Richard, I don't have enough knowledge about your particular model but do have a bit of general mechanical experience with a lot of different vehicles. Not being there to hear what the engine actually sounds like when it is turning over to hear if there are compression pulses when the starter is turning, I can come up with only three or four things that could have the starter turning the engine but not have the belt turning.
1. the flywheel has come disconnected from the crankshaft so that the starter is just turning the flywheel and nothing else. This might be the most likely as your wife said the car went slower till it rolled to a stop. You might ask if the engine was revving real fast but the car was still slowing down. That would seem to pin it down to this diagnosis. 2. the pulley on the front of the crankshaft has come loose so that while the crankshaft is turning the pulley and belt are not. On the road the engine temp would have gone up really high because the water pump was no longer turning and power would have dropped off and even though the accelerator was being pushed harder the car and engine would have gone slower and slower till the engine locked up. The no start and faster starter turning could then be due to very low compression. 3. One of the accessory items driven by the belt is locked up keeping the belt from turning but the crank pulley is still turning. Unlikely as that should make some kind of noise unless the belt is really loose. The symptoms on the highway would probably be the same as for No 2. since the water pump would not be turning in this case also. 4. The crank is broken right at the back of the engine which would give the same effect as in # 1. There again not knowing too much about the history of the engine model I don't know if #1 or #4 is something that happens or has happened. Of course the crank could have broken at any place along it but that would have made some horrible noises as the pistons and valves collided. I have come across all 4 of these problems in other cars and while they are possibilities they are not necessarily what is wrong in your case. You would need to check to see if the pulley on the bottom front of the engine is actually turning. Check to see if cooling water was lost. Check to see if there is water in the oil, which might indicate overheating and cracking of a head or other overheating problem letting water into the crankcase. I would pull at least the front glow plug and then turn the engine over and see if you can here any air hissing out of the hole. It should be quite apparent even from the drivers seat as you crank the engine. Hope some of this helps, and my condolences on your dad's medical problems. Having lost my own father a while back in much the same way I know what you are going through. If he is at all still conscious, say the things you want to say now, don't wait. Manfred _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
