Cold Start Valve and the felt from HELL

[abe280SL]

Well I read everything about this subject since I was having problems with cold starting.  Usually, cranking the second time around I could get the car started.  Found two problems...the CSV solenoid does not work...power gets there but no movement.  Tried grounding case and applying 12v..nothing. Second problem was that there is a fitting where the gas comes from the fuel injection pump. That fitting that is connected to the CSV had a piece of felt in it and on the other side a tinny metal screen. Well, nothing and I mean nothing in terms of gasoline was getting through.  That felt was more like a compressed plastic and after using a small screw driver for hours I flaked piece by piece off. Now the big question...Is the felt necessary and what purpose does it serve? If so how do I replace it? Is is a special felt?
thanks in advance,abe

abe
1968 280SL Auto
Signal Red w Beige Int

[hands_aus]

i think it was purposely added because the CSV probably leaks like a sieve and never shuts off.

CSV solenoid and valve arrangements are expensive to buy.

If you are in a constant warm climate you may never need a CSV for starting.

The valve could be re-conditioned. This has been discussed here
http://pagoda113.com/groupee_files/attachments/2/5/2/252107419/252107419_280SL_ColdStartValve_Removal_and_reassembly.pdf?ts=47BD4513&key=5D28129565666BF2D0AD4D5F82EDC25C&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fpagoda113.com%2Feve%2Fforums%2Fa%2Fga%2Ful%2F372107419%2F280SL_ColdStartValve_Removal_and_reassembly.pdf

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[merrill]

so, hans at H&R can rebuild the valve,  assuming the selenoid is good.

on mine someone had removed the valve itself and put a threaded bolt into the brass guide.

hans installed a new guide and valve and set it all up. the cost was nominal.

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[abe280SL]

Thank You, but the CSV works fine and I ordered a new solenoid.  My question is the filter like fitting that connects the gasoline connector to the CSV.  It is a fitting that can be screwed off the CSV and it has a small metal strainer in it.  It also has a small piece of felt like material.  I think it is probably just a small filter.  Does the cotton like felt serve any other purpose? It is the piece in Bob Smith diagram furthest to the right next to the spring. That is what has the screen and felt....unless it was deliberately plugged up.
abe

abe
1968 280SL Auto
Signal Red w Beige Int

[abe280SL]

Okay I got it..I re read your post Bob and the diagram.  Looks like it was deliberatly placed.
thanks
abe

abe
1968 280SL Auto
Signal Red w Beige Int

[ja17]

Hello Abe,

I do not think the felt should be there. Previous owner may have done this? Fuel going to this device is already filtered by the main fuel filter. After you get it all back together you may want to check it to see if it is leaking into the intake manifold. If so try cleaning everthing up with de-natured alcohol first.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[abe280SL]

Well, quick follow up.  Everything is together except the solenoid.  I start the car and I can see no fuel coming out of the where the solenoid is suppose to be...so no leaks.  Then with a small allen wrench I push (imitate solenoid action) and gas squirts out.  
Will  keep posted after I receive the new solenoid....it should work.  At that time I will test for leaks and squirts using the small side screw.
thanks to all,
boy I love this site...just ten years ago you couldn't get any info and you were at the mercy of mechanics....some who knew less than me.
abe

abe
1968 280SL Auto
Signal Red w Beige Int

[Benz Dr.]

There's a small filter right at the CSV which is still needed even though there's a main filter just before it. Sometimes rust will form on the inside of the fuel line ( especialy the one going to the SCV ) and this filter will prevent any dirt from getting to the valve. The small diffuser on the intake side can be easily plugged and often is. Even though everything appears to be working it could be completely dead. I use a mirror and flash light to look up into the intake manifold to see if there's fuel coming out. You have to open the throttle to see up there.
If you have the CSV removed just hook it up to the fuel line and turn the fuel pump on. Place a wire from the CSV to the battery and test. Fuel should spray out. A small burst is all you need to verify that it works. Don't hose the place down with raw gas.
 
Note: NEVER place the wire on the battery first and then touch the CSV after. A spark could set you on fire! If you're uncomfortable with this procedure ( and you should be ) then hook the wire directly from the main wiring harness that goes to the CSV. This is safer but I do quick tests quickly.
Remove the coil wire while doing this test as you don't want the engine to start or even try and start. A back fire could also set you on fire!

And you thought it was going to be simple, eh?

Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org
  1 877 661 6061

[abe280SL]

Life is Good!  Cleaned up the CSV. One of the injectors was plugged and I unplugged it.
The gas intake was plugged (probably deliberately as others have posted)...so I unplugged that.
Today, I received my new solenoid.....less than one second crank, engine started up.  Doesn't get any better than that.
thanks
abe

abe
1968 280SL Auto
Signal Red w Beige Int