My family owns a 1984 240DL. I spoke to you guys awhile back asking about the starter. We got all that worked out (turns out there are 2 places to connect the starter to the wiring harness. That was fun to figure out after we removed the thing, tried to trouble shoot it, found the second connector, then laughed at ourselves.

Well, Before that, the wiring harness was pretty much shot due to it being decayed. We bought a new one and replaced it.

Where we are now is that the car sounds like it wants to start but the engine won't start. It just whines, or turns, or whatever the best way it is to put it.

It didn't seem like the best idea to me, but my dad removed a spark plug on one of the cylinders and threw some gas in there. When we tried to start the car again, we got a different sound, as if we got one compression stroke.

I think that the car is not getting gas.

The car has a new gas tank, we removed the fuel pump and filter and gas seems to run through that... but we still arent sure.

Would you guys have any tips to help trouble shoot this problem or help narrow down the problem?

Thanks so much.

The fuel injectors (assuming you have LH 2.0) get their power from the pump relay. The pump relay and the system relay are identical and are situated on the firewall on the passenger side, next to the ECU. I would check those relays first. In fact, I would just replace those relays if they are more than 10 years old. A quick check is to measure the voltage, or use a test light, at terminal 87 of either relay. While cranking the engine you should have 12v at that terminal.

Make sure the 25-amp fuse and holder are clean and tight. It's on the left fender near the battery. Check the fuse block at the driver's door jam.

Post back.

Well the fuel relay was a bit shoddy. We've been aware of it's problems since we've been poking a stick in it to jump it, but it's working enough. It will be replaced soon.

We dropped the fuel filter and pump from under the car to get a better look and the pump looked disfunctional. Tinkered around with it and it was indeed the pump. Went to a junk yard and grabbed a pump for $45. Not too bad. We replaced it this morning and heard the oh so glorious sound of victory.

The car runs. It's been 3 years since we've heard it run, but it runs. Pretty dang exciting.


I joked with my dad that it was a shame we werent getting a 68 Camaro up and running, but this car has been with us for 24 years so that's enough for me.

Thanks so much.



Edit: I apparently posted on my dad's account. This is jaredmac11.

is this still the old KJetronic system or partially electronic?

ie does it have a big black round thing connected to each injector or a fuel rail?