Mike,

You may want to correct the warm start problem. I had the same problem with my 1983 380, and I did the same thing you are doing, playing with the gas pedal when I started the car. The problem is most likely fuel pressure leakdown; there should be a constant pressure in the fuel line.

I put the question out on this forum and came up with the answer: Either the fuel accumulator or fuel pump check valve was defective. The accumulator was $80 and the valve was $12 (plus labor). It turned out to be the accumulator, and now it starts ALL of the time like a new car. I was told by my MB mechanic that it is a VERY common repair that they see.

I do not know if there is any long term damage involved with the way I used to start the car.

Scott

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Scotty P.