I've owned a '78 280SL Euromodel (I-6) for about 1 month. Got a list of about a dozen "little" things to fix. Until yesterday it was starting and running fine. Would start with first turnover of the ignition without applying gas. Now the car won't start. Just turns over and over, but the motor won't catch or even come close to catching. Is there any simple answer to this or do I need to call in the experts?! Also, the RPM's seem to run very high on this vehicle (about 4000 at 110 KPH). Why are RPM's so high? It feels like it is geared very low. Thanks for any help.

Ignore the comment about the swing axle. I just realized you have a 1978 and not a 113 chasis.

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63 190d (sold)
69 220D (sold)
69 280SL (sold)
76 BMW 2002 (sold)
86 190E-16v (Demised at Laguna Seca Turn 9)
87 300SDL (sold)
87 300SDL 135k
87 300TD 280k (sold)
95 E320W 211k
95 E320w 111k
05 C320 4matic
06 E320 CDI 90k (Totaled by a texting 19 year old girl in a nissan)
2013 GLK 250 Bluetek 4MATIC

I had a similiar problem and went about all sorts of methods to figure it out. After changing the fuel pump, it still would not start. Then I decided to inspect the rotor. Tip was broken off. A $5 part that took me $400 to find. check to see if you are getting a spark. The car is geared low. Mine does the same thing. You could put a different rear end in it from a 300SEL or other swing axle car and get the rev's down to a more civilized level.

henry

__________________
63 190d (sold)
69 220D (sold)
69 280SL (sold)
76 BMW 2002 (sold)
86 190E-16v (Demised at Laguna Seca Turn 9)
87 300SDL (sold)
87 300SDL 135k
87 300TD 280k (sold)
95 E320W 211k
95 E320w 111k
05 C320 4matic
06 E320 CDI 90k (Totaled by a texting 19 year old girl in a nissan)
2013 GLK 250 Bluetek 4MATIC