Another nagging problem I had ever since purchasing my E500 in 2004 was finally solved with the recent engine swap:
The car would intermittently not start on the first try... it would crank, but not fire. It didn't matter if it was cold or hot. It happened about once every 4-5 start attempts. The only clue was a persistent code #18 from the EZL. The previous owner tried installing a new crank position sensor, which didn't help; neither did a new ETA. The engine harness had already been replaced and was in good condition. I tried adding a 0.5mm shim to the sensor as mentioned in this factory TSB, but that did not help, the problem (and error code) persisted.
When the engine came out, I noticed a lump of metal sitting in a little pocket between the enigne & tranny. Turns out, it was one of the two flywheel magnets! The magnet was mangled badly enough that it was not usable. I had another flywheel with two good magnets which I installed on the spare engine. Since installing the spare motor with both magnets, the car has started on the first try every time, and code #18 has not re-appeared.
I have NO idea how the magnet popped out of place... they are held in place very tightly. I'm also surprised the engine ran as well as it did with only a single magnet. Photos are below...
The car would intermittently not start on the first try... it would crank, but not fire. It didn't matter if it was cold or hot. It happened about once every 4-5 start attempts. The only clue was a persistent code #18 from the EZL. The previous owner tried installing a new crank position sensor, which didn't help; neither did a new ETA. The engine harness had already been replaced and was in good condition. I tried adding a 0.5mm shim to the sensor as mentioned in this factory TSB, but that did not help, the problem (and error code) persisted.
When the engine came out, I noticed a lump of metal sitting in a little pocket between the enigne & tranny. Turns out, it was one of the two flywheel magnets! The magnet was mangled badly enough that it was not usable. I had another flywheel with two good magnets which I installed on the spare engine. Since installing the spare motor with both magnets, the car has started on the first try every time, and code #18 has not re-appeared.
I have NO idea how the magnet popped out of place... they are held in place very tightly. I'm also surprised the engine ran as well as it did with only a single magnet. Photos are below...
