380 SL Fuel Pump Question?

[ezrider]

I have a 1985 380 SL with a fuel pump that is still working but has gotten quite loud. Is the pump bad or is this an indication of perhaps a filter that needs changing?

If the pump is bad what can I expect tp pay for a new one and where can I go to get the best price?

Is replacing the pump tricky? Anything special to be aware of when changing it out?

Thank you.

[Jim Anderson]

When you pull the hose to the gas tank off you may take a gas shower. Try to have as little gas in the tank as possible and be ready with a plug or finger or something to hold back the flood.

[The Black Guy]

When you replace the pump, you should replace the filter also.

[J.HIDALGO]

In my car, I disconnected the battery, loosened the fuel cap to relieve pressure then clamped the rubber hose with locking plyers and a piece of leather to protect the hose, the rest is self explanatory.
My car had the same symptoms so I bought a bosch rebuilt by python at www.easternimports.com for almost half the price of a new one. One year warranty. It has been over a year ago, no problems.
Good luck!

[ezrider]

J.HILDALGO:

Were you having the same symptoms that I am?

Thnak you.

[ken juul]

I had a noisy pump on my 126. It stayed noisy for about 3 years despite changing filters. It suddenly got quiet, we were driving back to VA from a vacation in Fla. Stayed quiet for several hours. Then in got real noisy for about 10 minutes and quit leaving us stranded. It is going to fail...just no telling when. Changing is fairly easy, just messy. Especially if you get fuel on everything. Clamping the line is a good idea. I think I paid about $125 at a discount foreign car parts place that was near where I broke down. At least murphy picked a convient spot to leave me stranded.

[J.HIDALGO]

It is just a matter of time...

[sublettd]

Just went through the same problem with my 500SL driving it back from Houston. Rough acceleration because of missing if you trounced on it, but gentle acceleration and you could ease up to a higher speed. Still with a slight miss though.

My mechanic replaced the fuel pump and also replaced the fuel accumulator--as a matter of principle. The fuel accumulator might not have been absolutely necessary, but I understand it can cause a fire.

Don