EuroDriverSD

Hello everyone,


I need a little help diagnosing intermittent hard starts after the following repairs & maintenance this weekend on my 2008 E350 Sport:


Replaced intake manifold (new Pierburg)
Replaced injector O-rings
Replaced all 4 camshaft magnets
Replaced centrifuge cover
Replaced cam plugs
Replaced expansion plug
Replaced O-rings on cam sensors
Replaced knock sensors
Cleaned MAF
Cleaned throttle body
New air filters


I finished all the work late Saturday night and didn't start the car. On Sunday morning, I went to crank it up and it started immediately with no issues - I went for a 10 min test drive with no issues. Later in the day, it again started fine. Took the family out to eat and when leaving the restaurant, I had to crank it 3 or 4 times before it started. I went for a long drive (~20 miles). I parked the car and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Then it went through a couple of long crank cycles before it started. I parked at home for a few hours, then fired up the car a couple more times and it started without issues.


This morning, it again started without issues but when I went to start it this afternoon, it started right away, but at a very low idle and the accelerator was non-responsive (while still in Park). After about 15-20 seconds it stalled out, but started normally right away when I cranked it again. However while driving, it felt I had to step on the pedal more than usual for acceleration.


It has not triggered a CEL. I suspected maybe the fuel rail hadn't pressurized yet, but I think it's ran long enough to be an issue. I popped the top covers and I do not see/hear any fuel or air leaks.


Anyone have any thoughts? Any and all duly appreciated.

konigstiger

To start if you have not already done so, check air cleaner seal (6) at rear engine cover – condition and if air filter housing is seated properly.

EuroDriverSD

Thanks Konigstiger, I did double-check the seal at the rear of the engine cover and it appears to be seated fine. I have the car at the shop right now for some suspension work and when I got there, the car had a really hard time starting up again. The wrench took a quick look at it; he thinks it may be an issue with one of the diaphragms on the new intake. He's going to look into it further - I'll post any findings.

EuroDriverSD

Ok, thought I'd update the thread. Just picked the car up from the shop. There was a short in the throttle body. They also found that the pressure sensor the dealership sold me was not the correct one for my vehicle.

Apparently ​also needed a software update due to the updated cam magnets.

Expensive trip but car starts up right away now