Engine start problems C- Class 1997 Auto

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Somer - 02 Nov 2006 15:59 GMT

I have a 1997 C Class 180 automatic.

I have problems with the car not starting on the first time. The car also
feels as if it is about to stall and has in fact stalled on a few
occassions. The times that it has stalled have been when reversing and
manouvering at very low speeds.

It happens during hot or cold weather and even when the engine is hot or
cold.

Various garages do not know what the problem is. Does anyone out there
know of a possible cause and suggest a solution.

Cheers

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T.G. Lambach - 02 Nov 2006 18:02 GMT

I believe your motor has a vacuum leak - that's air that enters the
intake manifold without being having been metered by the mass air meter.
The air meter measures the air quantity entering the motor so the
engine's computer "knows" to supply the correct fuel quantity for that
air quantity. A leak cheats that process and the motor is under fueled.

A vacuum leak could be a simple as a disconnected or leaking vacuum hose
or less simple like a leaking manifold gasket but can be found in either
case by listening for the leak's hissing sound. Or propane can be
CAREFULLY applied to a suspected leak site(s) and when the motor picks
up speed the leak is confirmed.

This suggestion assumes the motor is otherwise in specification and has
been tuned up within the last 20,000 miles or so.

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T.G. Lambach - 02 Nov 2006 19:48 GMT

Further thought: Check that the clamp(s) on the air duct to and from the
mass air sensor are tight and the rubber boots thereof are intact.

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- - 03 Nov 2006 23:41 GMT

If it isn't a vacuum leak, then look at the MAF (mass airflow meter) itself.
These are a common replacement item on these cars. Buy and install yourself
in 10 minutes to save a bundle.

Doug

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