fuel pressure regulator
 

before I drop 200 to get the part, what damage is done to a car if on the first try the car won't start, you hear everything going just isn't getting enough gas. but on the second try the car starts fine. also is this a part that should cost 200? Anyone know where I can get a better price than this? Can I do anything to the existing part to fix it? 85 190e 2.3 not the suped up version, just the slow one.
thanks,
cdt

Thats not a bad price for a that regulator. They are non-repairable and almost never go bad. The problems they have are easily tested. I sure wouldn't think of that part in the first dozen reasons for the symptoms you describe.

swapped items
 

ovp, wires, plugs, cap and rotor all replaced within last two months. from searching this site, fuel press reg seemed like a reasonable guess. how would you check it and what other parts would you suspect. car does this warm or cold.

thank you,
cdt

The only thing the regulator does is regulate fuel pressure. The way to test is to watch fuel pressure. All K-Jet systems, including KE rely on absolutely steady fuel pressure.

Large swings in pressure could be your problem, but even if thats the case (easily tested by monitoring fuel pressure), it is still more likely for other components to be the cause. If pressure drops it is more likely a pump, filter, or relay problem than the pressure regulator. The most common problem of regulators is leaking and or too high of pressure which floods the motor. Unless flooding is suspect, I wouldn't think regulator.

My FPR problem on a 190E had only rough starts when cold. Is your FPR leaking? FPR problems will only get worse and eventually the car won't start. I know what you mean about spending >$100 for such a small unit.