M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Hesitation on acceleration

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Old Apr 5, 2016 | 03:33 PM
  #1  
kuleke's Avatar
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From: Calgary, AB
2007 S550
Hesitation on acceleration

Hello!

So I've had this issue for a while now. I've tried quite a few things along the way and been to many different mechanics and they've come up with all manner of diagnoses but the problem is still here.

My friend thinks that it could be a slightly out of place exhaust line from the engine (I was in a crash that damaged the front right side so this is plausible). There is also a popping sound which may or may not be audible in the video.

If you accelerate slowly, it works fine. But if you floor it, there's a 'sucking' sound and it goes silent for about a second and then continues to accelerate. During this process, the lights dim and flicker.

I'm hoping someone has experienced this before and can shed some light on what might be causing it.

I had to upload the video to Youtube, I couldn't find anywhere to attach it here. It's very short (less than thirty seconds) and it shows the problem quite clearly.

Thanks in advance!
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 10:33 AM
  #2  
MikeC825's Avatar
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From: NJ USA
ML430 1999
Have you tried a good dose of FI cleaner and dry gas?
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 10:42 AM
  #3  
kuleke's Avatar
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From: Calgary, AB
2007 S550
Originally Posted by MikeC825
Have you tried a good dose of FI cleaner and dry gas?
I haven't but I now know it is most likely a vacuum leak. We created a leak on another car and the exact same thing happened so now I'm looking for a a good vacuum hose diagram so I can check them and find the leak. Any help with that would be great.
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 11:37 AM
  #4  
MikeC825's Avatar
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From: NJ USA
ML430 1999
Sorry, I don't have much documentation. But someone here posts repair pages and hopefully has access.
Also try Benzworld.org
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Old May 3, 2016 | 12:38 PM
  #5  
kuleke's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Calgary, AB
2007 S550
So I got my hands on a vacuum diagram and checked all the hoses. Found a few small leaks and plugged them. But the problem is still present. Someone suggested it might be a brake booster leak and so I went and got a replacement but that didn't make a difference either. I tried using the method on eBay http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Diagn...8571669/g.html and the first check worked (it softened after I started the engine) but the second one didn't (the pedal rose after being held down for 30 seconds after turning off the engine). Is it possible that both boosters are bad? Or could it be something else?

I have also tried running with/without the MAF meter, it makes no difference regarding the original problem.

That sound from the video I originally posted is still there, and it sounds like air is moving rapidly. If I had to say, I would think its air being sucked IN somewhere.

Any ideas?
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