C200 fan stopping engine starting

[steffbritt]

I hope you may have some ideas folks because no one else does! My c200 has a strange problem. When I turn the ignition the dash lights up and the cooling engine fan comes on but the engine doesn't start. After a few mins the fan stops and the engine starts first time. Recently the fan has been running for longer and today it wouldn't stop so the car won't start. Anybody have a clue? Love that old motor but the mrs smells blood so please help me fix and keep my old motor.

 

[dog68]

Sounds like the car is getting too hot, dodgy thermostat likely.

 

[jonathanc]

Is this starting problem from cold? If not, as dog68 says, it could be the engine overheating and the car waiting until it is cool enough to start. During normal driving, what is the temperature like?
When the car is playing up, disconnect the thermo switch that controls the engine cooling fan and then try -if it starts it would indicate it is temp related or a faulty thermo switch.