Help! My 560 SL suddenly began stalling after being driven 10-15 minutes (time seemed more a factor than distance or speed). After sitting for 10-20 minutes, would restart. Electrics all fine, turns over well. However, seems to be "fuel starved." That happen on about 10 occasions...now much worse. Won't start at all. After sitting for a while, it will ALMOST start, firing 3-4 times, then just crank with no apparent ignition. Any ideas out there? Thanks in advance.

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Fig
1989 560 SL bought new
118,000 miles

When was the fuel filter changed?

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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.

Great question, Mike. I've purchased a new filter...and now see it looks like quite a job to replace it (under car, near tank). Any hints on finding a how-to for that task short of buying as shop manual?

Thanks,
Dan

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Fig
1989 560 SL bought new
118,000 miles

Get ahold of the most recent edition of the MBCA rag, The Star. There is a maintenance article by Stu Ritter that gives very good instructions on how to do it.

This is a truly nasty job - you may wish to farm it out.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Chuck,

Hmmm...sounds like a challenge. Any idea where I can find that MBCA newsletter w/o being a member?

Thanks,
Fig

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Fig
1989 560 SL bought new
118,000 miles

Check out www.mbca.org - they probably have a way to contact the publisher, and they might sell you the current issue. If all else fails, I could probably fax it to you.

It's not so much a challenge as it is plain nasty. It is a no-brainer, but even if you clamp the lines, it's very difficult to avoid spilling gas on yourself, plus the cover assembly will be filthy. Then you have to dispose of the old filter, which will be full of gas, hopefully without doing too much environmental damage.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Chuck,

Tried to find it on MBCA,...if you would be willing to fax it to me, that would be fabulous...can give you a calling card number to use for the fax if you wish, if you could scan/email that would also work.

email: figleaf31@earthlink.net

Many thanks,
Fig

PS--Note to self...no smoking while replacing filter.

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Fig
1989 560 SL bought new
118,000 miles

A question I might ask: When standing at or near the right rear wheel area do you hear the fuel pump(s) running when the engine is being cranked?

All,

Hmmm...no apparent fuel pump noise from the right rear of car. Assume that's the problem...a few questions:

- Parts stores indicate two are required, I think there are two under there...do they come in pairs or are they sold separately???

- Why two pumps...okay to just replace one?

- Have any of use used the maintenance CDs offered by MB? I'm up to the task with the right guidance.

I welcome any other thoughts...as noted, we bought this car new and intend on keeping it. I probably need to be ready to wrench it as often as my Harley.

Thanks,
Fig

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Fig
1989 560 SL bought new
118,000 miles

Sounds like the fuel pumps' relay or possibly the OVP (overvoltage protection) relay.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Behind the glove box, once removed, you'll find some relays that are responsible for several controls, one being the Fuel Pumps. I would start by removing the Kickdown relay then remove the covering to expose and inspect the circuit board for loose solder joints on the relay contact(s).

A good start

Okay, after some time on the road, I've got the glove box liner removed, and see two relays (apparently) joined together. They are secured by a bracket (more like a plate) to the a/c system air duct.

The relays appear to be a single unit. Which of them would be the kickdown relay?

One more question...can I replace that relay (or both of them)?

Thanks!!!
Fig

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Fig
1989 560 SL bought new
118,000 miles

The relays can be removed and I believe the fuel pump relay is the one closest to the heater box assembly. You will need to remove both to get the Kickdown/Fuel pump relay out.

003-545-25-05 is the replacement number, I do not think this one superceded.

Success!!! Ordered fuel pump relay from Fast Lane, saved $70 over dealer and got it 2 days quicker. Installed same, runs like a champ.

Many thanks for your help!!!

Fig

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Fig
1989 560 SL bought new
118,000 miles