| One hot car
Question : My 1991 Mercedes 260E
Auto has difficulty starting after the warm-up. I have
replaced the spark-plugs, distribution cables, fuel pumps, fuel filter,
distributor cams, alternator, battery and starter.
The starter and ignition work perfectly but it seems like the fuel is not
fired-out, so I have to restart it by turning the ignition key on and off
about two to three times to get the engine fired-up.
Secondly I notice the temperature is a bit high.. This happens during
heavy traffic jams and high speed driving at 120 km/h constantly.
Thirdly the engine water level needs to be topped-up about one litre
every three days. The radiator, water tank cap and hoses have been changed
but the problem still remains. Does the cylinder head need to be
re-polished? The engine oil consumption and the car's power and performance
are normal.
Answer : Your car uses the KE Jetronic fuel system which is pretty
basic and normally is quite trouble free. Since you have no problems with
cold starts then you would need to check if any of the sensors are fault. I
would look at the coolant temperature sensor as a possible problem area
because if it is giving wrong readings your fuel injection volume will be
incorrect and the engine would have difficulty starting.
Your cooling system needs to be checked, firstly if the thermostat is
working properly, and secondly if there is a lot of rust or sludge clogging
the radiator. It is possible that the cylinder head gasket is leaking and
coolant is escaping through the exhaust, hence your loss of coolant.
Sometimes this leak only comes when the engine is running at higher speeds
and so you do not notice any loss in performance. |
