380 sl won't start at (P) only at (N)

[Ricardobarro]

Suddenly my '82 380 sl will not start at Parking only at Neutral.

Newbie, how do I know if my car is a single or doble timming chain?

Any comments will be appreciated.

[Gilly]

Starting problem would most likely be either the plastic bushings in the shift linkage or the neutral safety switch.
Usually you can tell if it's single or double roller by looking forward inside the valve cover by removing the oil cap, using a good light. If unsure you can pull a cover off. Or you can jst tell me how many miles are on it, heh heh, just kiddin'.
Gilly

[Ricardobarro]

Thank you for your mail and help.

Is this a big job to fix?

I should say also that when the car is at P it moves like if it was at N.

Thank you again.

Ricardo

Originally Posted by Gilly

Starting problem would most likely be either the plastic bushings in the shift linkage or the neutral safety switch.
Usually you can tell if it's single or double roller by looking forward inside the valve cover by removing the oil cap, using a good light. If unsure you can pull a cover off. Or you can jst tell me how many miles are on it, heh heh, just kiddin'.
Gilly

[Gilly]

The timing chain is a fairly major undertaking, yes. The timing cover has to come off to replace the sprockets.
It sounds like you need new shifter bushings. Some people have done this themselves at home, depends on your own capablities.
Gilly

[abe g]

Sometimes the switch gets dirty (mounted on drivers side of transmission). Try spraying with WD 40 oil. I did this to mine and it worked! good luck Abe G