450sl a dog? Or trans help.

[ckeefer]

So, just how slow and sluggish are these cars to begin with? When I take it out for a drive it is super slow. It seems to be running normally, but when I get on the gas it has the pick-up of a WV Bus.

It seems like I'm not getting full kickdown or full throttle, anyone ever have this issue and is there specific adjustment instructions for the kickdown lever?

Thanks

[page62]

These cars are NOT sluggish. Not exactly Formula 1 racers, either...but fast enough.

There is a kickdown switch behind the accelerator pedal. It's a electric switch -- not a lever or a linkage. It may be broken. Also check your throttle linkage for correct operation.

Make sure your catalytic converter isn't plugged, either. And it wouldn't hurt to change your fuel filter if it hasn't been done recently.

Finally, please fill out your profile. Knowing where you live helps us answer region-specific questions...like whether or not your catalytic converter could simply "disappear" without Big Brother caring about it...

[ckeefer]

Profile updated.

One more thing. The car is still not as smooth as it should be at idle. I'm guessing that I might have a bad idle control valve. However, my TT switch is also leaking (haven't had time to fix yet), and I therefore do not trust it. But I'm guessing the car wouldn't start in the morning that well if the TT wasn't working.

Thanks for the input. I definitely have a problem and I'm glad that these cars aren't sluggish. I'm thinking that it might be the switch, but plugged cats aren't out of the question either as it just doesn't seem to want to breathe when I get on it. Bad cat would also explain the bad idle.

[page62]

Bad idle usually indicates a vacuum leak. And there's LOTS of potential for vacuum leaks on these cars...

I see you live in Kalifornia...looks like the cat will be staying in place...

[TSLeas]

Hello, I am new to the Mercedes world but have had a love for them since I was a kid. Life took me in different directions and now I have the opportunity to purchase a 1973 107 that cosmetically from the outside is very nice, 73K miles, last ran a year ago and was being driven when the PS pump hose blew, locked up the pump and broke the pulley shaft. No damage to radiator etc. Owner wants rid of the car for $2500.00 as it has been sitting outside at a garage. Nice canvas top, everything appears correct for the car. I have not had the opportunity to get under the car or really go over it with a fine tooth comb but agreed to purchase. This could either be a real find or money pit. Either way I am game to restore the car if it takes a body off, floopan / sheetmetal replace, etc. Please let me know your thoughts and if I am over my head on this one. Is this a desireable car to the Mercedes crowd, or a problem child? I see others for sale in all kinds of condition from $5K to 25K.
Thanks in advance and any help would be appreciated.
Terry

[deportes]

TS, I had a 73 that I purchased for 3800 three years ago. Make sure there is no rust. Other than that the car is a great car for tinckering, parts are easily available and the days cruising with the top down are priceless.
I'ts not a Jap car so don't expect it to be. It's heavier and strong, more gas use. Great cars if is not all rusty. I sold my 73 for 5500 a year later after I got it working perfectly. GL

[TSLeas]

Thanks Juan,

Like I said, I am not certain there is no rust. On the outside appearance body is probably 85% with good shine on what appears to be the original silver paint, no dents, no rust apparent. I don't know about the frame or body panels underneath. It is just a sweet looking SL, silver with black canvas that appears almost new, glass is great, interior needs attention as far as cleaning.

Terry

[page62]

If you can handle a floorpan replacement, I wouldn't worry too much. Rust is common in these areas, but that doesn't seem to concern you...

[TSLeas]

No, I am willing to do a ground up resto if the car has value other than my love for the 450SL.
Terry

[230/8]

The PS problem, if that is all it is, is actually an easy fix. So, you should ask yourself why has the owner not fixed it rather than leave it to sit at the shop??? Check it carefully for other damage and if the PS is all the damage there is, then you should be able to hear it run. Beware the potential money-pit.

230/8

[TSLeas]

230,
I agree and asked myself the same question. According to what I found, divorce and a business setback has percipitated his need for dollars.

Terry

[TSLeas]

230,
According to my friend that owns the shop where the car has resided for a year, the power steering pump was over $800 and the pulley about the same from Mercedes. They also questioned if someone had put the wrong pump and pulley on the engine. Not so as I sent pics to another friend who worked as a Mercedes tech for years and he said the pump is correct (and not that much money rebuilt).

Terry

[ctaylor738]

It's hard to go wrong on a decent looking '73 for $2500 but it is possible.

The rebuilt pump is pricey, $310 - $575 depending on the engine number and you do not have a good core so that's probably another $100. I am sure that Mercedes will really nail you for the pulley. But you should be able to find a complete used pump/pulley assembly on e-bay or car-part.com for $200 or less.

But it would be smart to hear the car run and drive it to be sure that it has a functioning engine, transmission, brakes, steering, and suspension. If these components are decent and you can find a used pump, then it's a good deal.

But it can easily become a money pit. You pay $2500, go with a rebuilt pump for $675, a special-order pulley for $300, and $200 labor to fix the power steering. Assuming that the engine runs OK, you drive it home and find out the steering is loose, the transmission doesn't shift right, the rear end howls, the tires have flat spots from sitting, it overheats, etc. You are in it $3675 and it needs another $2000 to make it driveable so that you can start improving it. Suddenly, it's not such a good deal compared to a running car in better condition.

Remember, there's a reason that it's sat for a year and no one has bought it at such a low price.

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by TSLeas

Hello, I am new to the Mercedes world but have had a love for them since I was a kid. Life took me in different directions and now I have the opportunity to purchase a 1973 107 that cosmetically from the outside is very nice, 73K miles, last ran a year ago and was being driven when the PS pump hose blew, locked up the pump and broke the pulley shaft. No damage to radiator etc. Owner wants rid of the car for $2500.00 as it has been sitting outside at a garage. Nice canvas top, everything appears correct for the car. I have not had the opportunity to get under the car or really go over it with a fine tooth comb but agreed to purchase. This could either be a real find or money pit. Either way I am game to restore the car if it takes a body off, floopan / sheetmetal replace, etc. Please let me know your thoughts and if I am over my head on this one. Is this a desireable car to the Mercedes crowd, or a problem child? I see others for sale in all kinds of condition from $5K to 25K.
Thanks in advance and any help would be appreciated.
Terry

Personaaly I would stay away from the purchase of a 450. Not that they are bad. But the difference in price between a 450 and 560 is not enough to justify the mostly the age difference and also the performance and gas milage. I purchased my red 560 for $5300 now yes it needed a completly new interior and it has 200K and burns oil. But there is not a spot of rust on it. But for the most part I would estimate bringing a 450SL up to par would out cost briinging a 560SL up to the same level.

John Roncallo

[david s poole]

not only that but the front end was SIGNIFICANTLY improved in the 560sl as was the a/c.and it's still a 107 body with ABS brakes.