Just glad to help out (hopefully).. give red a kiss and get a good nights sleep ... report back tomorrow!

 

I hugged the damn steering wheel when it started all 4 attempts with no issues!

Yeah, tonight should be a good nights sleep because of this last little trick you suggested. I will pay it forward from now on too, and if I see someone with a crossfire experience the same thing, I'll tell them to spare a few seconds for the fuel pump.

Do you think the filter could also be slightly clogged? I do remember a while back that I got gas from a random station rather than a Shell/BP/Mobile. Those 3 are my mainstays as far as gas goes.

 

if this works.. and then starting becomes an issue again or she wants to fall on her face when she winds up then yeah I'd look into the filter.

 

The fuel rail will hold the fuel pressure if all is right, it does not take too much fuel to be pumped to reach the operating pressure as gasoline is not air and is negligibly compressible. But there are check valves and pressure valves in the fuel pump and filter. If these are not working the fuel pressure leaks down and the injectors need the pressure to work.
I never wait for the pressure to build up, I just turn the key straight to the starter position and have no problem at all.
Now Valky listed problems he had which if I remember were similar and solved it with a new fuel pump and filter. But I shall check for his post and add it here when I find it.
Here it is.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-rudy-did.html

 

Since this issue reared its head, if the car started, it would start like a champ. It's just those times when it DIDNT start that made me want to start setting fire to Chicago. (Yes, I live there haha)

I never bothered to hold off till the pump kicked in for a few seconds, but from now on I'll try starting it that way. If she DOES end up not starting properly even with the pump trick, then how much am I looking at for a new filter?

Also, many thanks ahead of time 180 for looking for that post!

 

NEXT.. lol.. haven't looked into the price.. but have read Autozone ain't the place to visit.. OEM Mercedes..

 

Yeah, the sensor I replaced was 40 bucks online, and 190 at autozone. Really? No no, SERIOUSLY? 190????

Anyway, what site should I look at to find an OEM filter and pump setup JUST in case I do need to replace one or the other.

 

Yes that is correct and I did some research and read the following threads.
My symptoms were the same and I did replace the fuel pump and filter.
Never had any issues since.


Here are a few posts from the past.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/383956-post4.html

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/544861-post8.html

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/522263-post4.html

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/514524-post41.html

 

Get your stuff from Rob @ Needswings.com (member here "Needswings")

Bosch / Mahle Updated Fuel Filter - Regulator

Walbro 255lph In-Line Fuel Pump

 

I will now offer many many MANY thanks to all of you who have helped with this. I had the most annoying headaches because of this problem.

Should I just flat out replace the fuel pump and filter? I do have an extended warranty I purchased with the car.

 

Replace it with Rob's goodies... you'll have an upgrade, and you'll be supporting an awesome guy who is a lifeline for our community.

 

That was what I needed to do.
My problem was the same as yours but within about only 1 week of this problem first presenting itself the car wasn't getting sufficient fuel supply to even run correctly and had to be towed to the shop where Rudy replaced the pump and filter.

Bosch / Mahle Updated Fuel Filter - Regulator

Walbro 255lph In-Line Fuel Pump

 

Upgrade? What am I upgrading? It depends though, because I'm really tight on cash right now because of tuition payments. The warranty would be only 100 bucks deductible to replace the pump and filter.

 

OEM parts will be fine but the aftermarket parts that Needswings.com (Rob) sells are of higher quality IMO

 

Well Ill have to go with whichever is cheaper for now :\

 

Use the extended warranty, you paid for it with this kind of problem in mind.

 

Yeah after looking for the fuel pump online, using the warranty to replace it would be cheaper overall. I'll have to call those guys from it after new years when i actually have time to get it serviced. Really hope the pump doesnt give out by then.

 

FYI.. I'd be real surprised if the warranty paid for a new filter.. so just a heads up, be sure to clarify if you ask them to replace it, whether it's your dime or theirs. Just wouldn't want you thinking your covered with your 100 bucks and then get hit for an additional 80 bucks or more for the filter "you requested". ...

 

A little friendly advice if you decide to save money and replace the filter yourself :

( The fuel filter and pump are in the black plastic cover just inside the passenger side rear wheel - accessible by removing the 3 10mm plastic body nuts )

1. The factory hose clamps will come off by squeezing them at the little 'high' points with a pair of needle nose pliers and a tiny screwdriver to separate the clamping portion.

2. have some 3/8" tapered wood dowels ( or equivalent ) ready to plug hoses. ( DO NOT SMOKE )

4. replace the factory clamps with some stainless steel fuel hose clamps.

 

As always the warranty should be read to understand exactly what is covered before seeing the dealer. Pre-armed with the facts a good argument can be mounted if they resist.

The fuel filter also controls the fuel pressure and as such is vital to the operation of the fuel system. That said the fuel pump may not be operating well enough to reach the required volume and/or pressure. My guess is that only one of them is failing.

After reading the warranty and hopefully finding out that there is coverage, a $100 deductible would at least cover the cost of a diagnosis to determine which is at fault. If the warranty is an after market warranty the dealership will have little trouble in charging them for the repair.

Start of rant.
The OP said that he has little free cash with the educational costs he is paying to afford expensive parts. However, everyone was very quick to spend his dime despite his position financially. Our goal, or as they annoyingly say these days "Mission Statement", is to save owners money and not have them spend their money on favored suppliers when a cheaper alternative is open to them. This is a new member and we should treat him as we would a long time member that we know personally. End of rant.