Garage Kept

[srz65]

Hi I'm new to the forum because I'm a new owner of a 1987 560 SL...

This car has been garaged kept and hasn't been started for 4 years...
Prior to storage it was running fine.

what tips can you offer before I attempt to start this vehicle? It has a half tank of 4 yrold gas and around 2000 miles of 4yr old oil in it.

Thanks.

[per300]

Hi srz65.

Congrats with the new wheels.

I would have:
Drain the old fuel & replace with in good premium fuel.
Turn the engine by hand a couple of times.
Than turn the engine over with the starter motor, with the plug wires disconnected, and until you get oil pressure.

Connect the plugwires and try to start the engine.
If it start, let it run on high idle, 1000 rpm, until warm. (Check for fuel, oil & coolant leakage).

Change engine oil & filter, trans oil & filter + coolant & fanbelts.
(At least as a start).

In what condition is the tyres? Cracked? Check brakes & replace brake fluid.
Etc, etc +++

Understand that there is also a problem with the timming chain on that engine.

Per.

[dugald]

Originally Posted by per300

Hi srz65.
Understand that there is also a problem with the timming chain on that engine.

Per.

I think you may be confusing the 560 with the early 380. There are no particular problems with 560 timing chains.

[per300]

Sorry Dugald, but I have seen several threads about the chain problem on the 560. (Got worried if it was also the case with my SL500 2001).
So please do a search. I understand that it is recommended to change at around 150,000 miles

Here is one: I'm stumped with my 87 560SL

Anyway, a good preventive maintenance after you buy the car will save you lots of $$$, + you know "where you are".

Regards, Per.

[dugald]

Thanks.
I am aware of the recommendation to change the chain at high miles, but I don't consider that a problem.

[srz65]

Thanks for the replies...

[per300]

srz65, this is a near dead page, (sorry guys).
Try http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/ there are more info for you there. Anyway, you have one of the most classy cars ever made. Take care of it, pls.

P.E.

[iwrock]

Its good to replace the chains with time, but more importantly, check the chain guides.... Thats the more common problem with the motor just letting go...

[srz65]

Originally Posted by per300

srz65, this is a near dead page, (sorry guys).
Try http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/ there are more info for you there. Anyway, you have one of the most classy cars ever made. Take care of it, pls.

P.E.

I definitely will take care of it...not only for the obvious reasons but also because it was left to me from my dad who passed away this year.

Thanks again everyone...will most likely be posting more when I acquire the car.

[JimFreeh]

It's very critical to NOT start an engine with old gas in it, the gas will varnish on the guides and lock the valves.

I discovered this on my 64 Lincoln convertible. Bent all 8 intake pushrods and blew most of the lifters.

Jim

[srz65]

Is there a plug I can pull on the bottom of gas tank to drain...what would be the best way to change the gasoline...