I had a similar problem with my 93 854 a few weeks ago. I DID NOT pump the gas. the battery was strong and it craked well. i kept crankin and crankin not giving it gas as it is fuel injected and it fired then died, i cranked and craked again and it fired and stayed running. I did not give it gas after it was struggling to run then smoothed out.

I was told what happened was the car had previously been started but no run but for a few seconds and shut off, the injectors or vavles or something were locked open? and therefore wouldn't want to start until everything warmed up from continous cranking. they call it the lawnmower affect. you start the car to get to the lawnmower but the car only runs briefly and doesn't warm up, the injectors or vavles or something are locked in the wide open position.

just my 2 cents worth.

tell us what happened.