FOAK: SOC starting problem

If I could page the font of all knowledge!

I have a 1991 Merc 190e 1.8 fuel injection with an odd problem.

It starts mostly first time, every now and then it refuses to start - when
it goes into this mode I can't hear the fuel pump spinning up. If I leave it
for a couple of hours it usually starts, however it's now refusing to go. I
have a healthy spark etc etc

I've checked the usual electrical bits and pieces and can't see anything
obvious that may be causing this, I don't think it's the fuel pump as I
replaced this not so long ago - anyone got any bright ideas??

TIA

Buzby

 

Is it a manual or electrical fuel pump? If electrical check if you've
got a feed to it. Could well be a relay at that sort of age.

 

I had the same problem on my BMW of a similar vintage - solution was to
change the balast resistor. Whe not starting, try leaving the ignition on
for about five minutes (and don't think about the coil warming up) and it
should start.
Medparry

 

... as we do with people posting at the top. Kindly place
your response below the text to which you are replying. Thank you.

ObSOC: I'm with Mr. Deadmail - fuel pump relay is the first port of
call. If the pump ain't spinning, start there. Could be a dodgy
connection to the pump itself, of course - but that's easily checked.

 

Thanks to all - pump connections fine, relay finally located in a not very
obvious place in the depths & replacement being sought from messrs German &
Swedish -at £68 + dreaded as opposed to local merc dealer @ £118 + dreaded.