[heartmd]

My 1993 S420 has been stored in the winter since the winter of 2001-2. Has gone only 34K miles.
Used to start and run fine in spring in 2002 and 2003 but in spring 2004 started having a sudden starting problem. Usually after a 15 min drive, it would not start when started again. After repeated starting attempts, it would start once again. This has happened twice. During the starting attempts the car would backfire with a fuel smell. I think the problem has to do with the fuel system and gas in the fuel system, over the winter, clogging up the fuel system.
2004-5 winter I put in some fuel stablizer "sta-bil" and have liberally put in fuel injector cleaner.
After the two episodes in spring 2004 I was afraid to use this car for fear it might not start suddenly.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Kris

 

[Merc600sec]

The fuel will have degraded quite badly despite the stabiliser.. This will be the root of your problem..basicaly your fuel fiter is cloged.there will have been water in the tank from hydroscopy.. change the fuel filter.. drain the tank at the same time.. do not store for long periods with large ammount of fuel in the tank..run till nearly empty. then put a can in when you need to start it then drive to the nearest gas station..Do you keep the battery on trickle charge..

 

[Brett San Diego]

I second the fuel filter recommendation. Even though you

haven't reached the typical mileage for fuel filter replacement, do it. You'll want to maintain a different schedule for maintenance (time rather than mileage-based) since your car is so low mileage. Cars that haven't been driven much have their own set of problems.

Of course there are other fuel delivery system parts that could cause problems. Fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, injectors, fuel hoses. But, I'd start with the simplest and most obvious, the filter. And if you can determine that the filter was clogged by flakes of corroded metal meaning the inside of your gas tank is rusting, you'll want to get a new tank. This is one of the problems unique to low mileage cars.

Brett

 

[Merc600sec]

But if that is your problem.. a flaky tank I would recomend a coat of TANK SLOSH..seals it up forever.. but you will need to remove the tank and all the internals before you do it..

 

[heartmd]

Thanks
Is replacing the fuel filter something a good handyman can do or does it need the pro?
Where and how do I get at the fuel filter?
Kris

 

[heartmd]

Thanks
Is replacing the fuel filter something a good handyman can do or does it need the pro?
Where and how do I get at the fuel filter?
Kris

 

[heartmd]

Thanks
Is replacing the fuel filter something a good handyman can do or does it need the pro?
Where and how do I get at the fuel filter?
Kris

 

[bass1175]

I found this thread which was initiated by rainmaker I thought it was excellent, thank you rainmaker.
If this link dont work for some reason, search for "fuel filter changing" and find the thread by the above author.

http://mbnz.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1175601&posts=19&hl=fuel+filter+changing

 

[heartmd]

Which filter does my 1993 400SEL need?
Is it the 002 477 13 01, 002 477 17 01, 002 477 19 01, 002 477 27 01, or the 002 477 28 01002 477 44 01 (designed for tandem pumps)?
Pls help.
Or is it better to just take the old one out and see what is written on it?
Kris

 

[Merc600sec]

Just take your VIN number to your local stealers.. and they will give you the correct part.. and a genuine one.. (I dont think the aftermarket ones are that good )

 

[ychachad]

I have a similar problem. Sadly, changing the fuel filter will not solve your problem. However, feel free to go ahead and replace it anyway, as it is due for a replacement.
Stabil is nothing but a light duty oil, such as an Singer sewing machine oil in a kerosene base!!! Believe it or not. It will not so much for your fuel, other than prevent the tank from resting.
A dose of 10% Ethanol laden fuel or HEET may help remove some water. A Double Dose of Chevron Techron Fuel system cleaner will help smoothen the engine.
I do not know how to solve the problem. Doing the above procedures helped in reducing the misfire/bogging of the engine when warm, but the problem persists. I am taking her to my MB certified technician, over the phone he told me I have to bring her in and he has to hook her up to the diagnostics machine. It is probably a sensor, I don't know. Unfortunately, I'll update you with a solution in another 2 months!!!

 

[heartmd]

I am sure you know this but it is important to put in the correct ratio of any additive in the 40 gal fuel tank that comes witht his car.
Eg I use "Truck and RV bottle" of Techron that is gold colored instead of the black bottle for smaller tanks.
Likewise, I either fill up only half or quarter tank and then add Techron or any other fuel additive accordingly.
Keep me updated.
My engine does not do it all the time.
Yesterday I restarted it from the winter and it is fine even when warm.
It is only the dreaded occasional refusal to start.

 

[mbenzz1]

greetings, how long is too long (e.g., 3 months, 2 months, 1 month) to store the car before it develops such problems? I have very low miles too and wonder if there is a certain ideal "frequency" to at least warm up the car to avoid such problems. thanks in advance.

 

[heartmd]

Well, I did try to change the fuel filter myself.
Unless one has a lift this is very difficult.
For one all the brass fittings to the fuel filter itself are corroded and one might strip the threads easily.
Also the three plastic nuts holding the black plastic cover are tough but the aluminum bolt that holds them to the underbody is weak. So in trying to tighten them I borke off one of the bolts.
The two bolts in the front are holding the black cover good, so I used a couple of thick, long wire ties to hold the black cover in place.
The cover is to sheild the fuel pump from stone damage.

 

[Seneschal]

Did it work???

I have a 1995 S420 with very similar problems. My solution has been to hold down the starter for about 3-5 seconds longer and it will start.
So did changing the fuel filter solve your problem?
I'm going to try it too.

Well, I did try to change the fuel filter myself.
Unless one has a lift this is very difficult.
For one all the brass fittings to the fuel filter itself are corroded and one might strip the threads easily.
Also the three plastic nuts holding the black plastic cover are tough but the aluminum bolt that holds them to the underbody is weak. So in trying to tighten them I borke off one of the bolts.
The two bolts in the front are holding the black cover good, so I used a couple of thick, long wire ties to hold the black cover in place.
The cover is to sheild the fuel pump from stone damage.

 

[MBENZ1987]

no one has updated this for a while, and I am experiencing a similar situation. I have to give the car gas as I crank and it will start. But when starting the car cold it starts immediately as I turn the key. I could use some help determining the problem
thanks