1986 300E Turns over - does not start

The subject line pretty much soms it up.

This morning my bride went out to start her car and leave for the day. Her 300E started on the 2nd try as usual, she backed out of the garage only to remember something she had left in the house. She shut off the car, went in to grab whatever it was that she was needing, placed the key back into the ignition and it only turned over and did not start.

She has tried to start the car several times over the past 3 or so hours with no luck.

She does smell a faint fuel smell but there are no leaks on the driveway.

Yes, there's fuel in the tank and the car is in Park (BTDT).

Could this be the fuel filter? Any other ideas?

TIA--

[jay123]

If your getting fuel to the engine, more than likely it is a n electrical issue. Use a voltmeter across the rotor and the cap terminals to see if you are getting any readings. Aside from that, check the 10 amp fuse on the OVP. These are the easiest things to do without spending $$$ right away.
Good Luck..

Funny enough - when I got home last evening "Eva" started on the 2nd try for me. I had to pump the pedal a little but she fired right up!

This morning when "Eva" was taken out of the stable she fired right up again and gave my lovely bride a trouble-free day!

Maybe it wa a fluke?

Come to think of it - this is not the first time this scenario has happened. Maybe the 300E doesn't like to be started for 20-30 seconds and shut down again?

I had the same problem with my merc. This was after a couple of weeks in the driveway not getting driven. It was turning ever but never fired. I decided to jump start her because the battery was a bit flat and as soon as the battery got the extra power from the other car she started. My theory is that there isnt enough guts in the battery to run the electronics.
I hope this helps
AusMB

[Mick J]

If it does it again listen for the fuel pump running for about a second when the ignition is turned on. If it doesn't run you may have a bad fuel pump relay.