[W126 Coupe] Car doesn't start, just had service

[Vedat Iplikci]

Oisin,

If the starter makes half a turn then stops dead, the first thing to check 
is the battery. Try to jump start from a known good battery. It should spin 
as long as you keep the key at start position.

If the engine still doesn't start, hope the problem is elsewhere, for if you 
had made 20 miles with an overheated engine then you are in trouble because 
not only the head gasket, but the cylinder heads, valves and maybe even the 
camshafts are toast as well. Don't ask me how I know....

Vedat Iplikci
1987 560 SEC Euro


> -------- Original Message --------

> Subject: [W126 Coupe] Car doesn't start, just had service

> From: "Oisin Margey" <omargey at cadence.com>

> Date: Tue, March 25, 2008 6:56 am

> To: <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>

>

> Hi,

>

> just got my 420SEC serviced which included replacing the thermostat as

> guage had not been working properly.

>

> Drove home, no problems, noticed when i got home temperature was 100

> degrees, so running a bit hot.

>

> Did a short journey the following day with no problems but forgot to

> check temperature.

>

> Left it for 2 days, came back and car won't start. All lights come on,

> all electrical equipment runs fine. When i turn the key

> it sounds like a half a turn and then just stop dead.

>

> When i look under the hood i noticed that the coolant / anti-freeze

> overflow(expansion)  tank is empty in the top section and has coolant in

> the lower

> although still way below the level marker.

>

> I'm worried that the mechanic may have forgotten to put coolant in or to

> top it up while doing the service.

> Also worried that i damaged the engine by running it hot, although it

> was for a short time only, maybe 20 miles.

>

> Here are some questions i have, any help greatly appreciated.

>

>

>

> The low coolant level probably explains the high running temperature.

> Why is the coolant low if its just had a service ?

>

> Engine won't start.

> Even with low coolant level the engine should still start right ?

> I replaced the battery about 5 months ago.

> Are these 2 totally separate problems ?

> The garage has assured me that if they have missed something they will

> put it right, however the owner has already stated that these are 2

> separate problems.

>

>

> The car was running perfectly before i left it in,

>

> thanks everyone !

>

> Oisin

>

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