1985 380sl starting problem
 

Hello all,

I searched the FAQ but couldn't find the answer I need to help my problem

1985 380sl won't start.

Facts:
1985 380sl Automatic, 95,000 miles with recent tune up.

Recently tuned with new gas filter, plugs, cap, rotor & wires. Car was running perfect, smooth and purring great for about a week now. I did notice three days ago she had a problem starting in that it took a little longer to crank before starting. Usually starts immediately. Yesterday it took longer and longer but finally started, ran rough for a second then smooth again. No problems driving or idling and purred fine. No disruption in idle etc. Tried to start this morning and all she does is crank and won't turn over. I got 1 sputter but that's it. It does have a full tank of gas.

Fuel pump ? Fuel pressure loss at start up ? Fuse to fuel pressure ? Timing chain (I don't think so b/c happened over time) ?
Any help appreciated of course.
I did smell a bit of gas after cranking, but I was cranking for over 20 secs.

Thanks

Thanks for all the replies I have received (0) I am stuck throwing dollars at potential fixes.

Replaced the Fuel Pump Relay and of course no solution.

Should anyone be able to help, here is some additional information.

1) I can hear the fuel pump prime, but only for about 1/2 a second after I turn over ignition to start (which it still doesn't).
2) Still smell of gas after I try to crank. - I believe that I can smell the gas within Engine compartment could mean a spark issue ? Coil possibly ?

Please, any help at this point is appreciated. Car is stuck 45 mins from house and tired of borrowing friends cars to get back and forth to work on it in some commuter lot.

Thanks for the response. I will check it out today. But let's say that there is no spark. How do I know from this point if it is the Coil or Ignition Control unit ?

Thanks

coil testing procedure
 

Ignition coil terminal 1 and ground should be between .5-2v
terminal 15 and ground should be 4.5v

Thanks all for help.

Problem located:

Magnets on Iginition Distributor cracked. Cracked magnets destroyed rotor, cap and distributor.

Ordered refurbed Ignition Distributor ($120), Bosch wanted $720 for theirs :eek: ... WOW that's a big difference in price, Cap and Rotor.

Should be running by tomorrow.

Thanks again for those that helped.

uhmm
 

I can't buy a distirbutor for my ford for that much.....
I always try to stick with the OEM parts, you might check autopartswarehouse and see what they are asking