W124 M104 C36 engine hard-start
 

Seems like once a year, I have a hard-start situation on our 1988 300TE wagon with a 1995 C36 M104 HFM engine.

The engine will crank strong (Optima is 2-years old; new 150Amp alternator & regulator w/2-ga. wire), but the engine won't "catch".

I usually wait one minute, try it again, and either it starts right away, OR I give the accelerator a little push-down while cranking, and she stumbles, but starts out rough then settles down.

Fuel and air filters changed out 10K miles ago; engine & tranny fluid changed out 1K miles ago; new spark-plugs 10K miles ago; (2) new fuel-pumps 2-years ago (and verified working).

It could be hot & humid; raining; or dry & clear and it happens.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

I have replaced a buch of the fuel pressure regulators on these engines.

Good luck.

Donnie- is it as simple as popping-out the snap-ring, yanking real-hard, and installing a new fuel-pressure regulator with a new gasket?

Thanks in advance,
:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E