The fuel pressure is fine. Looks like the entire fuel system can be ruled out as a reason for this problem occuring. The last piece I replaced was the fuel pump and fuel filter. However, the fuel delivery has been measured and comes up fine.
Could there be something wrong with the ignition since it still starts but stops immediately? What would my next steps be before getting it towed in to a dealer for them to look at it?

 

i still think it's the fuel system and you never done the test to it yet.

 

Maybe just try bridging the fuel pump relay. It is possible that it is switching on with start signal, but either not getting or not decifering the TD signal which detects that the engine is running. Bridge terminals 30 to 87 at the fuel pump relay, with the relay out. This will give yoiu constant power to the fuel pump. If it keeps running, check if your tacho (if you have one) is registering the RPM. If it is then you have a TD signal and it is quite likely that your fuel pump relay is faulty.

 

(posting for my hubby) He tried bridging the fuel pump relay and the results were the same.

 

Have you checked it for spark? Possibly a rotor button with a crack or a faulty distributor cap shorting to earth?

Coils can also do some strange things when they get weak. You would need to compare the strength of the spark to a good car to see the difference here.

Also try disconnecting the EHA, which is the little black box on the side of the fuel distributor. This will make cold starting more difficult, but could rule out a few things.

And do you have an alarm fitted? Although most alarms work on the starter cutout, but some also work on ignition cutout.

I also assume that you can't keep it runnning with a bit of accelerator. Is this right?

Sorry if there are more questions here than answers. But after writting all of this, I would be most suspicious of the coil. I have seen this happen with coils, but very rarely.

 

well, those are the basic steps so far.

ignition spark and fuel injection.

 

you're right, the accelerator will not keep it running. should I pull all the spark plugs out at once to check for spark, or one at a time? the one plug I checked last week seemed to have good spark.
i believe it is the factory alarm system which is fitted on the car. the remote controlled key phobe controls the vacuum functioning central lock system.

 

having a good spark and continues fuel pressure means it is not the alarm/anti-theft.

pull out 1 fuel injector and attach to the fuel line. crank the engine and see if it has good spray. you may need to press the throttle plate to get more fuel.

 

'87 190 E FACTORY ALARM DID NOT HAVE A REMOTE KEY PHOBE. ARE YOU SURE THAT YOUR CAR DOESN'T HAVE AN AFTERMARKET ALARM SYSTEM THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING? PERHAPS THERE IS A FUEL SYSTEM LOCK-OUT AS PART OF A NON-FACTORY ALARM.

 

what is the best way to find out if it is the alarm system? however, the car starts every time. it just doesn't stay running. also, before it broke down like this, it was running rough when you started in cold. this only lasted for a couple of minutes and then it ran perfect.
Tomorrow I will try to follow sleepwalker's instructions on the fuel system.