89 300SE Starts and Stalls
 

My problem sounds similar to the 300CE, except that this MB starts and runs for 5 seconds and then dies. It starts again, and dies again, etc.

I do not have a fuel pressure gauge, but there is strong pressure on the inlet side to the fuel distributor. Curiously, if I loosen the return line and let it leak fuel, the engine runs, but will not idle.

Does this sound like a low fuel pressure problem, a clogged injector allowing the pressure to leak down, or "something" causing the fuel to shut off???

All comments greatly appreciated.

GB

You could have a hose blown off of the bottom of the intake. In which case you will have a lean condition and no idle. By loosening the fuel hose, you will lower the fuel pressure on one side of the distributor diaphram and cause a rich condition compensating for the lean. I would look for an air leak, broken or blown off hose.