loss of power 1985 280 sl

[oldan]

Lots of power one day---gone the next.

Engine runs smooth and normal but no guts -- takes forever to get up to 60 mph.

Wants to downshift from high gear at 60mph due to lack of power

Any ideas appreciated

Thanks

[rowdie]

Is the car in the US? If so how badly was it modified upon import.

[rowdie]

Hello. Anyone there?

Perhaps I need to be more specific. Where is the car? US? If so was there any emissions equipment added when it was federalized? A.I.R. pump, catalytic converter, frequency valve etc?

[oldan]

In US since 1986

I have owned for 8 years putting 300-500 miles per year on it.

has 135K on engine but previous owner put in new pistons , main bearings etc
at 95K. He was told pistons were for high sulfur European fuel and not appropriate for USA fuel.

Anyway, I think it is something that occurred just recently.

Thanks for any help

Dan

[rowdie]

Shot in the dark since you didn't answer the question. A clogged catalytic converter or exhaust can exhibit this symptom.

[oldan]

OK thanks

It would seem that those problems would develop slowly.

The car ran fine one day and the next day the power was gone

Guess I will have to find a shop that will look at it.

Never had anything other than oil changes done to it.

Thanks again for your input

Dan

[petesmga]

first guess is the vacuum advance on the distributor.

[oldan]

The spring that butts up against the bracket on the fire wall lost its bushing.
and was floppy.

Fixed by using a washer to put between spring and bracket

Thanks to Walrus for the headsup on 8/17 post.

Dan