C240 Intermittent starting problems

[SNAK]

Hi All, I have a C240 Auto (1998) 210k miles that started having problems starting. When I turn the key to the II position I don't hear the fuel pump so I got the AA out after the old died in the middle of traffic on the A40. After fiddling around with the fuel pump relay I gave it a whirl and it started. The AA patrol advised on a new fuel pump relay which I got and fitted, but still won't start when you least expect it. Someone showed me how to bypass the relay with a bit of wire and I can hear the fuel pump when I use the wire but the car still won't start.

Any ideas please? I heard talk of the OVP, can someone tell me what this does and where it is?

 

[Alex Argent]

Snak
I had the same problem a few months back. Sometimes it would start perfectly, other times all I got was the familiar solenoid clicking noise, but no starter motor.
Turned out (after a process of elimination involving approximately 1,000 other parts ) it was simply the battery on it's way out. Never had the problem since. Might be worthwhile running it into ATS/National/etc to get the battery voltage checked out.
Hope this helps
Alex
**edit** PS - OVP is the 'over-voltage protection' relay, and from the Haynes bible "on models after August 1996, the relay is in the fuse/relay box on the left-hand side of the engine compartment".