johnmthomasson

Just purchased a 1997 SL 320 (R129)..........turns over but will not start......can hear fuel pump working....... Do not know history of car ........car has been well-cared for but has been sitting outside for a good while...........guessing that it might be the crank sensor.........any thoughts or suggestions? John

kajtek1

You need to be precise if you want precise answer.
By "not starting" I understand that the starter is turning the engine over, but it will not fire up.
However you hear only fuel pump?
I would start with hooking up fuel pressure gauge.
How old is fuel?

johnmthomasson

Thanks for the "advice", Bud............that's the kind of response I would normally receive from my wife.

Additional info:
Car has fresh premium ethanol-free gas and fresh plugs.........fuel pump is working and fresh spark plugs have been installed...........scanner revealed no fault codes (not the STAR reader)........engine turns over but does not start.......no evidence of firing whatsoever.........have ordered a crank sensor.....if this doesn't work, I will probably tow the car to the closest shop with the factory Mercedes check-out equipment........(90 miles away)......

I continue to welcome all constructive advice...... Thanks, John

johnmthomasson

Having trouble finding accurate info on the 1997 SL320.........3 different sources showed that the crank sensor could be accessed from the top of the engine by the firewall.... ..this was incorrect........the sensor was on the side of the bell housing and could only be reached from the underside of the car (driver's side).........any ideas tracking down a repair manual for a reasonable price? Thanks, John