Dying on the off-ramp

[Darrell Woods]

1975 450SL had a leak at the fuel pump. Installed new Bosch pump. A few days later (and not too many miles yet--less than 50), car died one block from the house. No shaking, stalling, etc. Was doing about 25mph. Coasted for about two car lengths and restarted (didn't turn the key, just pushed on accelerator when it died). Drove to work thirty miles with no problem. Drove thirty miles back home, stopped at the end of the off-ramp, and it quietly died again. This time I cranked it twice, about twenty seconds each time, without touching the gas. Nothing. Put accelerator to floor, held it, cranked about 30 seconds and it started, spitting and sputtering for about five seconds. Ran fine the rest of the way home. Sat in garage a couple of days and didn't start. Held accelerator to floor, after about 30 seconds it started with more spitting and sputtering for 5-10 seconds and then ran fine. What do you think? Problems with new fuel pump? Fuel Pump Relay? Appreciate your suggestions.

[ctaylor738]

Put your hand on the pump and have someone crank the engine. If the pump is not running, check relay and inputs. If it is, test fuel delivery volume and pressure.

[Darrell Woods]

Pumps running. All connections are clean and tight. Did find the wire from the coil (which I just installed) was a little loose. Spread the connector and it fits tight now. Could have been the problem?? Running o.k. for now. Guess I'll just drive and hope it doesn't break down somewhere.