300SE Will not start
 

1989 300SE - always started fine. Haven't used in about 2 weeks. Cranks now but no sign of ignition. fuel pump? Should I hear the purr of the pump when key is turned in ignition before crank? Any other ideas? Frustrated!

Yes you should hear the pump for at least a brief moment until pressure is achieved maybe longer. Have you heard this pump in the past, asking because you may need to be close to it to hear it. Fuel pump relay is on firewall on drivers side between the brake booster and the centerline of the car IIRC. I think it will have "6 ZYL" printed on it.

Also check that all of the leads on the positive battery post are clean and tight, remove the negative cable before doing anything with the positive terminal and wear eye protection when working around the battery.

Hope this helps.

If there is no sound of the pumps running for a couple seconds when the key moves to position 2 before cranking, then the fuel pump relay is likely the culprit.

renew ageing items
 

Ageing fuel pump relay, old fuses and the OVP will cause starting or various other intermittent problems.
Replacement is best solution for long term reliability

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Thank you to all. I checked all the things that you mentioned. It must have been a poor connection. The car started right up!

Well that is good to know, a free fix is best. :)