Mercedes Benz repair: mercedes benz not starting, fuel pump relay, mercedes benz

Question
helo Shane,i have a merc E300 1996 model & its not starting.its cranking but would not start.i then cut a cable that leads to the EDS(electronic diesel sensor) & connected on an ignition controlled circuit & it started with some little difficult & it idled for a few minutes & cut.i tried cranking again but this time would not respond.i then put back as it where,it would not again.what could be the problem Shane?thanks in advance.  

Answer
first iff check if you have spark, go back to the basics spark compression and fuel pull the plug and check to see if you have spark if yes then check for fuel chances are you are havibng a fuel delivery problem check you pump jump your fuel pump relay pins 87 and 30 and see if pump is engaging