420SL wont start- value? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MTUpower · #1 12-16-2009, 06:48 PM

I tried starting this car for the owners- and got it started for a few seconds. Sounded good when it ran, but it died again. It wanted to start, but just would not. The fuel pump buzz sounded good- but the black hose (1/2inch sized- I know it's metric) next to the double fuel pumps was ugg-ly and weeping. The car overall did not look bad- but with no battery and no start I could not check the rest of the car. Needs new tires, and I do not know if it has a hard top or not. The cloth looks okay but the plastic is crap. Dash cap. Interior is fair. Should I continue to try to start it? 200K miles. Been sitting for 8 months- the owner died.

Walrus · #2 12-16-2009, 08:53 PM

assuming you did all the prudent things prior to trying in the first place, I say go for it. Otherwise, damage may have already been done, so go for it.

You are aware there were only slightly south of 2200 of this model made, do you not?

ctaylor738 · #3 12-16-2009, 09:16 PM

I believe that both pumps need to run for it to start, so you might check. that as well as spark.

Beyond that, it sounds like it has some sort of fuel problem. If the pumps both run, you might try pushing down on the air sensor plate while someone cranks the starter to see if you can force enough fuel to the injectors to get it started.

MTUpower · #4 12-16-2009, 10:00 PM

I checked spark by holding one wire from the pass side cylinder all the way forward and you could feel the spark thru the wire. It has a true euro exhaust- dual all the way. It may just be low on fuel, or it may be that both pump do not work. I can hear them buzz when the key is turned. The car had no battery so I had to use mine. If you want more details PM me. If I cannot get it started then I will not buy it, but of course if I get is started then they most likely will not negotiate on the price. I'm the kind of guy that'll try to get it started just so they can sell it.
Seeing that not so many were made does the value really go up?

MTUpower · #5 12-17-2009, 03:28 PM

WDB1070471A038692
208k miles
Still will not start when I put another 2 1/2 gallons in her. Both fuel pumps seem to be operating by touching them when another person tries to start it. I took the air filter cover off and depressed the "thing" that allows air in- and it comes right back up, but no change in the sound of starting, even when I fooled with it before, during and after attempts. It did run for another three seconds one time. Seems like it's getting too much fuel- I know, I know. I gave up. I bit more rust than I wanted to find, and the interior is has small flaws- but it does have 208K. Needs a new soft top but the frame for it looks good. No hard top. Nice bumpers in good shape. Could use new tires. Let me know if anyone is interested in more- PM me. He might let it go for less than the asking, but I did not inquire because I will not buy a non running car. I think he's gonna take it to a indie and try to fix it so it starts. Nice guy and daughter, but they know very little about the car.

meltedpanda · #6 12-17-2009, 08:23 PM

these are the very ones that scare me the most, No way I'd go 2500, perhaps 1000

MTUpower · #7 12-17-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

these are the very ones that scare me the most, No way I'd go 2500, perhaps 1000

I told him today I could not buy a non running car. I was think of offering a grand as she sat, but refrained. He has my number and wants advice later on boats- and perhaps in a month I'll call him and see what's up with the car. At that time I may offer a grand.