1987 300sdl start issue-help me
 

I bought this car after it had been sitting for about 4 years. I got it running after not much effort but..... It will shut off with the key some of the time. After it shuts off it will not start again because the fuel shutoff lever in the engine compartment has to be lifted up. Then it will start. When moving the lever up and down it feels gummy like it wants to stay down when fully depressed. Is this normal? After the engine shuts down with the key, should that lever spring right back up again ready to start? Any help would be appreciated.

When it is stuck down, pull the vacuum hose off the actuator and see if it springs back up. If it does, the shutoff valve on the ignition switch is sticking.
If it doesn't, rrun the engine hard to get the engine oil hot and well circulated. That should get oil up into the lever area to lubricate the shaft seal and free it up.