Quote:
Originally Posted by hpcbmw
My mom's 86 SL560 has been rarely driven over the past 10 years, maybe 500 miles per year (only 60,000 miles on it). I am getting ready to put it up for sale and it idles a little rough. I'm a decent shade tree mechanic, so thought I'd change the plugs and see if that smooths things out. I just drove the car 500 miles and it ran fine, but seemed to only get about 17 mpg.
Is there a certain brand spark plug that works better than others? I'm assuming Bosch is the brand to use.
Should I expect any strange surprises, like plugs that are impossible to reach or plug wires that have a hidden clip?
I'll probably change the plug wires when I change the plugs. Any recommended brand?
Thanks!
|
What a wonderful car. I won't ask why you wish to sell it!
Do check the distributor cap and rotor as well as the leads and plugs, as you mention. I've been using (300CE-24) MB cap and rotor, NGK plugs and Beru wires and all seems well. It's always worth making sure all the HT is in 1st class condition.
I had a 500SL with 10K miles on it and I regularly got 25 mpg (that's our big UK sort of gallon). 17 seems a bit grim - was that stop/start around town?
The 500 was a stunning car capable of 140 mph all day. Give yourself a treat after you've got it running right and keep it for a year.
Oh, just saw your other post: idle on mine was undetectable, smooth as silk. It was only 2 years old but I feel sure you could make yours do the same. Vacuum leaks are worth checking out as others have said.
The best of luck to you.
RayH