380SL Won't start

[etidd]

Hello, I purchased an '83 380SL last December. I noticed through the winter that I would need to turn it over for a while before it would start. Over the summer it cranked right up. But, the other day I went to start it and it just turns over and over. A few days later, it cranks right up. Today, nothing... just turns over. I pulled a plug, had the wife turn it over, and did not see a spark when I grounded the plug.

Any idea where I should start?

Eric

[JFawcett]

I have a list.....
These cars were ment to be DRIVEN....they don't sit well and when they sit they become more tempermental.

1. Check coil.
2. Check cap & rotor
3. How old are the wires?
4. How old is the battery?
5. When you try to start does the starter always engage or do you get clicks or does nothing happen?
6. When it does start any colored smoke from back end?

[etidd]

Thanks... here are my responses...

1. Check coil.
Is there a way to test the coil?

2. Check cap & rotor
Are these cheap enough that I should just replace them?

3. How old are the wires?
I'm not sure.

4. How old is the battery?
I'm not sure but it turns over the engine VERY well.

5. When you try to start does the starter always engage or do you get clicks or does nothing happen?
One time last weekend it did nothing. I put the car in neutral and rolled it a little, then she fired right up.

6. When it does start any colored smoke from back end?
Funny you should ask. My #8 plug fouls out every 500 miles or so... covered in oil and I blow out a ton of blue/white smoke when I first start up. I figured it was a valve stem seat or something and have been waiting for a change in finances before taking her in to get looked at.

[mercmad6.3]

380 with no spark ? ,don't bother checking anything,Just change the ignition module .Silver alloy box on the left hand inner fender with a couple of plugs.

[etidd]

Excellent! Thanks, I'll give it a shot and report back.

[anakngpari]

Mewcmad6.3 Is there a way to check the Ignition Control Module if it id bad or not?