Car wont start

TRAVISMAILSA

MEMBER
1994 MERCEDES BENZ E230
RWD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Its actually a Mercedes Benz 230E

Last week the car was running hundreds. Then on Friday whilst I was driving, if I released the accelerator the cars rpm would hover to about 2000 to 3000 rpm sometimes and sometimes not.

The car stood over the weekend. When I tried to start it again on Monday numerous times, it would not start.I haven't checked the plugs for fuel.I can smell excess fuel under the hood now. Is it possibly the fuel pump relay?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

If you smell fuel under the hood, the regulator could be bad, but chances are the plugs are not getting spark. Check that and let me know what you find.

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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 6:24 AM

TRAVISMAILSA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Would that explain why im smelling all the fuel? As over the weekend the petrol gauge dropped quite substantionably. I get a few shudders as tho it wants to starts. My experience is limited, but I would put it as flooded.

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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 8:00 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Okay, I'm a little confused. The fuel gauge dropped while the car was not driven. Is that correct? If so, have you checked for leaks? Have you checked fuel pump pressure at the engine? Based on this info, it sounds like you have a fuel leak and the pump can't produce enough pressure to start the engine.

To answer your other question, if the plugs are not getting spark, it will flood the engine and you could smell gas. That, however, is based on the concept of no fuel leaks and the pump is producing proper fuel pressure.

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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 8:32 AM

TRAVISMAILSA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes the gauge did drop. There seems to be fuel residue on the block, under the air filter. But this morning the petrol hadnt dropped, and car would still not start. I honestly havent checked anything other than visually. Dont know where to start. But will take your advice tomorrow. Going to take the airfilter off and have a look to see. I was just under the impression it would be a faulty part

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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 11:09 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Let me know what you find. Also, if you can, check fuel pump pressure and check to see if there is spark to the plugs. NOTE: If you need directions, see our homepage under the DIY section. There are directions and videos showing how to do it.