86 300E Won't Start
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2012
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1986 300E
86 300E Won't Start
I used a trickle charger on my 86 300E because I wasn't using the car. After experiencing difficult starts a few times, the car doesn't start.
I have a orange spark, at least on one plug. I changed to an old distributor cap, but no start.
I hear the fuel pump activate for a second when I turn the key. The temperature sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and coil are within ohm parameters.
Starting fluid doesn't work, but the car seems like it wants to start when I crank the starter.
Appreciate any help. I intend to replace the distributor cap and rotor.
Benzbit
Bronson, FL
I have a orange spark, at least on one plug. I changed to an old distributor cap, but no start.
I hear the fuel pump activate for a second when I turn the key. The temperature sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and coil are within ohm parameters.
Starting fluid doesn't work, but the car seems like it wants to start when I crank the starter.
Appreciate any help. I intend to replace the distributor cap and rotor.
Benzbit
Bronson, FL
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 12
1995 E420, 1998 E300TD, 2002 CL230K 6spd, 2002 CL230K auto, 2002 CL280T VR6 Project, 2001 A6 2.7T
Worn out cap and rotor are very common problems on these engines and sometimes the carbon brush in the cap can fall out causing higher coil output required to run the engine. Do not over look the ignition coil as a possibility. Many of these engines have been operated for decades with worn out caps, rotors, wires, etc and this causes the coil to be overheated as it is constantly operating at "full output".
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
1986 300E
I installed the plugs, distributer cap and rotor. The car started.
The old plugs were sooty and the car stumbled until fuel in the cylinders was burnt. I haven't been using the car except for short trips and around the property.
I wonder if I have an under lying problem such as a weak coil that's contributing to the filing of the plugs?
Benzbit
The old plugs were sooty and the car stumbled until fuel in the cylinders was burnt. I haven't been using the car except for short trips and around the property.
I wonder if I have an under lying problem such as a weak coil that's contributing to the filing of the plugs?
Benzbit
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 12
1995 E420, 1998 E300TD, 2002 CL230K 6spd, 2002 CL230K auto, 2002 CL280T VR6 Project, 2001 A6 2.7T
I installed the plugs, distributer cap and rotor. The car started.
The old plugs were sooty and the car stumbled until fuel in the cylinders was burnt. I haven't been using the car except for short trips and around the property.
I wonder if I have an under lying problem such as a weak coil that's contributing to the filing of the plugs?
Benzbit
The old plugs were sooty and the car stumbled until fuel in the cylinders was burnt. I haven't been using the car except for short trips and around the property.
I wonder if I have an under lying problem such as a weak coil that's contributing to the filing of the plugs?
Benzbit
