W123 help needed! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kennygrant · #1 07-20-2006, 06:22 PM

Hi I'm looking for some help/advice/ideas on a problem with my latest project - an '84 W123 280E with mechanical type injection.
The car had been in storage since last year and had been running perfectly up untill then.
The car broke down on the way back from the storage place after about 3 miles, the engine just cut out after pulling away from a junction. I could restart the engine but it was misfiring and would just cut out if I tried to drive after only a few yards.
I replaced the HT leads and spark plugs as they looked a bit old, the rotor and dist cap look like they are in good condition.
I also replaced the fuel filter and put some fresh fuel in the tank with a splash of injector cleaner.
Running seemed to improve slightly and the misfire has pretty much cleared up but the engine is not wanting to rev without coughing and sometimes doesn't rev up at all.
The problem does seem to clear once the engine has fully warmed up.
Has anyone came across a similar problem?
Any advice at all would be great.
Cheers
Kenny

whunter · #2 07-20-2006, 08:14 PM

This is common with storage vehicles and trailer queens.

The fuel turns to varnish/sludge.

Either drain the tank, and fill with new/fresh fuel or fill the tank and drive it a couple hundred miles.

Italian Tune up
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=84674

Kennygrant · #3 07-21-2006, 03:35 PM

Quick update - had the car out tonight and it drove good (engine warmed up and tuned). But I pulled in to a petrol station and I could hear the fuel pump making more noise than usual and then the engine cut out. It restarted no hassle and although the pump was still noisier than normal it didn't cut out. Pump on the way out?