New 108 Arrives - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ctaylor738 · #1 04-27-2006, 07:57 AM

Here is a not-so-great picture of my new 1972 280SE. Silver, navy interior, and the M130.980 engine, which is the same as used in the 113's.

It is sort of a "barn find" - not run in two years, but stored in a garage. The body and paint are decent, interior OK, but needs new front seats. As to the engine/trans, I guess I'll find out soon enough.

The car was shut down because of electrical problems, which I believe were caused by a faulty voltage regulator. Right now I have all fluids drained, and plugs and injectors out. Next steps are to drain the old gas, get the electric pump working, and see if I can get fresh gas to the injectors.

I bought the car mainly to learn about this injection system. The plugs were awful - my first lesson will be how to adjust the mixture.

kpb · #2 04-27-2006, 10:52 AM

excellent -- another 108 owner/preservationist in the fold!

(and one with vast MB experience, no less)

alabbasi · #3 04-27-2006, 12:24 PM

Looks similar to mine.
Very nice

Tomguy · #4 04-27-2006, 02:50 PM

It does indeed look nice. If the engine is shot, you know where to send it.

kpb · #5 04-27-2006, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

It does indeed look nice. If the engine is shot, you know where to send it.

Tom, for clarification, the "it" to which you are referring is the body shell, not the "shot" engine, right?

Didn't perceive you as interested in rebuilding a worn-out six...

Tomguy · #6 04-27-2006, 05:18 PM

Indeed, I meant the shell. It's already the right color

280SE Guy · #7 04-27-2006, 05:40 PM

We need to find a good 108 for TomGuy. The same kind of deal that ctaylor738 found. How much did you have pay for it?

ctaylor738 · #8 04-27-2006, 09:48 PM

Too much. $800.

Tonight I fought with the gas tank. I drained it and the screen was OK, but a ton of rust came out with the gas. I then put a gallon in it and pulled the line off at the pump. Nothing came out. I shoved a coat hanger up the line and got a meager flow.

I whacked the pump a couple of times with a rubber mallet, and it started to work. But I am concerned about the rust because there is no filter between the tank and the pump.

I also cleaned the injectors and saw marginal spray patterns on 5 of 6. I soaked them for a couple of hours in carb cleaner, and re-tested with better results. I drilled six holes in a board to hold them, and they are sitting upright filled with Techron and I will re-test them this weekend. Those little buggers are $106 apiece!

Stay tuned.

suginami · #9 04-27-2006, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280SE Guy

We need to find a good 108 for TomGuy. The same kind of deal that ctaylor738 found. How much did you have pay for it?

What do you say we start a "Find a W108 shell for Tomguy fund"?

I'll kick in $20.

280SE Guy · #10 04-28-2006, 04:23 AM

suginami,

I said find a good 108 not a shell. Although I like your idea of starting a fund. ctaylor738 paid $800 for his barn find, I'll kick in a hundred bucks ($100.00) towards the fund for TomGuy.

Anyone else ready to commit?

meltedpanda · #11 04-28-2006, 09:18 AM

reading this makes me wish we somehow all could get together and tell war stories about our MB's compare notes, fix problems. It would be awesome
Kinda like bike week for the hog riders.
I'll kick in a ten spot for tomguy ,has helped me out plenty, you can have my donor car if you want to come and get it, sadly not a 108

richard cronin · #12 04-28-2006, 10:11 AM

Very nice car. I picked up one in Lyon in France 2 years ago. the same family had it for 31 years and as the husband had died his wife was selling it. Good road trip back to Ireland as well.

The whole thing is in very good shape (body and mechanically). It was serviced for the 31 years in the same garage in Cannes in France. The front seats are a bit shabby though.

I have a question on the engine though. The car tends to hunt (i.e. rev up and down) when sitting in neutral. It is also running a bit rich. The Left had side bank of plugs (as you look in from the front of the car) were fairly black when i took them out last week.

Is this a common problem and is it easy to fix. I suspect it is an ignition/fuel injection problem and I have 'a man' lined up to deal with it. However if it's going to take 6 weeks to get parts I'm in the ****.....i intend to take it on a eurpoean road trip in 4 weeks.

any suggestions?

Regards

wbain5280 · #13 04-28-2006, 10:20 AM

Chuck, let me know if you want me to help with the injection. I have experience. I have a W110/111 shop manual and some Chiltons manuals.

meltedpanda · #14 04-28-2006, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard cronin

Very nice car. I picked up one in Lyon in France 2

I have a question on the engine though. The car tends to hunt (i.e. rev up and down) when sitting in neutral. It is also running a bit rich.

any suggestions?

Regards

If the plugs are black and dry you are running rich, may also have vacuum leak(s) which may be cause of your hunt, start with car/inj adj/clean. Check for leaks , gasket failures

300SDog · #15 04-28-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

reading this makes me wish we somehow all could get together and tell war stories about our MB's compare notes, fix problems. It would be awesome. Kinda like bike week for the hog riders.

Ron, you're welcome to travel to Atlanta with me on first weekend in June for Alabassi's get together. Found a $500 190c fintail down there that I'm dying to drive home. I will pay fuel expenses roundtrip. Could even knock the cobwebs out of your 220/8.