Car wont start

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Car wont start

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Mercedes >> Mercedes Benz Models >> Mercedes SL Class >> Car wont start

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Car wont start - 12/29/2003 10:44:35 PM

tawom

Posts: 4
Joined: 12/29/2003
From: United States
Status: offline

I have a problem my mechanic cannot figure out. Mt car is a 1995 sl 500 with 48k miles. If I leave my car sitting for about 1 month it starts fine but if I drive for a while then shut it off it will not start. It backfires and chokes but will not start. If I leave it for about 30min it will then start and drive problem free for the rest of the day. This is driving me crazy. Please help. Have replaced: spark plugs, main wiring harness because it had rotted out ($500). Any ideas would be be appreciated. tawom37984.9581597222

Post #: 1

Car wont start - 1/1/2004 11:26:46 AM

Lugnut

Rest In Peace 5/7/06
Posts: 3786
Joined: 12/31/2003
From: Georgia, USA
Status: offline

It sounds like a fueling problem. Has the fueling system (injectors, pump, filter, lines, gas cap, tank, etc.) been checked?

How did the wiring harness rot? Was it caught in a flood?

(in reply to tawom)

Post #: 2

Car wont start - 1/1/2004 6:10:39 PM

tawom

Posts: 4
Joined: 12/29/2003
From: United States
Status: offline

Checked fuel system already. Wiring harness is "normal" failure item according to Mercedes. They used to cover it but I guess the cost was too high after so many cars were coming back with similar problem so they canned that.

(in reply to tawom)

Post #: 3

Car wont start - 1/1/2004 11:16:45 PM

Lugnut

Rest In Peace 5/7/06
Posts: 3786
Joined: 12/31/2003
From: Georgia, USA
Status: offline

Programming? Probably checked that already, too. Good luck, whatever it turns out to be.

So, instead of fixing the "normal rotting" problem Mercedes does nothing so they can make more money off of us. Weeners!

(in reply to tawom)

Post #: 4

Car wont start - 1/16/2004 2:09:56 AM

tawom

Posts: 4
Joined: 12/29/2003
From: United States
Status: offline

Yes checked programming.

(in reply to tawom)

Post #: 5

Car wont start - 4/5/2004 3:29:29 PM

Expat_Ron

Posts: 2
Joined: 4/5/2004
From: Bahrain
Status: offline

Did you get to the bottom of this one? I am experiencing what sounds like the same sympton with my 92 SL500. It starts perfectly when cold but is an absolute nightmare when warm. I get the same backfiring and even when it does finally start it will just keep stalling. If you resolved the problem then please do let me know what the problem was.

Thanks

(in reply to tawom)

Post #: 6

RE: Car wont start - 4/3/2005 8:00:37 PM

raftel

Posts: 1
Joined: 4/3/2005
Status: offline

I've just experienced the exact same problem on my '95 SL with 53 K miles. Car is also seldom used (last started six weeks ago). Any new idea where to look? Or do I just need to use it more?

Thanks!

(in reply to tawom)

Post #: 7

RE: Car wont start - 4/26/2005 3:39:51 PM

aharley1

Posts: 68
Joined: 10/14/2004
Status: offline

Try spraying some starting fluid around the base of the injector distributor at idle speed. If you have an intake seal leak, the car will speed up when the fluid hits the intake.

(in reply to raftel)

Post #: 8

RE: Car wont start - 4/26/2005 9:42:51 PM

Laterthatsameday

Posts: 130
Joined: 2/27/2005
Status: offline

pop off the dist caps and check for signs of condensation,, this type of motor was known for this happening.

(in reply to aharley1)

Post #: 9

RE: Car wont start - 5/4/2005 7:55:40 AM

limey300sl

Posts: 9
Joined: 5/4/2005
Status: offline

hi

have read all threads on car wont start. I have just had the same exact problem. Replace distributor cap, rotor arm, spark plugs and all HT leads - with no change in performance whatsoever - car still coughed and spluttered.

A garage mechanic suggested that the fuel injectors could possible have a build up of wax, and recommened using a injector cleaner.

He gave me a bottle of FORTE ADVANCED FORMULA GAS TREATMENT . This was added to fuel tank (one third full) and left on idle for 1 hr.

I then proceeded to give the car a test drive and it seemed to have worked a treat

NO MORE COUGH AND SPLUTTER

It probably is a result of standing still and short runs that caused the problem in the first place

I am based in the UK, but assume you may be able to get similar products worldwide.

Not saying this would work in all cases - but the symptoms are too common

http://www.forteuk.co.uk/

simon
England

1990 300SL 24v

(in reply to Laterthatsameday)

Post #: 10