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When I try to start my 87 300e (3.0l) the motor strtsfor about 1/2 second and dies. Upon trying to start after that it just cranks away. After the second time trying to start, when I remove the air filter, it is very powerfully gassy. There is good(?) compression, 170lbs each cyl, and the spark is a bluish/ yellow color. The only thing that can be left is timing, or the ign parts all need to be replaced, which parts are on order for. </P>


Is there anything simple that I am overlooking?</P>

Gotten your 300 running yet? My 260E did the same thing and it turned out to be the fuel pump relay. Actually the relay is a printed circuit board in an enclosure that looks like a large relay. Located on the passenger side of the car under a dust cover against the firewall. Mine ran for a second, then quit. Just turned over after that. Replaced the module (relay) and it's been running fine for over 5 years. Good luck! <img border="0" src=smileys/smiley20.gif border="0">