My friend's BEAUTIFUL '85 380SE Euro started running strange about 2 weeks ago. It had no power in the upper end and the transmission would upshift before it would get to freeway speeds. This weekend it got worse...it won't go over about 10MPH. The transmission shifts fine into reverse and into the forward gear, but there is no power even with your foot to the floor. He thought it was the transmission, but somehow it doesn't seem like a transmission problem.
I'm supposed to go look at it this evening. What are a few things I can check to see what's causing the problem? I've had several 617 motors, but have never really worked on a V8.

I appreciate any advise on this. I don't like to appear totally stupid when I open the hood...

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R Talley
88 BMW E32 735i (make it go away)
95 Volvo 960 "Inga" (valve problems)
95 Nissan Maxima (the indestructible)
89 Ford Ranger XLT (ugliest truck in the South)

Remove the air filter and check full throttle. Lack of lubrication and the disintegration of the round pivot bushings can make it so that the throttle barely moves.

Check the trans fluid level. Be sure the frequency valve buzzes. After that you need to test fuel pressure, secondary ignition, etc.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Steve,

I sure appreciate the advise, as does my friend. I didn't get to look at it last night, so I think he's going to have it towed to my mechanic. Hopefully it will be something fairly minor. This car is really a neat one. Silver, blue cloth, manual seats, euro lamps, low mileage. I may try to buy it when he gets ready for a new car...

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R Talley
88 BMW E32 735i (make it go away)
95 Volvo 960 "Inga" (valve problems)
95 Nissan Maxima (the indestructible)
89 Ford Ranger XLT (ugliest truck in the South)

BASS;
Be sure to check exhaust back pressure,a plugged catalyst will not let a engine rev. up.
The easy way to test this is to loosen the exhaust pipe at the header connection.
Good luck!
M.f.