So for the first time ever my w124 wagon left me stranded on the side of the highway. After dumping so much time and effort into replacing the head gasket I am very disheartened.

Here is what happened: I was on the way home from my friends college when all of the sudden the car began to run TERRIBLY. The whole car would shake almost as if it were misfiring when I would touch the accelerator. I pulled off the to side of the road and the car died. I got the car to restart and it ran even worse than before only to die on me again. Following that the car refused to start.

When I turn the key to start the car the motor does turn over after about 10-15 seconds but shakes violently and dies as soon as the key leaves the starter position.

I have a feeling that this may be a dead fuel pump or bad fuel filter. Or even a clogged gas line somewhere. The car was fine on my trip to and from Philadelphia earlier in the weekend.

My TE was just dropped into the driveway by an AAA tow truck. I would appreciate any help you all could give me.

Could bad gas be the cause? I honestly have not replaced the fuel filter since I have gotten the car two years ago. I am sure the Exon gas I got on the PA Turnpike didn't help.

Thanks,
Dan

Doubt bad gas....but start with the fuel filter and see if you have fuel pressure @ the distributor by unscrewing each connector on the top slightly. Make sure each one is flowing fuel.

You can check operation of the fuel pumps by bridging pins on the fuel pump relay behind the battery, but obviously failure of the above test would tell you anyway.

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Well I won't be able to touch anything until tomorrow because unfortunately the convertible is currently getting a new set of headers in the garage so I cannot put it in there. But, where are the pins on the relay? Do you happen to have a picture by any chance?

A few years ago I'd say you had a fuel line freeze. Doesn't seem to be a common problem since the addition of ethanol, but it still could happen. It's gonna be a bit warmer tomorrow; try again to start it. Maybe add some fuel line anti-freeze just for giggles.

Well a short update for tonight:
The fuel pump buzzes so it should be fine, I have not checked the fuel lines yet.
I pulled the spark plugs. They are BLACK with carbon (I am fairly certain it is not oil). Of course my dumb self was using Bosch Platinum instead of the recommended copper OEM style plugs. Also the spark plug wires are an odd light brown where they connect to the plugs. I will go to the stealership and buy new plugs/wires/fuel filter.

We will see if that sorts it out.

@Chas
I added octane boost to the gasoline, however, I will consider doing that when I replace the fuel filter tomorrow. Thanks!

this is more than fuel....you say the head was just done? no...this is big trouble...it's not just fuel....think about it reasonably...sorry though..damn it...this is how you learn though

Well there you go. Why are you running platinum plugs in that engine??? Run the right wires/plugs/etc....!! If they are really fouled it might be valve stem seals....have they ever been replaced?

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@paw No the valve stem seals were never replaced. I wanted to do them while I had the head off the car but college got in the way, so I figured I would do them on the car when I had a break from classes.

@cliff If it is big trouble, what is it? Running the wrong plugs (too hot/too cold) and a frozen fuel line/fuel filter is the most likely cause. If the car was running fine for the 300 some miles I drove earlier the past weekend and all the sudden died it is obviously nothing related to the head gasket change. The timing chain is in tact and the motor will turn over. It just dies right away.

I was walking out the door to go to Napa & probably the Stealership to pick up parts when I figured I should check up on this thread.
Thanks guys
Dan

There is no fuel dribbling or spraying out of the injectors. I checked before installing new spark plugs and wires. I am going to replace the fuel filter I got today either tomorrow or Wednesday and see if that will solve the problem.

Get codes! When things happen "all of a sudden" it points to a failure of something, and not general wear. Remember also that your computer can adjust for certain conditions, so you may have a few minor things and one major. Your symptoms are similar to what happened to my '95 E320 when it finally turned out to need a new MAF.

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Prost!

When I pulled the intake apart to get at the fuel injection I took the sensor out. It was a little dirty but did not look bad. Should I just take the car to the dealership and have them get the codes? I did not get a check engine light yet.

Unless you have deep pockets suggest you have a reputable independent tech diagnose the problem.

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Fred Hoelzle

Somewhere in the forum is information on how to build a code reader for the W124 using about $10 of radio shack parts.
Back in the day when I was troubleshooting my '95, everyone was recommending coils, plug wires & I don't know what else. It took a long time (days/weeks) before the car finally threw a MAF code. The car was driveable at speed, however; it was worst at idle.
There is a sub-forum for good indy shops if you need to throw in the towel, and one recommendation your area was:
Euro Care
1011 State St # B
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 737-6776

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Prost!

Black sooty plugs = too much fuel or poor ignition. Check your fuel pressure regulator. Pull the vacuum hose off its nipple on the regulator and see if fuel comes out. If so, the regulator is knackered and you need a new one. If not, hook a Mityvac to the vacuum fitting on the regulator and see if it holds vacuum, like 24" or so. If it doesn't hold vacuum, bad regulator. If it holds vacuum, hook up a fuel pressure test gauge set and test the fuel pressure at the fuel rail and see how it compares to the manual spec value.

You do need to put the correct plugs back in it.

Well, another update: I replaced the fuel filter and simultaneously tested the fuel pump. The pump sprayed petrol everywhere so no problems there. The filter that was on there was almost entirely blocked up...
It still refuses to start. I checked the Fuel Pressure Regulator and no gasoline spilled out when I removed the vacuum hose. I do not have a vacuum to test it though. When I pulled the plugs after trying cranking the car they appeared to be wet with gasoline.
@Hirnbeiss I do not believe MAF failure would cause a problem like this. I very may well be wrong however.
I am out of ideas as to what could be the issue. I have read that OVP failure causes problems but I do not think that it would be this serious. I am very close to just taking it to my local Indie. As much as I (and my wallet) hate the thought of it.
If any one else has ideas please let me know.