Fuel Pump Relay - '78 280E
 

W123 w/ M110 with K-jetronic fuel system - Daily Driver. Up to this point, she's been running like a champ.

After filling up in Great Barrington, I was steaming along the Mass Pike last Saturday at 75 mph. Suddenly, and for just an instant, the engine quit and came back to normal. It was like someone hit the kill switch for an instant, then back on. Got into Springfield, came around a corner, and the engine died. I could crank, and crank I did, but no ignition.

Fuses all look good. In the last two years, I've done the following: new plugs, wires, cap-n-rotor and coil. New injectors, accumulator, filter and fuel pump in the last three years. Always run "Plus" grade fuel with occasional treat of Premium. Replaced the Neutral Safety Switch a couple of months ago.

I installed a new fuel pump and filter mid-week, but still "no go."

Does that leave the Fuel Pump Relay? Anyone know which it is and where? All other thoughts welcomed. Thanks, Alex

It's All Over
 

The Indie called to say I have a failed ignition module. They are a regional Bosch Parts supplier and happened to have the Bosch rep there when they tested it. It looks like it will end up being nearly $1,000 for the work.

The car is 2 hours from home. It has rust in the lower front left rocker and fender and over the left rear wheel well. The clear coat is all cracked up on the top surfaces. It just is not worth the investemnt.

The sad thing is that I can't go pull the new fuel pump or filter off. I has lots of other newish parts, probably not worth the cost of towing it home. It also has 2-month old Michelins on bunt-cake alloys.

Given the distance, the holiday and the need to move on, sadly the old gal is headed to the scrap yard.

Now, I was keeping an eye on an '84 Euro 280E with a 4 speed on ebay...

Before you throw in the towel on the 'ol girl,have you tried locating a module at a junkyard? I'm sure you probably get it for next to nothing.Plug it in and be on your way ;)

Yeah 116 parts will probly fit. And your 280E has how many miles 58k??? Also gotta be an easy way to hotwire the system and drive it home. Heck you could even go for a permanent fix toggle switch option, using the key just for the starter and steering lock.

Fuse,I had a 1981 grey market 280SE that died suddenly on the road,could not hear the fuel pump anymore...fuse by the firewall,by the time I found the fault,I bought a wire and took power from the rear defroster to the fuel pump...only downsize is that the pump will work all the time when you turn the ignition on...ran perfect for a couple of months on that.