1973 mercedes 280c - need help with carburetor adjustment

[kgblackburn]

I had the carburetor rebuilt, however am only getting 16 mpg expecting at least 20 mpg. I have properly adjusted the choke, so that the motor will keep running at a fast idle until the car motor heats up and you hit the acellarator to return to a normal idle speed. The two gas mixture screws and the gas idle screws are a bit more complicated. I have got the gas mixture set to prevent stalling when the motor is idling, however the motor is not running smooth. I watch the oil pressure gauge (maximun reading is 45) and try to keep the gauge on 27-30 when idling and the motor is hot. Any tips on how to make the carburator perform better would be appreciated!!

[bwheitman]

Uh Oh! A lot of problems with that Solex carb are due to overtightening. I found this information that is interesting. Might help.

I have not seen a fuel related issue particular to this car that caused it not to start. I HAVE seen plenty of fuel related issues that make it run awful. Overtightening of the four carburetor mounting bolts, causing nternal vacuum leaks within the carb is a biggie. I am not saying that your problem is not fuel related, of course. Typical fuel supply issues can occur, but I just can't think of any that are typical to this one car that don't apply to any carbureted beast, aside from over-tightening the bolts, which will make it run bad, not fail to start.

I had a 73 280C in High School, what color is yours? Mine was blue with white MB tex. What a fun car!

Brian

[Slow,73,280c]

Is the car idling High? I have a 73 280c. and when my oil pressure goes up to 20+, it is because it is idling high.

[autozen]

If you are getting 16 on that sled, be happy. None of the MBs produced in the early 70s ever got any great fuel mileage. I was wrenching at the dealer at that time, and that was one of the biggest owner complaints.