Newbie needs help, Euro 280sl - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mat · #1 03-13-2006, 10:11 PM

Hello all, I'm new to the forum and currently own an 84 300d, and have recently purchased an 81 280 Sl Euro. The 300 has been a wonderfully reliable vehicle, the jury is still out on the sl.

The first question. I need to know what manuals to use to service engine and chassis for the sl.

Now for the current problem. The car was sitting for sometime and seems to be a little hard starting both hot and cold. When it starts cold it will remain at high idle,1700 rpms, after an extended warm up it will come down to approx. 750 rpm's and seem to run fine.

Any suggestion would be appreciated

Thanks Matt

nobby · #2 03-13-2006, 10:32 PM

Matt, I have an '83 280sl. I bought the manual for the M110 engine at the dealership for $60.00 CDN. The chassis manual is the same for all 107's. I bought my MB shop manual on E-bay. I also have the Chilton's, Haynes and the MB shop CD. All together they work. The cold start sounds about right.
The key is that the rpm DOES bleed down to 750. Means your $1200.00 warm up controller is working. What was the ambient temperature when you started the car ?

ctaylor738 · #3 03-14-2006, 08:30 AM

You are probably losing fuel pressure somewhere. Likely culprits are the check valve in the fuel pump, the accumulator, or the injectors themselves.

page62 · #4 03-14-2006, 01:09 PM

The rpm's sound OK. That's just the way these cars were set up for cold start. If you've ever had a car with carburetor, you'd find it operates in a similar fashion.

You need to replace the fuel filter, and likely the fuel accumulator and fuel pressure regulator. Probably the injectors, too. I did all these things on my 450SL, and it runs GREAT!

I know it's a few $$$, but it's worth the investment. Shop around to get the best prices (avoid the dealer!)

As a short term fix, run a couple of bottles of Techron through the fuel system. See if it helps...it can't hurt! Follow the directions on the bottle.

Mat · #5 03-14-2006, 07:50 PM

Thanks for the replies. As a recap we have fuel pump check valve, fuel accumulator,fuel pressure regulator, and injectors. I know where the injectors are, I assume the fuel pump check valve is in the fuel pump. Where are the accumulator and regulator. Is there a way to diagnose these things individually, any suggestions on how. I need some help until I can get the manuals. I'll probably still need help even after I get them. The ambient temp was in the mid 70's

Thanks Matt

page62 · #6 03-15-2006, 08:32 AM

Accumulator is in the back, under the car near the fuel pump. It is a VERY common culprit in hot starting problems (ask me how I know). Fuel filter is back there, too. On the V8's, the regulator is on right side of fuel distributor -- not sure where it is on the 6. Injectors are pretty obvious (and easy to replace).

You don't have to buy everything at once -- by doing things incrementally you may solve some problems (and not have to buy the rest...for now).

Personally, I'd start with the accumulator, a new fuel filter and a couple of bottles of Techron.