Update...2 days ago I got a Mercedes mechanic to go for a drive with me. We got lucky as the van stopped pulling for 3 to 5 secondes on 2 left turns, on the flat this time. It was noticeable enough for him not to need a drive but agreed the van needed to be looked at. At the end of the day and after another drive by other mechanics, there is no verdict except that the tank may have swelled…I did not understand too much but after all the tank seems to be in plastic.
They asked me to check if it was doing it with a full tank….I’ll try soon and go back to them. By the way the Operating Instructions advise not to overfill the tank, which I did on this occasion.. could it be the cause?
I have also contacted Shell who are investigating.
Hi Alain.au
for all that it is worth
BP Australia has a full 100% fuel guarantee:On it's fuel, a certificate can be obtained but it's hard; as you have to do it direct from BP or download it. Ascertain from Shell which fuel was in use at the time as to Winter grade Diesel Blends..Alpine, grade standard winter grade, or summer grade blend. BIO Blended past 5% ????
Question your fuel source if you can answer it! Where you buy fuel.how old is the station ! Has the area been flooded of late in the last three to 4 months?
When a station is subject to fuel contamination the warranty with fuel suppliers becomes vague-if it's deemed to be a station at fault : either fuel contamination direct from supplier or via the operating station as it was in Melbourne a few weeks back when silicone based oils were found in the fuel main holding tanks from some stations , which destroyed the vehicles engines.
I personally don't see the full tank scenario causing your problem that's too odd, unless you have a sticking fuel sender that may be effecting it.
I'd be looking at the fuel filter and especially the water filter sender wiring assembly points,
Reason is there are two fuel filters MB is selling all for one, which are incorrect, and they are not lining up in the original position fuel pipes coming into the filter are now set at a slightly different position but the senders wires to the water-filter sensor may be stretched causing a-possible-short-as-to- a- voltage- drop: A Below 11.3 v-to- 10v at idle or at 1000rpm . this will and only occur inside of 1.5 second increments... you have to be quick to locate it, on the scanner. so look for odd wiring that has been stretched past its original heat-shrink-holding pattern.
Richard