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