380SL won't run in gear
 

Our 1981 380SL started smoking. We took it to the dealership and they removed the passenger side head. They then returned it to us with the head still off. A friend and I have put the engine back together, but it will not run when in gear. It runs well when in park. We are at wits end, any thoughts?

Can you rev it and make it run? Be sure that the wire to the distributor is on well and not cracked. I have also seen where the distribtor wasn't well grounded.

Also check the wires at the battery and make sure that all 3 are tight.

cam timing?
 

Are you SURE that you got the cam timing correct? It could be that it's far enough off that it's able to run with no load, but doesn't have enough power to keep going in gear....
Just a thought...

Richard Wooldridge
'82 300D/4.3L V6
'94 Taurus (Wife's car)
'88 Astrovan
'77 Jag XJ6L
Etc...