I recently came into posession of a 1986 240DL wagon. It was a no start when I got it. After checking a few things I found no power to the main fuel pump. I replaced the white fuel pump relay and it started... and promptly died.
I confirmed I still had power at the pump, so I put a pressure gauge on it. When I cranked the engine over it started and showed 30psi. It started to run rough a minute later and I noticed the fuel pressure dropping. I gave the bottom side of the fuel pump a few taps and the pressure jumped back up for a bit, then started to fall again. I could keep the car running as long as I kept smacking the bottom of the pump mount.
I replaced the fuel pump and filter and the car ran like a champ for about 20 minutes. I noticed the belts were squeaking, so I shut it off and tightened them. Now when I try to start the car I get nothing. I'm reading 45psi cranking and 30 psi just after cranking. I have spark, fuel, compression, and injector pulse, but it refuses to start! I have noticed that the plugs are fuel fouled when I remove them after an attempt to start the car... what am I missing?
I have checked the 25 amp fuse, it's good. I've unplugged the amm, no change, I've removed the fuel pump fuses, still no start. I check the timing belt to see if it jumped, it's good. what have I missed? Any help here is much appreciated!