280GE fuel injection problems

[CentAr712]

Does anyone here have any insight on some fuel injection problems I'm having with my 280GE?

When the engine is cold, it starts right up and when it's hot and try to restart it immediately, it starts right up, but when it cools down for a few minutes after shutting down and is still hot, it becomes incredibly hard to start.

Thanks,
Chris

[VinceAtReal4x4s]

I'd post your issues on Peach Parts forum. There are a ton of Merc. engine nerds there.

[Jimm391730]

Your symptoms sound generally like vapor lock (vaporized fuel). Somewhat common with gasoline, not sure how common it is with diesel. Cold, no problem. Hot (and quick), no problem - fuel hasn't had time to heat near the engine. Hot (with time to heat fuel in the lines and turn to vapor, not liquid) means pumps won't move vapor like liquid - hence the difficulty starting.

Trace the fuel lines, see how hot they feel when it won't start.

[CentAr712]

Vapor lock has been my thought from the start, but I wanted to see what more experienced folks had to say. I've got a new pressure accumulator ordered and I believe that will fix the problem.

[CentAr712]

Update!
It seems that the fuel pressure accumulator is a common source of hard starting problems for various older M-B vehicles and replacing mine did the trick, along with replacing the leaking fuel connection lines and old original fuel filter.

I think the hard starting was a combination of a bad accumulator and fuel line leaks. It starts great now with barely a bump on the starter!