Hard to start, Stalls on Startup
05-12-2010, 07:24 PM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Hard to start, Stalls on Startup
Ok, just want to put this out for some advice, Two days ago, the E320 needed 2 or 3 start cycles to start, and after which, the RPM's stays really low, then the engine dies within 3 seconds of sputtering.
If I feather the throttle, I can keep it running, and after about 30 seconds of this, it runs fine. It will also restart perfectly as it has for the last several years.
If I let it sit for say 30 minutes, the problem re occurs. (Hot or cold motor is same issue)
Plugs are 20K miles replaced, fuel filter has 10K miles since last change, No check engine light. The fuel in the tank has been there since last fill up last week, now on1/4 tank, same station we use for years.
I also put a pressure gauge, and key on, engine off, the pressure is +- 53 PSI. Engine on, its +- 58 PSI. After sitting 30 minutes, it drops to about 45, but when the pump is recycled, it jumps right back to 53.
Any ideas??
Thanks.
If I feather the throttle, I can keep it running, and after about 30 seconds of this, it runs fine. It will also restart perfectly as it has for the last several years.
If I let it sit for say 30 minutes, the problem re occurs. (Hot or cold motor is same issue)
Plugs are 20K miles replaced, fuel filter has 10K miles since last change, No check engine light. The fuel in the tank has been there since last fill up last week, now on1/4 tank, same station we use for years.
I also put a pressure gauge, and key on, engine off, the pressure is +- 53 PSI. Engine on, its +- 58 PSI. After sitting 30 minutes, it drops to about 45, but when the pump is recycled, it jumps right back to 53.
Any ideas??
Thanks.
05-12-2010, 09:59 PM
#2
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
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2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Try replacing your CPositioning Sensor for $40. It sits at the top rear of the motor and is an easy DIY. No adjustment just held in by one bolt. Disconnect wire feed and unbolt and remove. To replace reverse the process. Order from Autohaus for a very good price. Dealer will charge about $150.
05-13-2010, 06:11 PM
#3
Super Member
Thread Starter
OK, finally got it. The culprit was the Coolant Temp Sensor. I noticed that the temp gauge in the car was always at 80c, even after parked overnight and the cooling fan was running non stop. Apparently this sensor was just stuck there and never went over the parameters to trip the CEL.
So once the car saw 80c it ran the start up map for a very warm engine, which did not give enough fuel for our cool Chicago temps.
Took all day to figure out as I had replaced that sensor 4 months ago, and had no codes to guide. Had to go old school and think back to carburetor issues...
Hope this helps others.
So once the car saw 80c it ran the start up map for a very warm engine, which did not give enough fuel for our cool Chicago temps.
Took all day to figure out as I had replaced that sensor 4 months ago, and had no codes to guide. Had to go old school and think back to carburetor issues...
Hope this helps others.
