560sl - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sublettd · #16 08-30-2006, 04:15 PM

David,

The car is an '85 500SL (Euro). The VIN is WDB1070461A026144. The battery is under the hood as mentioned.

As to running off the alternator, wouldn't the alternator light come on if this was the case? I drive it at night with the lights on and don't seem to lose any brightness in the headlights. Nor are there any other indications that I'm not getting full power out of the battery, unless there is no power at all.

Thanks!

david s poole · #17 08-31-2006, 01:56 PM

ok,now we know that this is a 117-963 motor and as such doesn't have the flywheel pickup.you have the ignition unit down inside the left fender with the trigger being the green wire from the distributor.you stated that when you park car get out and then attempt a restart no power even antenna not going down.at this point you have no battery,the car was running on alternator before you shut it off then nothing.if i remember on euro car there are one or two substantial wires going to the battery along with the main cable.one of these carries power to the fuse box.check and see if there is corrosion or if the wire itself is loose.

sublettd · #18 08-31-2006, 02:57 PM

David,

Will certainly do the checks. I had planned to drive it to Baton Rouge tomorrow and let my son check out the things you suggest. However, it sounds like that might not be a good idea.

FYI, I tracked down my old mechanic thru the Internet this morning. He closed his shop here and moved to Orlando, but I managed to call his mother on the first try at someone with his last name. She gave me his cell phone number. Pretty amazing! His thoughts were the wire from the battery to the buss that you mentioned or the ignition switch itself. Sounds like you all are pretty much in synch on this.

Appreciate you helping me out.

islandglow · #19 08-31-2006, 03:44 PM

I just spoke with my mechanic and suggested him to check the flywheel on the car. He said he will replace the ignition module again and try for the 4th time. He hadn't thought of the flywheel.
The car will crank strongly but will not turn over... I hope he can solve the problem with the flywheel. Is this a very expensive part to replace?
Thank you for all your help.

islandglow · #20 08-31-2006, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

I'd concentrate on finding out why the car doesn't run, it may be fuel system or the ignition system.
Gilly

The car will crank strongly but won't turn. The fuel pump seems to be working. Just will not ignite. I suggested the flywheel problem.
Thanks for the help.

david s poole · #21 09-01-2006, 10:36 AM

you should have the distributor with the small cap with green wire coming off to ignition unit.problem may be with that wire.but seeing as this is grey market car you may have the system that ran from 86 in the usa.this will include a flywheel pickup[and they are dropping like flies]

sublettd · #22 09-15-2006, 10:13 PM

Think we solved the problem today. As suggested, there was a wire on the electrical buss that was almost burned in two in TWO places. It's a wonder the car even started at all. Wound up having to build a new harness with the positive battery cable and the two other wires going to the starter. The battery cable also had a few strands of wire that were broken. Don't know if this was part of the problem or not, but it is fixed.

Appreciate you all helping figure this out!