83 380SL mentor needed

[Callen333]

Have an 83 380SL that has been sitting a few years. Fairly low miles, great tops, interior and paint. Had red oil leak under transmission, so assume its the seals. Took out gas tank to get it cleaned and bought new gas pump, filter, hoses that go at tank. So got curious about the fuel distributor, etc as what to check before I fill it up with gas and try it out. However I'm clueless to MB, as this is my first one and am having trouble on internet searches on finding out about the fuel distribution system and the transmission. So need a mentor to lead me through checking this vehicle out to get it running again. Need help finding correct service manuals, finding forums on repairs (like the seals on the transmission, fuel distributor etc.) - Thanks, any help appreciated. Located here in Farmington, NM so there is no MB dealer near me.

[Sugar Bear]

The transmission leak may not be a problem. It is common for automatic transmissions to dump fluid out of the vent tube when they sit for extended periods. The fluid from the torque converter migrates into the pan making the level in the pan high enough to come out the vent tube. After you get it running immediately top-up the ATF and check for leaks.

Pull the spark plugs and a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder an rotate the engine by hand several revolutions before using the starter.

Fuel distributor, others can help you more than I can.

Pull the valve covers and clean the cam oil tubes/replace the plastic connections.

Confirm it is a double row timing chain.

I'd use a 15W-40 C rated diesel oil.

Pictures?

Good luck!!!

[marioponze]

I'm clueless to MB, as this is my first one and am having trouble on internet searches on finding out about the fuel distribution system

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by marioponze

I'm clueless to MB, as this is my first one and am having trouble on internet searches on finding out about the fuel distribution system

SCAMMER

[Callen333]

Thanks for the help Frank. Thanks Sugar Bear. Was wondering if there was anyplace with info on checking out the fuel distributor to see if its working ok. Did not want to touch and harm anything I was unfamiliar with. Assume would need FD repair kit, Fuel injector kit, FD valve and seal ... assuming so any help here would help. Was trying to work from fuel tank on up system to fuel injectors before trying to start this car. So a known system check order and how to do would help me. Once again any help is appreciated - Thanks again for your input Sugar Bear