Wow, old post.

Give the fuel pump a solid whack with a wrench or something, and see if it starts.

Usually will get a failing pump going for a while. Often this will get you home.

Also, if you jump the relay, the pump will stay on, and you can feel it with your hand to see if it is operating.

Obviously a growling fuel pump is on its way out.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.