1994 C280 -- New Wire Harness -- STILL won't start

[brookspw]

This all started several months ago. Occasionally, the car wouldn't start. It only has 60k miles and runs great. It cranks just fine, just doesn't "hit". This might happen once or twice a week. Generally, when this happens, if you try it a few times (sometimes 5, sometimes 30) -- it will finally "hit" and start up immediately.

It has NEVER stalled and run quality is superb. It is almost like you have all of the spark plugs unplugged -- then plug them in and crank it.

So, I took it to the dealer. After much diagnosis, they got a code for the crank position sensor and replaced it. All was fine for 3-4 days, then, same old thing.
Took it back. After 3-4 days, they said 2 things:
1 -- They were getting a code for the rear oxygen sensor.
2 -- The wire harness needed to be replaced at a parts and labor total of $2,200.

It is my opinion that the sensor would give your run quality issues but not the intermittent starting problem. The harness, though, could do just that.

This weekend, I replaced the entire engine harness. Part from Phil at Fastlane for $640 and 3 hours of my labor. Later in the day, after about the 10th start -- it did the exact same thing again!

Guys -- what can this be? I did read somewhere that it could be the OVP and that you might try tapping it when this happened. It happened again today and I tried it 10 times or so to no avail. Went and tapped the OVP and it fired right up!?

Could it legitimately be the OVP or was that coincidence?

Any productive thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.