300E must pour gas into air horn to start, help
 

My 87 300E had this problem a few months ago and went away. It's back! The car won't start unless I pour raw gas into the air horn. It will then stall unless I keep it above 1500 rpm. (Fun to drive that way in traffic!). Car has 2 new fuel pumps as well as other equipment in the fuel system.
Suggestions are welcomed.

Fixed! When pouring gas into the air horn, I noticed that some was dripping down the engine. With a good light, I found that the vacuum? line in the front base of the unit (about 1/2" diameter) had disconnected. Re-installed it and it runs fine again. Nothing like working on black things in areas where there is bad lighting.

Mr. Johnstone,

My impression from what you wrote is that you are pouring gas while someone is turning the starter switch. I hope I have the wrong impression. I hope you are actually pouring in some gas, setting the gas can aside, then turning the starter.

POURING GAS DOWN A CARBURETOR OR INTAKE WHILE THE ENGINE IS ATTEMPTING TO BE STARTED IS DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A friend of our familiy was killed some years ago when doing this. If you are doing this PLEASE don't do it ever again.

I hope my message does not seem harsh. And I hope I just misunderstood what you are doing, if so I apologize for sticking my nose in your business.

I just don't want to see someone hurt, disfigured or killed.

I'm glad you found your problem.

With best regards,

Thanks Larry, for your concern. Yes, I poured in a small amount of gas then ran the starter motor to be safe.