Sprinter fuel issues - 2013

[braisted]

I now have had the engine starve out of fuel 5x and stop. On each occasion the fuel tank had 9 gallons when the engine quit. Mercedes s now on its third try to figure this out. When we bought it new this was never an issue. Only in last 10k miles. The engines acts like it is running out of fuel or getting air into fuel system, check engine light comes on but so far codes only show low fuel. I have to drive 2 hours each way only to find out problem is not fixed. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Larry B

[nukerj]

I'm assuming this is a diesel?

When was the fuel filter/water separator last changed?
Are you filling up at the same service station every time?

[dwaugh10]

Any possibility the engine is hooked to the wrong fuel pickup tube or maybe a cracked pickup tube?

David
2013 Vista 27n

[braisted]

thanks for reply
fuel filter has ben changed regularly with no help

[braisted]

Freight liner has checked that. Thanks for your reply

[braisted]

Fuel filter has been changed. We buy fuel all over country, try to stay with name brands at busy fuel stations.

is it possible for fuel pump (inside tank ) to get debris stuck in it?

[Lug_Nut]

Have you filled or topped up your fuel tank with any biodiesel blend greater than B-5? Many fuel stations throughout the country are peddling B-20. B-20 will operate in most domestic diesel engines, but no European engines including Mercedes, Porsche and VW. Use of these higher percentage blends may cause serious damage to these engines and is specifically outlined by Mercedes as a no warranty failure.

Peter

[GuidoLyons]

Originally Posted by dwaugh10

Any possibility the engine is hooked to the wrong fuel pickup tube or maybe a cracked pickup tube?

David
2013 Vista 27n

Sounds like a cracked pick up tube to me, too. Crack or pin hole at the 9 gallon mark. Gets below 9 gallons and starts sucking air.

Have they replaced the pick up tube/and or the fuel pump assembly (if it is all contained together) ?

I've had similar problem in an F250. The pick up strainer falls off the end of the pick up tube, so you run out of fuel at 1/4 tank with 4-5 gallons still in the tank.

[S Bradley]

[QUOTE=Lug_Nut;3272114]Have you filled or topped up your fuel tank with any biodiesel blend greater than B-5? Many fuel stations throughout the country are peddling B-20. B-20 will operate in most domestic diesel engines, but no European engines including Mercedes, Porsche and VW. Use of these higher percentage blends may cause serious damage to these engines and is specifically outlined by Mercedes as a no warranty failure.

Peter[/QUOTE

From Mecedes biodiesel Brochure5:

"Diesel fuel with up to B5 biodiesel content according to ULSD specification ASTM D975 meets Mercedes-Benz approved fuel standards and will not void coverage under the Mercedes-Benz New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Diesel fuels between B6 and B20 or higher pose risks of engine and fuel system damage, and are not approved by Mercedes-Benz. Please refer to the following recommendations to help avoid engine and fuel system damage if you do not have the chance to refuel your vehicle continuously with ULSD, maximum B5:

• Fill up with ULSD (B5 or less) whenever possible, from a name brand fuel station.
• Regularly monitor your engine oil level if you have no choice but to use B20 fuel.
• Strictly follow the oil change intervals quoted in the instrument cluster and within your maintenance booklet, and use ONLY engine oils and filters approved by Mercedes-Benz for use in the vehicle.
• If you do not plan to drive your vehicle for several weeks, fill your vehicle’s fuel tank completely in advance with ULSD fuel.
• Limit engine idling time to five minutes or as mandated by local ordinance.

Fuel with biodiesel content greater than 20%, including B100, is not approved by Mercedes-Benz due to the risk of severe engine damage. Any damage caused by the use of such non-approved fuels will not be covered by the Mercedes-Benz New Vehicle Limited Warranty."

Monitor oil levels if using B6-B20: if level increase biodiesel contamination.
Change oil, fill tank with Dino diesel run to clear any bio diesel fom system.