Hi, I have a '89 560sl that's been sitting for about 6 months. It ran fine before but now it won't start. I have spark and compression. (runs for a few seconds on starter fluid) I hear the pump running but when i loosen the fuel lines going to the injectors, nothing is coming out when cranking the engine. I'm guessing it's the fuel distributer that's clogged. Is there a way to clean it? Is there a way to have the fuel pump circulate fuel system cleaner through it continuously? Or do I need to pull it out and pour some cleaner into it?

Update: Replaced both fuel pumps and fuel filter. Car starts now but dies 15min later. Pumps become very loud then car quits.

Before the distributor is the fuel filter. Try replacing that - or at least pull it out and see if it's blocked. You could also have blocked fuel lines, especially if there was water in the lines when it got stored.

ok, fuel comes out of the lines from the fuel distributer when cranking now but it still doesn't start. You think think the fuel filter is still bad?

sounds like you aren't getting a spark.
Check the distributor cap, rotor, coil and wires. How are your plugs?
When you do get it started, you will need to run it slow for about 10 minutes and then get on the freeway at about 80 for about 30 mins to blow out the stuff.
I would put some 44-K in the fuel tank to clean out fuel system.
These cars have to be driven...they don't sit well.
The other thing could be the fuel accumulator......

Ok, I pulled out a plug and grounded it to the chassis. When I crank the engine it sparks. The motor will run on starter fluid or gas poured down the flap. Plugs look kinda black, little bit of soot on them. Today the car will start on it's own and run for a second or two (cold start injector?)
I'm going to order a fuel filter, the dealer wanted $48 for one.
Can I just pull out the filter to see if it's blocked? Will fuel just pour out (siphon?)

Ok, new filter is in and the car still won't run. Still starts for a couple of seconds then quits. What should I check next? Injectors? I would hate to have it towed to the dealership.

Have you checked the fuel pump relay? The one beside the KLIMA if you have 1.

Last week, I had an episode of the following:

1) Car decelerates when driving like brakes were stepped out but I had my foot on the acc.

2) Car shuts off totally when driving slowly.

3) Car starts but shuts off by itself after 2 seconds.

I replace the fuse for ignition in the fuse box and moved the Fuel pump relay around. That seemed to solve the problem for now.

See if it helps, yours is a different car.

__________________
1992 200E
M102
102.963
AKA Silver Old Grumpy
Always hope I can freeze someone with the aircon- Just change the compressor again, Subseal leaked with a psssssssss sound.
Its the NON-3 Pointed star items on my car that cost more to repair.$%^&%%*^&

I'm guessing the relay is ok since the fuel pump runs when it's supposed to. It primes when the key is turned on and runs when it is cranking and running. When the car dies I can still hear the pump run for a second or two after it dies. I believe the cold start injector is working since it starts for a couple of seconds but the other injectors don't seem to be going since it they won't take over and run the engine. Is it possible all the injectors are clogged or is the fuel distributer clogged up? I need to know how to diagnose this.

I am having these same problems now any suggestions?

Still not running here. Same problem, starts for a second or two and then it quits. Fuel getting to the injectors but don't know anything else.

have you tried holding the gas pedal to the floor and crank? if it starts continue to hold it, be sure to let off before it rev too high,

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1967 250 S
1967 280SE
1968 250S
1971 280 SE
1973 220
1974 280 S
1975 450 SEL
1976 220 D
1979 300SD
1983 300 SD
1985 230 TE euro
1986 280SL
1986 500 SEL euro
1986 190E 2.3
1990 300 SE
2003 C230 K
2004 C230 K
1987 560SEL
1987 300SDL now in canada
2005 C230
1998 C43 AMG Sold to DON
1993 190E 2.6
300TD Former daily driver Totaled
current:
R320 CDI
Ram 2500 Cummins

Remove the air cleaner. Have someone crank and depress the air sensor plate maybe an eighth of an inch while cranking. Use a stick in case you get a backfire. This may get it running and allow the injection system to clean itself out.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Could you just have really bad gas in the fuel system, from sitting the past 6 months?

__________________
-Josh
Testing the cheap Mercedes axiom, one bolt at a time...

Update:
Finally got some motivation. Bought a fuel pressure gauge and found that pressure was really low even though both pumps ran but loud. Replaced the pumps then pressure was good. It seemed to only kinda want to start on one or two cylinders. Did the push air sensor plate thing while giving it a little gas and it fired up. It was really rough and then smoothed out after 5min. Runs great now. Same gas in the tank from a year and a half ago.

Gasoline gets icky after being in the tank 4-5 months....and makes lots of varnish. It can gunk up and ruin fuel system components. That is why diesels are so much easier to store!

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)