1983 380SL Sitting 8yrs.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RESQME · #1 07-19-2006, 01:16 AM

Hi All,

I have a 1983-380SL which has been sitting in my garage for 8 years. There was no problems with the car at that time. I just decided not to use it and kept it under a car cover. I failed to start it every once in awhile and it has sat idle ever since. Now I want to take it out of the garage because we are remodeling. What are the procedures for restarting a car which sat soooo long? I know I will have to buy a new battery for sure.....BTW it only has 59,000 miles!!!

TIA
Tony

Carlos Serrano · #2 07-19-2006, 10:17 AM

Another good starting point will be to remove all,all of the fuel in the tank and the fuel lines and replacing the fuel filter and adding fresh fuel before you turn the engine over and check the oil, the moving parts in your engine are bone dry and is going to be metal to metal rubbing when you turn it over.
The piston rings are probably gummed up also, specially the oil rings. Back in the old school days the spark plugs will come off and Marvel Mystery oil will be poured in the cylinders and allow to soak for a couple of days to disolve the gunk, I'm sure that there is a lot of people with better suggestions than mine but this will be the first things I will do.

Dee8go · #3 07-19-2006, 10:43 AM

Carlos, what do you do after that? How do you get the Marvel Mystery Oil out?

Carlos Serrano · #4 07-19-2006, 11:27 AM

Take the valve cover off and pour a quart of fresh oil all over the springs, lobes and all the moving parts you can see then Disconect the ignition, place rags in front of the plug holes and turn the engine over, the pistons will push the oil out of the cylinders, drain the oil out of the crankcase, change oil filter, fill to capacity with the right fresh oil, replace the plugs, re-install valve cover, connect the ignition, replace the breather filter and cross your fingers while you start the engine. At least that what I will do.

GermanMarque · #5 07-20-2006, 09:38 AM

Another point is if you haven't moved it, when you do, if you brake hard initially the brakes may well lock up on the disks and not release when you release the pedal. Worth an insection and gentle application to ensure the pistons are not frozen in the calipers and rusted up. As water is heavier than brake fluid, it tends to seek out the lowest point to settle, ie calipers, master and wheel cylinders where it starts to corrode where it lives. A gentle bleed will shown any tell tale signs of rust. My 2 cents.

280sl

Steve Gutman · #6 07-21-2006, 03:16 PM

Why sweat it? New battery, new fuel, new oil and give her a crank. I bought mine which was stored for 2 years. With a battery charger we cranked it up as-it-was, with the old gas and everything, just to see if it would run. I have heard of Mercedes sitting longer and just firing right up.

whunter · #7 07-21-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RESQME

Hi All,

I have a 1983-380SL which has been sitting in my garage for 8 years. There was no problems with the car at that time. I just decided not to use it and kept it under a car cover. I failed to start it every once in awhile and it has sat idle ever since. Now I want to take it out of the garage because we are remodeling. What are the procedures for restarting a car which sat soooo long? I know I will have to buy a new battery for sure.....BTW it only has 59,000 miles!!!

TIA
Tony

The correct way is to send me your address..........

So I can come get the car and title......

As mentioned:
* Bleed the brakes.
* Change the oil.
* Install a NEW battery.
* Replace all tires, if you plan to drive this car on the road again...
* Start it up.

Tire Safety
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-wheels-tires/159178-tire-safety.html#post1222672

Have a great day.