Stored 1993 S420 has fuel problems-Gives sudden starting problems-solution needed

3477 Views 15 Replies 8 Participants Last post by MBENZ1987, Dec 9, 2007

heartmd

Discussion Starter · Feb 27, 2005

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

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heartmd

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 28, 2005

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

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heartmd

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 28, 2005

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

Save

heartmd

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 28, 2005

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

Save

heartmd

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 1, 2005

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

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heartmd

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 7, 2005

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.

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heartmd

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 8, 2005

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.

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