1982 380SL Won't Start! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

specialist · #1 08-17-2016, 04:09 PM

Hello

I just bought a 1982 380sl it has not started for 20- years. it was running before it was stored away

there is 100k on the car so like new

Things i changed

Rebuilt the gas tank changed the filter at the bottom of the tank.
Put a new bosh oem pump change fuel filter.
New spark plugs and wires

The car has fuel and spark. it cranks strong with the new battery. the car started for a sec then die never started again after that

When i pull the plugs out they are soaked in fuel.

I don't know what to do are the injector stuck open?

cwmoser · #2 08-18-2016, 06:43 AM

Could be leaking Fuel Injectors but I would not think all 8 are leaking.

Maybe its the Fuel Distributor - there is a YouTube video on rebuilding one.

Did you mess with the Distributor? If so, recheck your Timing - s/b 0 TDC with
vacuum line removed and plugged.

meltedpanda · #3 08-18-2016, 10:32 AM

DO THIS.
Trying to just start a car that has been sitting for 20 years without cleaning tank , FD and fuel lines won't work the tank is probably varnished over, the filters toast. Start there then
One step at a time. Make sure spark is strong ,fuel to injector lines then is distributor arm pointing to cylinder one when it is suppose to ,there are many variables. The cold start injector. Check that, it may be pouring fuel into the cylinders. If OK Then I'd check and or replace the injectors.

specialist · #4 08-18-2016, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwmoser

Could be leaking Fuel Injectors but I would not think all 8 are leaking.

Maybe its the Fuel Distributor - there is a YouTube video on rebuilding one.

Did you mess with the Distributor? If so, recheck your Timing - s/b 0 TDC with
vacuum line removed and plugged.

I didn't touch the distributor. I will check the timing again. if that is ok i will check the fuel distributor.

specialist · #5 08-18-2016, 12:05 PM

cwmoser -I didn't touch Distributor. I will check timing again. Took cold injector out going to send it out to see if it is ok if that is ok i will say forget the 8 injector and just rebuild the FD.

Melted Panda - I put in new fuel pump, fuel filter, sand blasted the inside of the tank and re coated. New plugs and wires - strong spark just flood the plugs when i try and start.

I will try and rebuild the FD and see what happends

specialist · #6 08-18-2016, 01:28 PM

I seem to find a rebuild kit for a 1982 380 sl any one know where i can get one or send me a link? all the one i see are for a 1983

0438100046 Repair KIT FOR Bosch Fuel Distributor Mercedes 380 450 SL SLC 500 | eBay

Frank Reiner · #7 08-18-2016, 02:27 PM

s:
What part of this line in the FD ebay ad do you not understand?

380 SL Roadster W107 07/1980 - 08/1985 M116.960,962

specialist · #8 08-18-2016, 03:06 PM

I guess that part is for a 1983 not a 1982 some times they are interchange able. Kind of taking a uk camshaft with us camshaft

Stretch · #9 08-19-2016, 02:39 AM

Unless you have a way of measuring the output of the fuel distributor I would not buy a kit and take one to bits

As I'm only familiar with the later KE type of CIS I have to ask

"Has your system got a start valve"?

If so - if you are sure you are getting over fueling on start up - that's the bit you should be looking at. You could even blank off a start valve system and see if you can get the engine to start with out it. (This will be difficult but it will eventually go with loads of accelerator pumping - you should get the odd chug)

The main problem with all things CIS is "false air" leaks however...