sprinter 310 starting problem

[dandmquinn]

I have a 1998 310 Sprinter,200k + miles,generally runs well but it has developed an intermittent starting problem which is prooving difficult to identify,garage have given up on ideas!!.It makes no difference if engine is hot or cold it just starts sometimes but on many occasions wont.It turns over OK,fuel system and injectors have been checked.If you keep on trying it will eventually start but for no apparent reason-sometimes 10 or 20 attempts it wont.When running it is perfect.I was told to check out key coding but was told that if key was at fault it would never work.
Any ideas?
Thanks,Dec

 

[turbopete]

could be the heater plugs or the relay for them. ive noticed my e300 td is reluctant to start if i turn the key too quickly after the light goes out. or if the poor starting only happens after standing for a while even though the engine is still hot it may be dawing air into the fuel somewhere. common for the cars so id imagine vans would have similar problems!