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#1
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1981 380SL Oil Gauge
I recently purchased my first Mercedes, 1981 380SL. I see a few negative opinions here about the '81. My issue is that the oil pressure gauge is buried (maxed) when I press on the accelerator. With my foot off the gas, the gauge drops down to just under "3". So, the gauge needle is always super high. Is this normal? Thanks!
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#2
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This is normal. When you're "on the go" the needle will "peg". When you're at idle, engine hot, in Drive, it should be somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5ish. Sometimes when the sender fails, they stay at 3 all the time, but if you're seeing it dip down, that's normal behavior. My 500SL never dips below 2 after it gets to operating temp.
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#3
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Thank you. What quick assistance!!
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#4
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The big deal with the 1981 is that it has a thinner, less robust timing chain.
That can be changed, I'm sure someone here has done it. Oil wise: I always check the oil sending unit and occasionally clean it out with a little bit of fuel or brake cleaner. I had one stick on me once, and I had one where wires went bad and resistance reduced the reading. Changing it if you are base lining the maintenance of the car is not a bad idea.
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Strelnik Invest in America: Buy a Congressman! 1950 170SD 1951 Citroen 11BN 1953 Citroen 11BNF limo 1953 220a project 1959 180D 1960 190D 1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr 1983 240D daily driver 1983 380SL 1990 350SDL daily driver alt 3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5 3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6 |
#5
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if it was not doing that - thats when you need to worry
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Ron 2015 Porsche Cayman - Elizabeth 2011 Porsche Cayman - Bond,James Bond Sadly MERCEDESLESS - ALways LOOKING ! 99 E320 THE Queen Mary - SOLD 62 220b - Dolly - Finally my Finny! Sadly SOLD 72 450SL, Pearl-SOLD 16 F350 6.7 Diesel -THOR 19 BMW X5 - Heaven on Wheels 14 38HP John Deere 3038E Tractor -Mean Green 84 300SD, Benjamin -SOLD 71 220 - W115-Libby ( my first love) -SOLD 73 280 - W114 "Organspende" Rest in Peace 81 380 SL - Rest in Peace |
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