Non starting 500SL
 

I have a 1990 500sl, with 89000 miles. The engine spins, but will not start. The spark plugs, distrubtor cap, rotors and wires are new. I tried "starting fluid to no avail. The car ran fine until I parked it (for 2 weeks). Any help would be appreciated.

Could be the coil. Are you geting fire?
Mike
1984 Euro 500SL

I am getting voltage (12v) at the coil. Is there any way to check for a spark at the plugs?

You need to "ground" a plug wire or the coil wire to the engine block - remove one plug wire from the plug or remove the coil wire from the distributor cap; hold the wire well on the insulated part away from the end and place the end close to the block (stick a phillips screwdriver in the end if necessary to get a conductor close to the block) and have someone crank the engine. If there is no spark, then the coil, ignition module or one of the inputs to the module is probably bad.

Thanks a lot. I was away on vacation. I do appreciate to the support. Hpoefully, this will help to resolve the problem.

If you like shocks, use the handheld method. To avoid them remove a plug wire, insert an old plug into the wire and lay the plug on a grounded metal surface. Turn the engine over and look for spark. When done, put the spare plug in your glove compartment for the next time.

Tim