I was hoping for some good advice, I did a search and could not find any info. A friend of mine's family is selling their grandpa's 1956 Mercedes 190 SL. The car, from what I am told, is in pretty good shape. The car was running when he parked in his garage 24 years ago, he rebuilt the carbs and then he never started it again. Now, Grandpa is in bad health and they are selling the car, I told him I was interested.
If I decide to take on this project, What steps should I take before I try and start the car? I am going to Change the oil, new spark plugs, empty the gas tank, clean the fuel line and new battery. Is there anything else I should do to make sure no damage is done to the motor?
Any tips or suggestions are welcome.
Steve

If it were mine I would squirt some oil into the cylinders when I removed the plugs and let it sit, then try and turn it by hand before attempting to start it up. That way, if the rings are frozen by rust you have a chance they will break loose rather than break.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

The fuel tank would be concern number one. If it is badly rusted you may find it difficult, as well as expensive, to locate a good replacement. There are other options regarding fuel tanks with rust problems, you may want to start inquiring to get a better idea of what is available. Expect the worst, be ecstatic by the least!

Oil in the cylinders, oil squirted directly on the valve stems and then turning the engine over by hand numerous times will bode well during the initial startup. A 50/50 mix of oil and automatic transmission fluid would be good (IMO). You might want to reset the point gap just because. Once the engine is running let it idle for several minutes before getting over zealous with the throttle.

Let us know how it does

Too add I would take the valve cover off as well and pour the oil directly all over the head for best spreading around of the oil. Drop some in the cylinders as stated and get a wrench out and hand crank her over making sure she has spun through a good number of times. Drain the old gas from the tank and purge the lines as well. Change brake fluid before driving as well. You may need to change out the lines to the calipers as well since they may pop when you do not want them too. All in all the engine and everything should be ok, well with some dry rot of the rubber vacuum connectors and anything else that is rubber. I would get a few cans of penatrating oil as well and spray evers rubber bit you find in the suspension and engine and tranny mounting parts so they can somewhat soak in some oil and hopefully soften up as to not just outright rip apart.

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

There is actually a good supply of 190SL restoration parts, being one of the more popular classic Mercedes-Benz. In addition to commercial outlets, there seem to be plenty of spares being listed on Ebay, Craigslist, etc. Finally, the MB Classic Center in Irvine, CA should be of assistance.

I'd take the spark plugs out and add a little oil.

Assuming there are no stuck rings- first turn by hand.. then by the starter. That way the engine oil galleries are filled prior to putting a compression load on the brgs.
You'll want to go through the brake system BEFORE driving it. Definately unsafe and at a minimum rebuild major components and replace all rubber brake hoses.
Transmission and diff- change the fluids. Small leaks over 24 years can be bad.
Wheel brgs should be re-packed.
Cooling system checked, fluid changed, new hoses as required.
Engine electrical- check the spark plug wires.

Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

be drums. prob all wheel cyl stuck and mc as well. prob hydr clutch too prob stuck. all above posts fine. also when hooking up battery do it and be very careful as there could be shorts and you could have a fire easily. prob mice too. so look in air cleaner. air cleaner prob oil bath. if so clean and re oil according to line inside.

good luck with your barn find! wish it were me!

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Check oil level in the water pump.

lubricate tachometer drive and cable.

replace all the fuses

If the car still has solex carbs make sure the overflow pipe(s) are in place, otherwise raw fuel will drip on the exhaust manifold.

make sure you can turn the engine over by hand before using the starter. my dad broke the teeth off the flywheel on his 190SL in the '70s after the car sat a few years.

I agree that removing the valve cover is a must. Marvel Mystery Oil mixed with fuel will help lubrication if you do get it started.
The fuel pump should be replaced/rebuilt to make sure it won't dilute oil with raw gas.

190SL brakes are touchy. don't touch the brake pedal until you can work on the brakes. you may lock up one or more wheels.

Check condition of the rubber hose that feeds the oil guage. it is on the drivers side near the oil filter canister. looks like a rubber brake line.

Clutch has mechanical linkage the needs to be greased. also, there are many grease points under the car for the suspension and driveshaft.

Make sure the rear axle has oil and that the boot is not torn before driving.

good luck.

is someone who knows 190 sls.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Be carefull with the spark plugs, I broke one at the threads on a 190 Sl park for 20 years right at the threads without much effort

I do not think no one mentioned this, because I did not see it, but definitely replace ALL of the fuel lines/hoses -whether they look OK or not. Also a good idea to replace all other hoses as well.

Good luck!