1991 300SL issues - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Shaggydog199 · #1 09-08-2003, 01:55 PM

I can't seem to get answers from the Tech Forum so I'm coming to the SL experts!

1. Often, when driving within 10 minutes of starting out cold, if taking my foot off the gas to slow, the RPM's drop to zero. If I press the gas before coming to a stop, the RPM's will pop up to normal. If I actually stop I need to restart the car. After a short while this issue goes away and all is ok. Seems to be ok for the rest of the day. Is this an issue with the warm up? Polution control? Idle control? Only seems to happen with 10 minutes of starting out. May repeat itself 6 of 8 times then the RPM's hold!? If I lightly press the gas when stopping everything is ok. IDEAS?

2. Was told I needed the head gasket, valve cover gasket, front timing cover gasket, and rear main replaced. Are all leaking. Does this sound normal for a car with 52,000 miles? Cost estimated to be $2500. Is this high or normal?

Thanks!

G-Benz · #2 09-08-2003, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shaggydog199
Was told I needed the head gasket, valve cover gasket, front timing cover gasket, and rear main replaced. Are all leaking. Does this sound normal for a car with 52,000 miles? Cost estimated to be $2500. Is this high or normal?

Thanks!

Sounds like a boondoogle to me! Mechanic is full of it! Doubt that you'd have leaking issues with that low of a mileage, and even if you did, it wouldn't solve any of what currently ails your car except keep your garage floor clean!

That sound like a fuel-related problem to me. Without actual diagnosis, I would fault either the:

1. OVP (OverVoltage Protection Relay)
2. Fuel Pressure Regulator.
3. Fuel Accumulator.

When your fuel pump starts to go, it gets really noisy before it finally dies...

tecqboy · #3 09-15-2003, 09:15 PM

I agree with the above post. But, this could also be a vacuum problem. I'd look for old or cracked vacuum hoses and the plastic fittings which connect them together. Also check out the EGR valve. It should be free to move and not leak off vacuum. Sometimes they get carboned up and don't move freely or at all. I doubt that you need all that stuff the mech said, but you may still need to seek out a pro for help. Tod