Hello again, I am really new to this forum thing and don't know the proper procedures for getting questions out there for discussion, so I'm replying to my own post, Please bear with me. Thanks
I just bought a 1998 R170 with 7500 miles on it. It hasn't been started for three years. I drained the fuel, replaced the fuel filter and installed a new battery. It turns over fine but will not catch. Is there a way to check whether or not fuel is reaching the fuel rail? I am thinking about pulling and cleaning the injectors but would like to hear from you experienced folks before i jump in.
Just to let you know, I checked for fuel pressure at the fuel rail and there was none. Shot a little starting fluid and got it to fire. Can hear the fuel pump working but doesn't build pressure, ordered a new pump. Hopefully problem will be solved
Already a new filter, drained fuel and, new fuel. Three years, hmmm
A shot in the dark, mainly, but a totaly dry fuel line needs some time to fill up and the fuel to reach the fuel rack. A dry fuel pump may also work less efficiently than when i'ts "wet". Carl hear it work, but doesn't see any fuel pumped - can be the pump.
My guess is that Colorado Carl has put only a gallon can or so with fuel in the tank (i'ts hard to bring a non starting car to the fuel pump). It could be a good idea to make sure that the fuel level is 1/4 or so, just to help the pump do i'ts thing.
"hasn't been started for three years. I drained the fuel" could have a fuel line clog as well, may need to drop both ends and blow it out. Could also be a clogged fuel sock or a failed pump (always replace both). BTW I avoid cheap fuel pumps, use only OEM particularly for in-tank pumps.
Worst case scenario - DAS is not letting it go. DAS II-B will not let the injectors fire and cut fuel. replace the battery in the key fob just in case.
"I checked for fuel pressure at the fuel rail and there was none. Shot a little starting fluid and got it to fire" "Can hear the fuel pump working" - definitely a physical fuel feed issue: no gas, clogged sock, fuel pump, fuel filter, clogged line, open bypass. Stuck open injector will build some pressure.
Thanks for you thoughts, I put 4 gallons in the tank and cranked it on and off for a while, still no pressure. Even our premium gas here has ethanol in it and I am thinking over a three year period it ate up the diaphram in the pump.
Previous owner is a friend, the R170 competed with a BMW 535, a Ford GT, an AMG 55 a Ferrari, an airplane, and any number of commuter cars for driving time. After a while it just didn't find its way into the rotation. Because it lived on a heated hanger and never saw winter the under side is still very clean, the exhaust pipes haven't even rusted. Other than about 5 small rock chips on the front the car is like new, it even smells new inside,
Thank you for all of your suggestions and comments. I have attempted to respond to each post in order of posting but I don't think I have the mechanics of the process figured out, consequently, everything look very disjointed, for that I apologize.
Thanks Anders, checked the Shrader valve after turning engine over with the starter a bunch of times, then again after it fired with the starting fluid, no pressure. So a new pump is in the mail. Hopefully I didn't jump the gun on the pump but I should know in a few days.
Carl I am with the boys on the fuel pump. On all the Mercedes I ever pulled out of barns that have been sitting for years the fuel always ate the diaphragm or gaskets or had a lot of dirt sitting on the bottom of the tank and got sucked in by the pump.
Thanks for you response, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the fuel pump tomorrow. Like you, and others, I thin the pump is the source of my non-starting problem. Can hardly wait to fire this thing up and take it for a spin
Carl, while you waiting on the fuel pump it can not hurt to check and change some of the other fluids too. A) it keeps you busy waiting :grin::grin: and B) I am a firm believer since the car has been sitting for a while it is always a good idea to check and double everything change/ flush the cooling system check the thermostat check the power steering change the oil prime the engine by turn it it over with wrench or any other way without fire in the whole. Also a fresh set of spark plugs can not hurt either check the brakes lines etc etc you never know what you find so you have no surprised down the road. Just my 2 cents
Plus it is a great to open a cold beer look busy in the Garage to avoid the "Honey to do List":laugh::laugh:
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