I have a '85' 380 SL that was having trouble starting. It would crank and crank without a sputter or cough. Leave it for an hour and it would start. Then it seemed ok for about 6 months. Now I've tried to start it for a week but no go. Cranks like crazy but will not even sputter. I checked the spark and that seems good. It's like it is not getting any gas. Besides the obvious (empty tank) what checks can I make before towing to the $1000 fix at the MSB independent. Thanks.

Start with the basics

Fuel filter
Fuel Pump
Fuel Pump Relay

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Thanks for the reply. Now for the dumb questions. I know where the fuel pump is. Is the filter there also? How do you check them. I have had someone turn the key on while I was under the car at the pump, but I hear nothing. Someone told me the pump doesn't start running until the car is started??? Where is the fuel pump relay and how is that checked?

Thanks, gha111

the pump only runs for 2 seconds when in the start position only then the engine control module takes over and then the pump runs when it is told to by the ecm. get you a haynes manual for basic trouble shooting and then see whunters links to fuel injection links.

The fuel pump relay is where I would start looking if the pump does not run when the key is on.

As said by a previous poster, the pump runs for a couple of seconds to pressurize the system before starting. You should hear it every time trhe key is turned to the "ON" position, not the "START" position. If you do not hear it, you have a blown fuse or more likely a bad relay since it starts sometimes.

IRT your other question, the filter is in the same fuel cluster as the pump.

Thanks for the info. I show no blown fuses, so where is the fuel pump relay and how do you check it? Thanks.