The plunger easily moves thru it's entire range of motion with no problem.

I did move accelerator linkage and the pluger does not move. Should it? Does pluger only move when engine running?

if this model has them, maybe the tank-venting checkvalve is sticking, causing it to stay under vacuum when the pump runs....this would explain it starting after two hours, as the negative pressure bleeds off.....

and like everyone said, check all filters, screens and strainers... :)

Bottom line. The accumulator was bad. I replaced it with a spare from my parts car and now 300TE runs and starts as it should. Very strong motor.

Yay- and they all lived happily ever after!

Thanks for the follow up post!

The pumps deliver the fuel and plenty of it volume wise however they must need the accumlator to maintain sufficent pressure to the fuel distributor to make it function. Insufficent pressure to fuel distributor equals problems.

I don't know for sure the accumulator does anything to maintain pressure when car is shut offsince the pump is run for a short time on start up when key is turned.

I think the accumulator is only there to maintain pressure to distributor. You wil note that the high pressure end of accumulator is connected with metal tube and screw on fitting. The other side of accumulator is held on with a screw on clamp.

Most continuous system include a fuel accumulator which damps fuel-pressure surges and hold residual pressure in the system when engine is shut-off.
The accumulator's damping action protects the fuel distributor from rapid build up of fuel pressure during start up and reduces fuel pump noise when engine running.

When engine stops the accumulator holds fuel pressure to help prevent vapor lock and improve hot restarts.

Where is the fuel pressure regulator? I think i have the same problem on the 1988 300ce my son uses - he's had to wait after parking because his car won't restart. I have a parts car & would like to swap this part. Thanks.