[rapcat]

New.. but non working 88 300SE I need help !! ALOT OF PICS

Hi 2 u ALL!!

I just purchased a W126 88 300SE in ok condition from an old man who had the car for three years. The reason why he sold the car to me was simple. "It quit running”. He towed the car to the nearest shop and gives him a diagnostics. They claimed that the fuel pump#1, fuel pump #2, fuel filter, o-ring gasket, and, fuel pump relay needs to be replaced. The shop gives him the estimation for the cost of parts and labor for $1,300!! So... The old man decided to just leave it alone. The car was sitting on his drive way for six month till I picked it up two days ago.

Before I made the purchase, I got it to start by spraying the engine starter fluid but it dies out 5 sec latter. Now I know that there is no ignition problem sine it fires up nicely.

I checked the fuel pump under neath the fuel tank and it looks to be in bad shape. As the shop claimed, I need two fuel pumps but I only found one large electrical fuel pump and one fuel filter. I did see a tiny electrical pump on top of the fuel filter. Is that tiny pump (fuel pump #2)??

Regards to the fuel pump relay, I looked at it... but it looks perfect to me. When I brought the car home two days ago, it was not plugged in. It was in the dummy slot not connecting to anywhere.... So I immedialy plugged in to the socket next to the big computer box ECU. Now the engine fires up with out the starting fluid but it still dies out in few sec. Looks like there is no problem with fuel pump relay. The shop estimated $160 for parts and $40 for labor. I asked my self... what labor?? lol any how... I think the shop tried to add cost for this poor old man.

I guess all I have to do is replace the fuel pumps and the filter. I plan to do it by my self but I need help. First, I don’t know how to remove it and install it with out missing it up. If there is a step by step instruction... it would make a world of different to me.

Also, if you know anywhere that I can purchase the parts in good prices Please let me know. Also there is few different types of pumps so if you recommend anything, please let me know as well. The cheapest fuel pump that I found was around 80 bucks.

Well... Thank you very much for help and I will update as the project progress. lol I will post pics soon !!

 

[andrew6981]

Buy a Bosch pump. Absolutely do NOT skimp on something this important. I had to pay around $150 (i think...) for my fuel pump a couple years ago, but the peace of mind I have knowing I'm using a brand new Bosch unit is truly priceless. I've found that www<dot>autohausaz<dot>com has great prices. When you do replace the pump/filter, it really helps to have the fuel tank empty. Otherwise you'll be dumping fuel everywhere. Good luck!

PS: Fill out your bio so others in the forum know where you're from, what year/model the car is, etc.

~andrew

 

[a3jeroen]

try the searchfunction plenty of info on FP's

gr J

 

[jdc1244]

The 300 SE has one fuel pump. Presoak the filter before installing. Order the flexible fuel lines as well, they more then likely need replacing. And remember to disconnect the battery.

 

[dave420]

AND, remember to use a "safe" light source when working near gasoline!!

Dave

 

[rapcat]

UPDATE on some pics

 

[rapcat]

UPDATE pics 2

 

[jhodg5ck]

Have you tried jumpering the fuel pump relay? Your pump really doesn't look that bad.

Also, your seats would look Worlds better if you have someone re-dye them.

I would also service your diff, looks as though she's been leaking for some time.

I'm half betting you'll be able to get out of this w/ a FPR..

Oh, and you need a valve cover gasket too..perhaps some time w/ a power washer would help tidy things up under the hood.

Jonathan

 

[B71ZZZ]

Does it have spark? Maybe the coil died? On my 260pos the coil was good in the evening and then in the morning... nothing.
The OVP relay, the one with 2 red 10A fuses on top. Looks like one of the fuses is newer. Check the fuses. What brand is the relay? Bosch or K.A.E?
Something is not right with the vacuum hoses by the fuse box... not that have anything to do with the no start issue.

 

[AxelWulff]

Sounds like you are pretty handy with things so I may be preaching to the choir here, but, nevertheless, I think you should change all fluids at your earliest convenience:

- Engine Oil
- Engine coolant
- Transmission oil (don't forget to drain the torque converter)
- Differential oil
- Brake fluid
- Power steering oil

You don't have SLS so no need to worry about that.

Once the car is running properly you can address the cosmetics issues like the seats and the scratched bumpers.

Leatherique sells a complete restoration and cleaning set for about $150, but you may want to have them custom blend the dye based on a sample you send them. Or you can get some colorwash stuff from Gliptone.

The bumpers and plastic panels on the side would look very good painted white. It will take years off your car's appearance.

 

[rapcat]

You guys are the greatest !

Thank you very much for your great suggestions and infos everyone!! As of right now... I am still shopping around for fuel pumps.


andrew6981:
I found a private seller online with a hole assembly including Bosch pumps, fuel filter and etc.. for $50 used but in perfect working conditions. (Since I am in pretty tight budget right now). lol



jdc1244:
Just one fuel pump... lol ohh man~ the shop really tried to ripoff the previous owner. Here is the estimate proposal from xxx auto....

• Replace # 1 fuel pump - $344.42 (parts) + $174.80 (labor + 2.3 hr)
• Replace # 2 fuel pump - $282.86 (parts)
• Fuel filter - $46.00 (parts) + 22.80 (labor)
• Fuel pump relays - $197.06 (parts) + 38.00 (labor + 0.5 hr)
• O ring and gaskets - $50.00 (parts)

GRAND TOTAL: $1155.64



dave420:
Yes Yes lol I will be careful with the fuel :thumbsup: I like to keep my hair for now!


Jonathan:
I Have not tried jumpering the fuel pump relay. At this point, I have no idea if the relay is working or not... I don't know how to check it :crybaby2: When I plugged the relay box back in to the slot, it really did not make any different. I did not hear any noise coming out of a fuel pump at all. Looks to me that there is no power going in to the fuel pump. If the pump it self is in good working order, is it the relay box is the one cosing this trouble ? I checked the prices on fuel pump relay box and they are allot cheaper to replace then pump it self. I'm kinda hopping that this is what's making me suffer lol



B71ZZZ:
I assume that it does have sparks since the engine fires up strong. It still does die out few second after engine starts. I think the ignition system is OK. I checked the fuses just now and they look to be OK as well. I also wondered about the vacuum lines. I guess will look in to that once I get the car running.



AxelWulff:
I don't know about me been a handy person but I will try my best to not get hurt I am planing to change all of the liquids in the car once I get this thing moving. Thank god I don't have SLS in my car... if I did, it probably would be in pretty bad shape. I most likely would need a new paint job and leather repair but as I mentioned.. I am in pretty tight budget so for now, I will try my best to work with what I have right now. Again, Once I get the mechanical issues squared away, I will post in the Detailing and Car Care section. Probably I will take care the leather first then outside cosmetics. I differently will get the bumper/panels painted in the same color. I can't wait :bowdown:

I guess thats it for now... and once again, YOU GUYS ARE THE GREATEST !!

 

[rapcat]

Pic UPDATE

This is what I have in my car at the moment. Non original fuel pump repay. Maybe its not working, maybe it is working. I'm not sure :crybaby2:

 

[B71ZZZ]

I can see the green stuff on the connectors... that's not good. And, yes it's a K.A.E. that is from Nov. '03 (I might be wrong). Somebody, which terminals he needs to jump, 7 & 8?

 

[wbain]

I can see the green stuff on the connectors... that's not good. And, yes it's a K.A.E. that is from Nov. '03 (I might be wrong). Somebody, which terminals he needs to jump, 7 & 8?

That's the same one I've got on mine. Yes, jump sockets 7 and 8.

 

[rapcat]

I cleaned the green stuff a little bit on the relay box but it seems like it did not help.

Could you guys help me jump those 7 and 8 sockets? I tried searching it but I could not find the instructions for it. If you have a step by step on pics, that would help me out very much.

Also, If only the fuel pump relay box is bad... would the pump still get electricity? I do not hear any noise coming out the pump when the key is turned on.

 

[AxelWulff]

Also, If only the fuel pump relay box is bad... would the pump still get electricity? I do not hear any noise coming out the pump when the key is turned on.

There is your answer right there.

If you can't hear anything from the fuel pump with the ignition on, it is not powered up.

Your Fuel Pump Relay is probably bad, but try to put a wire between pin 7 and 8. It should fire up. If not, it may be the fuel pump or the wiring between the FPR and the pump.

 

[rapcat]

relay or pump problem....

Axel:
I connected the 7 and 8 sockets with tester and it did light up. I turned the key on when those sockets where connected together but no sounds from the fuel pump. Is there a way to check to see if I am getting electricity to the fuel pump?

 

[AxelWulff]

Try measuring the current at the fuel pump with pin 7 & 8 jumped and the ingition on.

If there is no current at the fuel pump, there is a break between the FPR and the pump.

If there is current at the pump and it is not operating, chances are it has seized.

 

[B71ZZZ]

Put a wire between 7 & 8 not your test light.

 

[rapcat]

Good News!!!

I have a good news guys !

The fuel pump is running...(thanks to you guys) however, the rubber hose line between the filter and the pump has a hole in then. When the pump started to run, gas leaked everywhere. I tried removing the line but it was very tightly screwed to the filter so I was not able to unscrew them yesterday. I'm going to try one more time to see if I can unscrew them.

After all, it was just the fuel pump relay.... so I will order them ASAP. I tried the 7 and 8 socket methods and it worked like a magic. I will post a pic on that as well.

You guys saved my life :bowdown: