won't start

[piddler]

We were going to ride the 230sl yesterday. I backed it out of the garage to wash it. When I tried to start it again it would not start. I checked the spark at the plug and it seemed to be sufficient. The spark plugs are a little dark but not fouled. As a matter of fact, They were dry.

The car has always started easily the first time of the day. After it has been running for a while it cranks for a looooong time but it always starts. The car has fuel injection and I know absolutely nothing about this system. I have read that there is a cold start system but I have not had time to check it out. I am going to check the fuel filter.

The situation spoiled our chance to show off the car at a July 4th event in our small town. In the words of the famous philosopher, Oh well.javascript:insertsmilie(' ')
Cool  


Any and all help appreciated, Pete

[jeffc280sl]

Pete,

I assume that when you say the spark at the plug was sufficient that you pulled a plug wire off and saw an arc as you tried to start the car.  Correct?

Try some of the steps mentioned in the search for "cold start valve" and let us know what you find.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[ja17]

Hello Pete,

Do you hear the electric fuel pump running?

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[piddler]

I did pull the plug and observed the spark. I will check the "cold start as soon as I have time. I had a few minutes this morning and pulled out an injector. I put it down in a container and turned the engine. It looked like there was a spray pattern but I don't know if the pressure at the injector is sufficient or the spray pattern was correct.

I have had a few minutes at a time to work on this problem. I hope to have a little more time next week.


Thanks, Pete

[ja17]

Hello Pete,

Hard starting can be a starting aid problem. But if your car will not start at all you probably have other issues.  Start at the electric fuel pump. Check to see if it is running.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[piddler]

I replaced the condenser and the plugs. I set the gap on the points to 41 degrees on the dwell meter. I pulled one injector and the pattern looked pretty good to me. After I did all of this the car started!!!. I am not sure what fixed it so I don't feel too secure yet.

After I got the car running I tried to set the idle up just a little. I don't know what happened but the car will start but not idle. I set the adjustment back where I started but it still won't idle. I will give it a try later

Thanks, Pete

[Raymond]

Pete,
Welcome to our world. If it starts and won't idle, it sounds like fuel.  Search this site for fuel pump and mixture issues.  There are plenty of posts.  "ja17" is Joe Alexander, who has posted a great deal of good procedures for chasing these problems down.  Do some homework and follw his advice meticulously.  You could have something as simple as a clogged fuel filter or return line.  As Joe has suggested, start at the electric pump and work forward.  If you eliminate fuel supply, then start checking the linkages and the FI pump mixture.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe