My 380 Sl (83) with about 175,000 on it smokes on takeoff (kind of grey). Passed emissions but only barely. Mostly smokes when sitting at a light for several seconds. Drives very well other than the smoke.

Been told that it is probably valve guide seals but one guy had me change the transmission vacuum switch (which was wet) and that helped a little.


Any fixes or bandaids other than a valve job? Heavier oil, additives?


Thanks.


J. Boggs

It could be carbon build up. If so, you could try an Italian tune-up. Do you ever drive the car hard?

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

Replace the valve guide seals. A lot cheaper than a complete valve job.

I concur on the seals needing replacement. It may need guides as well, but start with the seals first.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

If you are not getting a lot of the same smoke on startup, it is probably your rings and not your valve guide seals.

My 1987 190 Euro used to emit bluish/black smoke when I took off after sitting in traffic or at a long light. I was in a real panic. Had my carb adjusted and all the smoke went away.

I believe your motor is running rich.