'72 280SE update

[MerkeyTerkey]

Alright guys, I've had this car for about three weeks now. I finally got to start messing with it yesterday (inlaws were in town for two weeks). A few issues I've found are:

Car wont start unless if its in neutral & the gearbox is very squishy & hard to find gears
Very high idle but when in park/neutral but drops down to normal when in gear
White smoke from tail pipes (disappears when driving)
I also need to replace the fuses (where can I buy these suckers?)

Pictures are here. I think you guys will get a good laugh out of some of the pictures

[Palolo]

Lever on left: air supply source (diverted flap control)...fresh air (outside) or fan blower (heated).

Round vent (full of leaves? Filter missing under cowl?) rear seat dome light switch above it.

Headlight switch.

Rear window defrost.

Speaker fader F/R

The red one...just hazard a guess.

Oh, your vent's chrome trim ring is on the stalk. Dab a little rtv or something in two small spots and pop it back on...

[MerkeyTerkey]

Originally Posted by Palolo

Lever on left: air supply source (diverted flap control)...fresh air (outside) or fan blower (heated).
Round vent (full of leaves? Filter missing under cowl?) rear seat dome light switch above it.
Headlight switch.
Rear window defrost.
Speaker fader F/R
The red one...just hazard a guess.
Oh, your vent's chrome trim ring is on the stalk. Dab a little rtv or something in two small spots and pop it back on...

Awesome, thanks. The ones I didnt know were the lever, rear dome light switch, rear window defrost & the speaker fade.

[MerkeyTerkey]

Im bumping this. I got the fuses sorted out, although one fuse is missing from the engine bay area, I have no idea what it goes to.

The first thing on my list is to to replace the exhaust manifolds. Both of them are worn through and thus makes the car sound like a helicopter. Does anyone know where I can find a set? Also, can any of you gentleman post a picture of your 4.5 engine bay?

[Tomguy]

So pic #1 is for your windshield washer reservoir. Clearly missing.

#2, I'm GUESSING, is some aftermarket hacked-in coolant overflow tank. There's no recovery system on these, so if it pisses out coolant it usually does it on the ground. My guess is a bad radiator cap or overheating condition led to this bottle, which may explain your white smoke (coolant in the exhaust)... if the exhaust smoke is grey/blue at all, valve stem seals & guides.

#3 yes. #4 should not be an issue.

#5 get a new return hose rated for oil versus one not at all rated for anything but water!

#6 may indicate you need major harness repair or replacement.

#8 indicates a leaking steering box. Welcome to the club! Honestly, a very common issue, and resealing is best left to pros.

1972 280SE 4.5 - Tomguy’s Photo Gallery - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum > Under my 108's hood, with many many more pics throughout multiple posts of mine. Just search for the area you want, you'll probably find it

Oh and an edit for an afterthought: Is there a reason you leave your side marker lights on? You should have the headlight switch in the "Off" position - perfectly vertical You have the side markers on (for the left side by the look of the switch position). If they aren't on - the switch is bad or the bulbs are.

[Palolo]

Originally Posted by MerkeyTerkey

The first thing on my list is to to replace the exhaust manifolds. Both of them are worn through and thus makes the car sound like a helicopter. Does anyone know where I can find a set? Also, can any of you gentleman post a picture of your 4.5 engine bay?

Are they cracked or missing gaskets? You might need to source them from a parts car at this point...

(If you find a used set, consider having them stop at Jet-Hot Ceramic Coatings on the way to you.)

[MerkeyTerkey]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

So pic #1 is for your windshield washer reservoir. Clearly missing.

Im alright with this not being functional at the moment...

Originally Posted by Tomguy

#2, I'm GUESSING, is some aftermarket hacked-in coolant overflow tank. There's no recovery system on these, so if it pisses out coolant it usually does it on the ground. My guess is a bad radiator cap or overheating condition led to this bottle, which may explain your white smoke (coolant in the exhaust)... if the exhaust smoke is grey/blue at all, valve stem seals & guides.

I'll have to keep an eye on this, so this tank isnt a stock thing? Someone added it because of an issue with the cooling system somehwhere?

Originally Posted by Tomguy

#5 get a new return hose rated for oil versus one not at all rated for anything but water!

Ah, so a new hose is in order. This line is for what exactly?

Originally Posted by Tomguy

#6 may indicate you need major harness repair or replacement.

Everything seems to be working, so I'm going to leave it for now...

Originally Posted by Tomguy

#8 indicates a leaking steering box. Welcome to the club! Honestly, a very common issue, and resealing is best left to pros.

Is there somewhere I can fill it up at, or check to see if its low on fluid?

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Oh and an edit for an afterthought: Is there a reason you leave your side marker lights on? You should have the headlight switch in the "Off" position - perfectly vertical You have the side markers on (for the left side by the look of the switch position). If they aren't on - the switch is bad or the bulbs are.

The fuse was missing so the parking lights wern't on, when I replaced the fuse I found out why there re so many position for that damn switch. Good eye [thumpsup.jpg]

Originally Posted by Palolo

Are they cracked or missing gaskets? You might need to source them from a parts car at this point...

(If you find a used set, consider having them stop at Jet-Hot Ceramic Coatings on the way to you.)

There are actually holes in the manifolds them selves. I've read this is kind of a pain-in-the-ass thing to replace...