and might cure the problem.
I might have some information about your issue but let's try to clarify two things.
Cold start - Like the first start of the morning or a long time after shutting down.
Warm start - 30 minutes to a couple hours after shutting down.
Your problem is warm start, right?
If yes, my theory is that you have a slow fuel system leak (most probably at the injectors).
So buy some Techron and use double strength for one tank, then regular strength for another tank, and change the oil. You should see some improvements but may not get rid of the problem completely. Keep this Techron treatment every 3000 miles or so and it should keep improving.
Here is my hypothesis. When the injectors have leaks (cannot close completely) due to deposits, some fuel leaks from the injector to the combustion chamber but there is only so much fuel that can leak after s shut down.
Therefore, if you try to start your car, say 30 minutes after a shut down, there is too much fuel there. Your first crank might burn off that leaked fuel so the second start is successful.
However, if you wait for a long time after shut down, the leaked fuel has the time to slowly evaporate so the first crank starts the car (normal).
Try the Techron treatment as it is inexpensive and might cure the problem.
