A few 300 CD problems. Help please?

My 1990 24v 300CE with 190,000 is having some problems. Comments about any would be most welcome.

  1. For the last few seasons, when the heat comes on, there is a smell from the system reminiscent of dry cleaning fluid. I am reasonably certain it is not antifreeze since it doesn't smell like it, and the windows do not fog. When the AC is on, no smell. With the heat on, the smell is pronounced.

  1. I have a warm start problem. When the car is cold, it starts with no problem at all. After driving, if the car sits for 15 minutes or so, it restarts fine. However, if it sits for 30 or more minutes, it takes multiple attempts to restart, as in no fuel in the system. I don't think it's the accumulator or pump. It's been suggested that the fuel distributor may be leaking down and needs to be replaced. Does this sound reasonable, and what might be a good check for this?

3 Is it necessary to disconnect the speedo cable from the transmission before removing the instrument cluster? A bulb needs to be replaced, but the cluster will not withdraw.

4 The small, plastic auxiliary, firewall-mounted water pump is leaking a bit., Tightening the screws has not helped. Would it be sufficient to disassemble it and apply new sealer to the parts and reasonable, or is a new one indicated.

I realize it is difficult to diagnose from afar, and therefore I only ask for best guesses on any of these.

Many thanks,

OG

(responses to the list, please)

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Oneguy
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#2 My E320 does the same. I initially suspected lack of fuel but now believe a leaking fuel injector is at fault. I found that stepping lightly on the throttle while the hot engine cranks allows the engine to fire more quickly. My car's problem is one of "flooding" or over fueling rather than lack of fuel. My next step is a fuel pressure leak down test and (probably) replacement of a fuel injector.

#4 Leaking auxiliary water pump. My old 300SD has one of these, its shaft seal leaked and the motor eventually shorted out. I live in a relatively mild climate so the heater worked nearly as well with the motor disconnected.

Hope these help.

Reply to
T.G. Lambach

Many thanks for these suggestions!

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