I normally hang out around the Diesel Discussion forum (I hope no one minds if I ask a question here), as I am a Diesel head. However, I had an '85 280E that I sold to a good friend of mine (yes he still is a good friend, even though his car does not work!). He called me the other day and asked me if I knew what was wrong with his car. He told me the symptoms:
Every once in a while, it would not start again right after being driven. He would wait fifteen minutes or so, and it would start right up. He drove it to a family members house the other day, and when he went to leave, it would not start. He waited the fifteen minutes, but it still would not start. The family member suggested putting gas down the intake. It started and ran for a few seconds, and then died. That tells me it does have spark. I know a lot about Diesel injection, but not much about the fuel injection system on the 280E. Can someone point me in the right direction as to how to troubleshoot the problem? A basic description of the components of the system, and/or what to check and how. To show how much I know/don't know, I don't even know if the car has an electric or mechanical fuel pump! All the time I had the car, it ran so good that I had no need to learn about the engine. I am very acquainted with the 123 chassis, but with the Diesel engine. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Rich

P.S. He is having the car towed over to my place tomorrow (Friday) morning. I will have a look at it then....Rich

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All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html