AM no start 300e
 

car: 1987 300E

symptoms: car is hard to start in the AM, requiring much cranking for a minimum of 2 times. The first attempt always results in the grumble as the built up fuel is blown off. The second attempt results in sputtering (with gas pedal to the floor) before the idle hits 500rpm and the engine takes off.

parts already replaced:

Fuel Pump Relay
OVP relay
Cap/Rotor
Plugs
EZL ignition unit
Crank Position Sensor

What could be causing this? I should note there is another post on here about a coolant leak (possible head gasket?) that I already posted and plan to address. However, I can't tackle that problem just yet and still require the use of my car to get to and from work. This morning when I attempted to start the car, it would not "catch" and sputtered until the battery wasn't strong enough to get the car going - I'll be jumping it tonight.

Should I address the coil first or is there somewhere else I should start looking for the answer to this problem? Could this be connected to a vacuum leak somewhere in the system?

Thanks for your help,

John

check for plugging of the cold start injector

Just did a quick search on the cold start valve and can't seem to find anything on location/how to check this valve, can you tell me where to find it/what to do to inspect/clean it cummins?

Also in my readings it seems that the Cold Start Valve only applies when its a certain ambient temperature. While this is true this time of year, the problem with starting also occurred in the fall when the temperatures weren't really low. Can the coil play a roll in starting problems?


Thanks for your help

Replace the coil. They seemed to be one of the main problem with cold starts at 200k. They seem to go intermittant. If it does not need it now, it probably will soon.

If you have head gasket problems, your engine is already sick. I would do the head first then trouble-shoot the start problem. It may go away with the head fix.

The cold start injector is located directly beside the fuel distributor on the valve cover side, it has a line going to it off of the top front of the fuel distributor. I use Lucas brand fuel injector cleaner and treatment, usually every 3-4 tanks.

Yeah, I'd be taking a better look at the head gasket first. Maybe try a compression test to confirm. Or else bite the bullet and fix the head gasket sooner rather than later. Good luck.
G

i think from what hours I have been reading about- u have a clogged fuel filter-or a coil issue. could be any things, but the filter is the cheapest to attemp to try, and the coil isnt bad either..I have heard more coil issues on this same subject-I am going to buy one tomorrow for my own issues like yours