|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#1
06-10-2006, 11:48 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
1985 380SE W126 Stalling - Fuel Pump Relay ?
85 380SE approx. 130K, suddenly stalled on me today. Had done it only twice in the last 2 months and approx. 5,000 miles of driving since I got it, all I did was cycle the ignition key off and back on and it started right back up (did this while rolling both times, no need to pull over). Today, cycling the ignition didn't help and I ended up pulled over on the side of the highway. Thought I ran out of gas (fuel gauge not the most accurate) so had a friend pick me up, got gas can, added 2 gals., and it started right up.
On way to gas station, it stalled again. Same deal - wouldn't start back up. A fellow motorist helped me push into a parking lot. Called my wife to bring VOM and service manual, checked out diagnostic for fuel pump relay, and jumpered - car started right up. Removed jumper and put fuel pump relay back, car wouldn't start anymore. Replaced jumper, car started right up. Ran to store, got box of paper clips for 38 cents, stuck a paper clip in there and did the same test, swapping relay back in, and each time the relay was in it wouldn't start. Put paperclip back in and drove it all the way home without incident. Had to pull the paper clip when I got home because the fuel pump kept running (I guess that's why MBZ put a relay in there and not a paper clip). I just ordered a fuel pump relay from fastlane because I'm 99 percent sure this is the problem. But can anyone else out there confirm my diagnosis? Is there anything else I should be looking at? FWIW, previous owner experienced something similar a few years back and resoldered the fuel pump relay - he said it never happened again after the soldering job and I know he drove it quite a while after doing so. When I pulled the relay out I noticed there is still clear silicone from when he re-sealed it. So I'm guessing something other than the solder joints failed inside the relay, like maybe the contacts or something? Maybe the relay, after 21 years, is just finally ready for the bone yard... Any comments?
__________________
08 W251 R350 97 W210 E320 91 W124 300E 86 W126 560SEL 85 W126 380SE Silver 85 W126 380SE Cranberry 79 W123 250 78 W123 280E 75 W114 280 Last edited by gmercoleza; 06-10-2006 at 11:58 PM. 
|
|
#2
06-11-2006, 02:51 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Sounds like we have a similar problem. Ironically, I also have a SILVER, 1985 380SE. I have 266K on mine now. Mine stalls too, but not as often and it seems to be only on the 2nd trip or more out. If I am off and run several errands, it stalls during the 2nd or 3rd trip out. 1st trip it is fine. It stalls like when I am at a traffic lamp. It always starts right back up, but sometimes stalls back out when I place it in gear. Sometimes too stalls out when I start it and place it in gear, like when I leave a store or something. Its starting to agitate me, but not too big of a deal now, because when I have mulitiple errands, I usually take one of my other cars. I would like to repair it however, because I was thinking of taking it on my vacation next week, but we will probably end up taking the stationwagon. I have been told that my problem could be the idle control valve, but I have not had a chance (or the desire) to remove it. I am afraid of making something worse, or damaging something.
  Here is a photo of my car, from your description, yours sounds identical. I am not sure of other shades of silver were offered in 85' or not.... is yours this color well? (Overlook the condition of mine, because my paint on the hood, top and trunk is very faded).  
__________________
2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd 1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive 1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1988 Mercedes 300SEL 1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville (Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL)
|
|
#3
06-11-2006, 06:42 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I would say that you have solved your problem.
__________________
Chuck Taylor Falls Church VA '66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe
|
|
#4
06-11-2006, 11:10 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
86560SEL, here are some pics of mine, I bought it for $800 from forum member Q. It's almost in perfect condition both mechanically and cosmetically, with recent timing chain & guides, water pump, and a bunch of other stuff. I just have to buff the paint (I know it's already "glossy" but I want it to really glow). The only weak area was the interior which was dried out from the sun, but I already took care of that with a full re-dye which ran me well under $100. I'm also in the process of re-gluing the wood. You can see pics of the interior - leather is in great shape now.
     
__________________
08 W251 R350 97 W210 E320 91 W124 300E 86 W126 560SEL 85 W126 380SE Silver 85 W126 380SE Cranberry 79 W123 250 78 W123 280E 75 W114 280
|
|
#5
06-12-2006, 10:38 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
How did you redye the seats? Mine has the blue leather that's intact but faded and dried in some areas.
__________________
1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles 2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed 2005 Toyota Sienna 2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible 1999 Toyota Tacoma
|
|
#6
06-13-2006, 11:13 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I used SEM interior color. Do a search - it has been discussed before.
__________________
08 W251 R350 97 W210 E320 91 W124 300E 86 W126 560SEL 85 W126 380SE Silver 85 W126 380SE Cranberry 79 W123 250 78 W123 280E 75 W114 280
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Hybrid Mode
