mmi1

I have a 1997 s420 that has sat for 18 months. The battery was dead and replaced it. The car will not start. Any ideas would be appreciated. To clarify the car with crank but not turn over. It tried to to turn over twice and that was it. After talking with my wife it was determined that it has been sitting for 12 - 18 months.

Tymah123

During that period the fuel probably dried up in the fuel lines I would assume, probably similar to what would happen when you're completely out of gas, even the fuel lines are empty, you might need to crank it for 5-10-20 seconds before the fuel pump would pump enough fuel from the gas tank... btw that gas in the gas tank is not that good either, you might want some fresh gas in the tank as well. That's all I have...

mmi1

I let it crank for about 30 seconds. Do you recommend that I siphon out the gas in the tank. Only had betwen 1/8 to a 1/4 tank. Thanks for your help

Tymah123

I think I would siphon the gas out just to be safe, fill it with fresh gas and let it crank for 20 secs at a time several times, that shouldn't put too much strain on the starter and would allow fresh gas to fill the gas lines. All of this is my personal opinion of course. You can also buy a fuel additive made for cars that are hard to start and add it to the gas as well, it might help out also. Good luck!

mmi1

i got it started and it is running great. thanks for your help

Tymah123

Good to hear! What did the trick? And good luck with the car!