She died on me today :(

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Took a drive today since the weather was so nice on the way home she gave up on me.

Symptoms, Shortly after I made a U-Turn to make my way back home (it was a very tight U-Turn to the left) the engine rumbled almost like she was not firing on all cylinders I made my way onto the shoulder then the engine dyed. I checked all the fuses to make sure they all had good contact (the fuses have been known to come loose) all was fine. I tried to start the engine again no luck she turned over fine, however, would not start.

So I made a call for the flatbed tow truck and took her to the garage. Prior to the arrival of the tow truck I started her again, she fired up rumbling again (defiantly like not firing on all cylinder. She is now in the hands at the Mercedes dealership.

I suspect fuel pump failure (sounded to me like she did not get sufficient fuel). Might be that I had an injector failure or two???

Any of you fine fellows in Pagoda Land ever had similar issues?

Thanks in advance for your input. I will update once I get the good or bad word from Mercedes.

[GGR]

Sorry to hear that. A good test is to listen if you can hear the fuel pump running.

[pj]

Dieter, so sorry to hear that. I was trolling around the south end of our fair city today and I would have gladly come and kept you company. (You have my cell phone number, right?)
Similar happened to me a month ago, except I was too flustered to think of the fuses. Most days, when I pull her out of the driveway, I take a moment to listen to the fuel pump whirring before I engage the starter. And I had done that in the morning on that day when I left the house. But then the engine rumbled, just as you described, as I wheeled into the place downtown where I was invited for lunch with some colleagues. When I turned the key after lunch, it cranked and cranked but wouldn't catch. What with the traffic noise and everything else around me, I couldn't hear the fuel pump.The flatbed took her all the way to Dan's shop and, sure enough, the fuse for the fuel pump was corroded. Not broken, just corroded enough to be a problem. She has run fine as ever, since that day.

I hope your Blue Tornado is fine by tomorrow. Keep in touch.

[jameshoward]

Took a drive today since the weather was so nice on the way home she gave up on me.

Symptoms, Shortly after I made a U-Turn to make my way back home (it was a very tight U-Turn to the left) the engine rumbled almost like she was not firing on all cylinders I made my way onto the shoulder then the engine dyed. I checked all the fuses to make sure they all had good contact (the fuses have been known to come loose) all was fine. I tried to start the engine again no luck she turned over fine, however, would not start.

So I made a call for the flatbed tow truck and took her to the garage. Prior to the arrival of the tow truck I started her again, she fired up rumbling again (defiantly like not firing on all cylinder. She is now in the hands at the Mercedes dealership.

I suspect fuel pump failure (sounded to me like she did not get sufficient fuel). Might be that I had an injector failure or two???

Any of you fine fellows in Pagoda Land ever had similar issues?

Thanks in advance for your input. I will update once I get the good or bad word from Mercedes.

Please tell me you're not taking your car to a Merc dealership?

I'm sure you aren't. Mild panic for a second.

Did you check the leads and the distributor? It may have disengaged, or a lead could have popped off. I don't recall whether you're on point or some more modern set up.

[ctaylor738]

It could well be that your electric fuel pump gave up for whatever reason, and the injection pump was able to barely keep the engine running.  If you need a new pump, the best deal going is $601 at AutohasAZ, whereas the dealer is going to want $1200.  Hope you can negotiate something.

Good luck,

CT

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

GGR ~ The traffic was too heavy also it was not safe for me to be on the road besides the car. Also I did not know you could actually hear the pump turning, learned something new. Thanks!

Peter ~ Sorry to hear you had to tow her that far only to find out it was a fuse. I learned about the loose fuses in the German video where the two mechanics ended up test driving the Pagoda to find other issues the owner described. First thing they found was a loose fuse having poor contact.

James ~ yes I did take it to the Mercedes Dealership, I don’t know anyone other in this small London town and people I used before (other then Dan) only screwed around trying to find the problem on other occasions ended up charging me for there learning experience … Dan (the Benz Dr.) is too far away and I had no choice in the matter to go to the nearest stop (had a caregiver for my wife at home and she was about to leave my house with me still 40 KM away waiting for a tow truck). If need be I pay the labour costs at Mercedes and supply them with the (most expensive) parts needed. I can always have the car towed out from the Mercedes shop to Dan (Benz Dr.) if the boys at Mercedes tying to screw me over (I just don't know what Dan's situation is with his dad being very ill). Yes I did check the leads to the distributor all was okay there. I do know Mercedes charges high prices, been dealing with them for many years,

Chuck ~ thanks for the heads up on the AutoausAZ I will have prices on hand when Mercedes gives me the low down and the phone number for the Flatbed Tow-truck handy In case they don’t let me furnish them with the parts.

I will provide an update when all is said and done. Thank you all!

[Bicbiker]

   Consider a clogged primary fuel filter, possibly from bad fuel, or potentially from rust "particles" arising from the fuel tank. The U- turn may have stirred up the fuel in the tank (especially splashing the inside top of the tank) and picking up additional rust. After letting the car sit a few minutes, the rust may settle a bit, - off of the filter, - allowing some fuel to pass again, sufficient to "run" the engine, though typically rough, lean and missing.
   If the filter has a fine pinkish color of very fine particles (almost talc like) this is likely rust. Steam clean the tank including the top inside, and avoid alcohol blended fuel.

[jameshoward]

RD,

My concern was primarily their lack of knowledge rather than their prices. I would have thought you'd have more luck with a wizened old boy who knows suck squeeze bang blow rather than circuit boards and diagnostics. I know my local and large dealership will not work on MBs built before 1980. It may be a Germany thing. Oddly, they're a large regional outlet for the Classic Centre. I was chatting to one technician (they have no mechanics) a few years ago. He said they don't have the skills or time to fault find on older cars.

They are very good at getting parts, though.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Well here is the update;

Picked up my toy this afternoon from the friendly Mercedes dealership ... here is the analysis ....

Yes, you guessed it it was a fuse problem after all. When I told the foreman that it was the first thing I checked (the fuses) he said "You cannot really see it unless you have a volt meter"

Damage due to my inexperience ... Tow-truck charge: $186- + $20 Tip, MB $184- fuse and diagnostic Taxi to pick up my car $20- yes an expensive fuse at $410-

What has it tough me ... Shop for a volt meter and took out CCA this morning for Premium Membership

[garymand]

In the future, and to all others here, Always know what your fuel pump sounds like as you prepare to start the car.  If you can't hear it, leave the key on and go to the back and stick your head under there.  You need to hear it singing to you.  I have had 3 occurrences of no singing, once a fuse, once a loose wire on my 560, and once a frozen rotor.

If no singing, go to your fuses.  With your finger, rotate fuse #4.  The pointed ends sit in spring copper alloy holes.  Spinning the fuse cuts through oxidation and renews the connection.  While you are at it, rotate each fuse just to renew all the connections.  You should hear the pump take off.  If still no singing, get your voltmeter out and follow the voltage. 

I had a crack in the fuse metal that broke through doing 75 on the freeway, scary motor death and urgent coasting to a near exit.  It was so noisy alongside the freeway, and frankly I checked all else under the hood but not for singing.  Once at quiet home, I turned the key and 'Oh Crap’ no singing.  I rotated the fuse and it sparked as the crack was jumped.  What a relief.

 

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Great write up Gary! Well done! Thanks.

[Jonny B]

To do a bit of follow on to Garry's comment. I do a preventive twist of the fuses in the spring to ensure the contacts stay clean. Easy to do, and takes no time at all.