Has to crank many times before it will start

Tiny
ALEX MONTAGUE
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 MERCEDES BENZ 300SE
  • 2.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Engine needs cranking about ten to twenty times to start. Sometimes when it starts after five or six time cranking it shuts off after three to five seconds, start again and progresses until from hesitating and idling down it recuperates and idles staying on.
Friday, January 18th, 2019 AT 4:39 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi Alex and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Honestly, it sounds like a fuel pressure issue. If the pump is weak, the regulator isn't working correctly, or there is pressure drop off, it takes longer for it to start and to recover

Low fuel pressure can be a pump issue or even a plugged fuel filter. If you haven't replaced the filter in a long time, you may want to consider that.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter

Here are directions for filter replacement specific to your vehicle:

______________________
REPLACING FUEL FILTER
See picture 1

- Remove protective cover by removing mounting bolts (arrows).

See picture 2

- Disconnect fuel line and fuel hose.
- Loosen mounting screws (arrow) pivot holder down and remove filter.
- Install new fuel filter and plastic sleeve in flow direction.
- Sleeve should project on both sides of the holder since contact corrosion may occur if there is direct contact with the holder.
- Replace plastic sleeve, if necessary.
- Reinstall protective cover.
_______________________________

Also, I would recommend checking fuel pressure. Here is a link that shows in general how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

One last thing. Try this to see if it makes a difference.

1) turn the key to the run position engine off and count to 3
2) turn the key off and repeat the sequence a total of 3 times
3) Try to start the vehicle.

If it starts right off, then you have a pressure issue.

Let me know if you have other questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, January 18th, 2019 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
ALEX MONTAGUE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank You, I will change the fuel filter and inspect the check valve. I have a four month old Bosch fuel pump, but like everywhere they are made in China or some other place. The Chinese one I changed seem to do a bit better. How about the fuel lines? Can they clog?
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Friday, January 18th, 2019 AT 9:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Welcome back:

It is unlikely the lines are plugged. Try the test I suggested. If you find the vehicle starts easier, then we do have a pressure issue. It could simply be the fuel filter.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, January 18th, 2019 AT 9:50 PM

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