I'm experiencing intermittant starting problems with my '81 242 (B23E). When it is cold (-10 degrees C...which isn't that cold - I know) the car will not start. It will catch and run for a split second, then die. Then I can start it again, split second later it dies again. Repeat until it will finally catch with some throttle and then when warm starts and runs like a top.

I've checked the fuel pump relay and am now looking for issues with the thermal time switch. I've located the little darling at the rear of the head and checked the manual for testing procedures. They don't make much sense to me. In the manual it says to disconnect the coil wire (so it won't start I presume), then ground the test light to the coil and then watch for the light to go out after 3-10 seconds when cranking a cold engine.

I'm assuming that it doesn't matter where I ground the test light as this instruction makes no sense. Correct?

What else could be wrong?

Craig