1985 190e
 

I was out driving last night and the car started to cough a bit and then stalled now it wont start again the engine turns great so i think that it must be either an ignition or fuel pump issue....i did test the ignition according to my haynes guide and it does seem to be working. I have had a bit of a vacuum issue in the gas tank and have read that there is a relay that shuts off the fuel pump whan there is too much vacuum....anyone have any ideas??

There is a fuel pump relay, and they are a fairly common failure. Not sure I have ever heard of the relay or pump being affected by vacuum in the tank. Not sure why you have that going on, would assume a problem with the vent line. One wonders if the tank is being operated under a constant vacuum if the tank is now deformed? I've seen it happen. If there is enough vacuum I would wonder if this would affect fuel delivery eventually. Maybe take the fuel cap off and see if it runs?
Do you hear the pump run when you turn the key to "on"?
Gilly

fuel pump....
 

the fuel pump is operational tested the cable from the coil to the distributor and found that that works but when testing from distributor to the spark plugs there is no spark...the distributors have been discontinued but I have found a rotor and a cap so far....still may need a reluctor and a pick up coil

No spark? Also check your Crankshaft Position Sensor. It goes from the flywheel to the Ignition Control Module.

Part information:
http://catalog.peachparts.com/RenderScriptTemplate.epc?_cmd=epccat_VehicleAAA&cookieID=2GC0TNHG02HB1DPKU6&yearid=1985@@1985&makeid =MB@@MB@@X&modelid=190%2DE%2D002@@190E++2%2E3&catid=F@@Engine+Electrical&subcatid=F6010@@Reference+S ensor&mode=PA&subcatid=F6010@@Reference%20Sensor&applicationid=000369001&source=www.peachparts.com&c lientid=catalog.mercedesshop

I have a 190E and am stuck with a similar problem I was told that the fuel pump had failed but on raplacing the unit have found this is not the problem. After hours and hours of searching the only thing it may be is the fuel distributor to airflow sensor under the air filter. Can you hear the pump working when you turn the ignition on but not turn engine over?

stupid thing to miss !
 

After testing everything from the pump and filters, hoses and sparks what a stupid thing to miss, the lead from the coil was damaged and not working properly.

Was there any visible sign of what might have caused damage to the coil wire?