Proclaimed resident MB mechanic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

loneranger · #1 10-14-2013, 07:03 PM

First time on this forum. I own 4 MB diesels and have a small shop I repair them in (private individual not a business). The neighbors wife decided I know everything about MB's so she bought a 78 450 SL at a local estate auction. The car, so I am told, is really good but has been sitting for 8 yrs. It only has 78K on it. Anything I should look for other than plugged injectors and replacing everything made of rubber on the car?

vandor · #2 10-14-2013, 07:31 PM

Check how stretched the timing chain is. They can break...

meltedpanda · #3 10-15-2013, 11:12 AM

any car that sits for 8 years requires a lot of work, beyond your two point, as I am sure you know

drain all fluids, including gas tank
check all lines, hoses for rot
check tires for rot
Cehck brakes for siezed calipers

remove plugs, lubricate cylinder walls, hand turn motor
take valve cover off- check for timing chain integrity and stretch.

read as much as you can on K jet systems

refuel - try to fire her up

let us know

loneranger · #4 10-15-2013, 04:23 PM

so far the fuel siphoned out- smells like shellac, in tank filter plugged completely, fuel line from tank to external filter plugged with gunk. Car only has 78K so timing chain should be OK but will check along with all the other stuff- minor checking on tires- don't know if the car will ever see over 50 MPH but I'll tell her.

sokoloff · #5 10-17-2013, 04:09 PM

Brake hoses. If the tires are 10, 12 or more, then I'd insist that she replace them. If she chooses not to, that's up to her, but I'd sure cover my ass on that safety issue.