Waking up D-Jet

[ctaylor738]

I couldn't resist a 38K '72 350SL that has not run since 2001. It will start and barely run, horrible smell and clouds of smoke from old fuel.

I know the basics (tank, strainer, filter, flush lines, oil, spark plugs, etc.).

But any suggestions about the fuel rail/injectors or other mysterious D-Jet pieces?

Should the trigger points be cleaned on principle?

Thanks,

[300SDog]

If it was me I'd clean em with dollar bill and NOT regap em or do any other tune up fiddling without gettin the fuel system flushed out first. Meanwhile I'd be hosing the whole darn engine bay including every relay box with assorted solvents like electr parts cleaner.

Dog's revival method would basically involve high speed italian tune-up after gettin fresh fuel to the jets. But would probly dissassemble and clean varnish from rear mounted high dollar fuel pump as precautionary measure. Reconnoitre messing with rack dampener wont do any good until the systems had chance to clean itself first. Same is probly true of normal tune-up measures, you'll have no bottom line of healthy running engine until lettin the engine clean itself bein driven.

[ctaylor738]

The way I came across this car, I had very little time to check it out. I have it in my garage now. It's chassis # is 00159, engine #00207, production date 07/16/71. Originally white/red, now red/red, but a very complete job, including door jambs. And damn, it's RED! Owner was told by the local dealer circa 2001 that it needed a valve job, so he parked it.

Not looking forward to dealing with the ancient gas, but am eager to mess with D-Jet and learn more about the early 107's.

[Blue 72 250]

I love the dog's method. Simple and to the point. Drive that baby!

[ctaylor738]

Ja, but not sure a car that's been sitting for seven years is up to it. Probably be good to have steering and brakes.

[GaryF]

Have the tires flat spotted from sitting so long? If the engine starts then the injection system is probably in reasonable shape. Mine had been sitting a while and the brake rotors had a line of rust across the surface from running water I needed to replace them along with the pads.

[meltedpanda]

I resurected a 72 450, the usual, and got her running but ended up replacing all the rubber under the hood, injectors refurbished, trigger points, plugs ect and now she does 0-60 in 10, so not bad, runs smooth
Djets do not like vacuum leaks and like fuel
If can help , post specific questions and I will throw in my 2 cents

PICTURES???

[350SL4spd]

Mine was resurrected after a similarly long time down.

Just to get a base-line (after fresh fuel is in) I would 1) Replace ALL vac lines under the hood. 2) Clean points like dog said.

Then I would drive it and what how she does. Obviously brakes facilitate returning home in the car to keep tuning...

I'm curious: Is she an American 4.5 or a euro? And if she's an American, how much smog gear does she have?

And, yes, PICTURES.

[meltedpanda]

with build date of 71 gotta be a Euro dose it not?
Should not have any smog junk on it

[350SL4spd]

Now that you mention it, that should be right, Melted.

[cth350]

If the fuel ring has the original rubber hoses, definitely replace them.

If you don't already have one, make sure there is a fire extinguisher handy that is rated for gas/oil fires.

Replacing the line from the manifold to the pressure sensor hiding under the brake booster is a good thing usually. Make sure both ends are actually clamped.

-CTH

[ctaylor738]

This is the real deal, a very early US car sold new at American Service Center in Arlington VA on 11/11/71. Never had the 350 badge changed. In 1989 in was repainted red at the same dealership. Very complete job including door jambs, underhood, etc.

No smog stuff that I can find anywhere.

Some pictures attached. Those are genuine MB chrome wheels, which are growing on me. I also have the original covers.

[350SL4spd]

Wow. That is one RED car!

Looks great, though.

Nice find!

[meltedpanda]

very nice, I suspect very rare, and very red... nice

[wbain5280]

Chuck, where do you find these gems?