87 240dl - start problem #3

[Tyler]

Previously posted this saga, and it continues.
cranks, but won't fire.
made all checks from 25a fuse to fuel tank pump everything in
between...all "good".
gave up, sent car to local mechanic who thought the main pump had some
ceasing problems. He replaced it, but car still wouldn't start. He
made some checks, but felt he was spending too much time on it. I said
give it back, I will pay for work done so far.
Now it gets spooky:
Since we live a block and a half away, I had my wife help to push it
back home (with the mini van, of course). She gets in it and it fires
right up!!! I drove it, stopped it, it started, several times last
night--no problems! My son took off to school this am...no problems!
I visit the mechanic this morning and, with a grin, tell him, ok, you
got me, nice trick. When I told him what happened, he couldn't believe
it.
We both agree the other shoe is about to drop, and further agree it is
a loose ground, etc.
QUESTION: Anyone know of a common ground problem? There are probably
8-12 different candidates, but was hoping someone has found a specific
one like the main pump ground, etc that would do something like this.
Thanks--Tyler

 

[Sheriff1]

Just went through the same thing with my 89 240. No start, had it towed
home went out in the morning and it started fine. Replaced all fuses
with new style, burnished fuse terminal connections and replaced fuel
pump relay behind glove box. It's been fine now for over a month. I
still am not comfortable that I didn't have the chance to isolate the
problem and be positive of the cause.

 

[Steve W.]

Just went through the same thing with my 89 240. No start, had it
towed home went out in the morning and it started fine. Replaced all
fuses with new style, burnished fuse terminal connections and replaced
fuel pump relay behind glove box. It's been fine now for over a month.
I still am not comfortable that I didn't have the chance to isolate
the problem and be positive of the cause.

You might have. The fuel pump relay can rust out, and work
inermitantly.