1992 190E 2.3 8V. Won't start. From cold, engine cranks, starts for 1-2 seconds then stalls, over, and over and over. Will not start. New distributor cap, rotor, wires and plugs. New fuel injectors, fuel distributor rebuild, and fuel filter. New battery, voltage regulator, OVP and fuel pump relays. Was running fine until I changes all rad hoses, thermostat, new antifreeze, surpentine belt, tensioner and dampener. After completing rad hoses, etc. the car started, ran rough and stalled, then started and ran as it had. Went for a 30 minute drive, shut it off and when we returned in 40 minutes the battery was dead and it would not start with a boost (crank, no start). Charged battery and it is now fine and cranks motor as described. Removed fuel line to distributor and checked to ensure that intake screen is clear. Key on delivers immediate and voluminous fuel flow.

Given that I was in deep to access the tensioner I have visually checked all nearby electrical connections and vacuum lines and all appear to be fine. Other vacuum lines also visually checked.

It seems to me that when the key is turned on the fuel pump operates as expected and charges the system with fuel. The brief start suggests that ignition is not the issue. My thought is that some sort of run safety check is amiss such that the signal required to confirm the engine is running is not working and the fuel is cut as a safety measure. Of yes, if I dribble a little fuel into the throttle body, the engine will start and run a little bit longer then if I do not. Again this suggests that the fuel flow is being disrupted after the initial start.

When the engine briefly starts the tachometer needle responds, suggesting that the signal is reaching it.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

 

You've certainly done all of the right things. I'm also inclined to think it's got to be some type of fuel issue as the car is starting even though it's brief. I'm wondering if you possibly might've gotten a bad tank of gas? That also can happen. Or maybe you got gas when the tanker was at the station filling the tanks. That can stir up the sludge that's at the bottom of the tank and that can cause trouble if it gets into your car. Also, if the car has sat for a period of time, the gas can deteriorate. I think I would try draining the gas and checking the interior of your gas tank to see what it's condition is and also recheck the fuel filter and fuel lines. Be very careful when draining the very flammable gas. You might also want to recheck all of the connections in the engine and the fuel system to make sure there's no dirt in them. That can also cause trouble.

 

have you checked the timing?