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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:	Cars in the UK
Notice:	Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:	COMICS::SHELLEYELD

Created:	Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2584
Total number of notes:	63384

1391.0. "Problems with 84 MB 280SL" by CSC32::R_SWANSON () Mon Mar 18 1991 21:49

    I have a 1984 Mercedes Benz 280SL (Euro model).  It is equipped with 
    fuel injection.  Last summer I noticed fairly often after I would drive
    it awhile then leave it sit for a short time it would have problems. 
    It almost seems like a vapor lock type problem.  Once it has reached
    it's normal operating temperature it will run forever.  It has a
    problem once in awhile getting up to normal operating temperature.  If
    I'm driving at a steady speed while it's warming up it will usually
    just cough and continue going.  If I'm at a stoplight it will either 
    miss and continue running or completley die.  Sometimes it will start
    up again ok then again sometimes you need to give it about an hour then
    it will start right up.  Once in awhile it will die completely even
    when I'm driving down the freeway.  A couple of times last summer it 
    wouldn't start after sitting outside all day.  When that happens it is
    usually a very warm day.  It seems as though it is a vapor lock problem
    but once in awhile I have noticed that it will run when it's warming up
    just fine as long as it's running at less than approximately 2k rpm.
    It seems as if I exceed 2k it will "cut out." If I push in the clutch
    and let off the gas it will continue to idle just fine.  If I gradually
    push on the gas (with the clutch in) it will increase to about 2k rpm
    then "cut out."  That sounds more like an ignition type problem.  Why I
    think it is a fuel type problem is because it typically only acts up if
    it has been driven, shut off for a short time then while it's warming
    up does it have the problem.  I have brought it into the local Mercedes
    dealer but they have a hard time duplicating the problem.  It has had a
    tuneup and the car passes emisssions with no problems what so ever.  I
    have the engine manuals for it but I was wondering if anyone could 
    possibly give me some ideas as what to look at.  After all, summer is
    just around the corner her in Colorado and I would like to get the 
    problem resolved before then.
    
    Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
    
    Thank-you,
    Ricky C. Swanson
    CSC32::R_Swanson
    dtn 592-5526    
    
    ps  All fuel filters have been replaced during the tune-up.

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
1391.1		JUNO::WOOD	Scalpel, scissors, replace head .......	`Tue Mar 19 1991 09:19`	5
	Just a suggestion, but has the fuel pump been looked at ? Alan ~~~~~~
1391.2	Fuel pump was replaced	CSC32::R_SWANSON		`Tue Mar 19 1991 18:59`	17
	First, Thanks for the reply. Yes, the fuel pump was replaced. Last summer it had a similar/same problem as it has now. If you left the car cool for awhile, then started it and left it idle it would die (quite often) when the temperature reached approximately 60 degrees (Celsius). After it died it would not start. You had to leave it cool down for an hour or so. Then it would start up fine again. When the dealer was trying to fix this problem, they changed the fuel pump with no difference. He said he put back in my original fuel pump. They ended up replacing the coil and since then I don't seem to see the problem like it exhibited itself then. I still however have some type of a warm up problem. Once it is driven for awhile, it will run just fine. Thanks again for any recommendations. Ricky
1391.3	Vapour system?	GRANPA::63654::NAYLOR	Purring again.	`Tue Mar 19 1991 20:13`	9
	All US cars have had vapour control systems fitted since the late 70's, so this may be worth a look at, too, as problems here can cause similar symptoms as fuel starvation or vapour lock problems. Also, check the filler cap! It should be completely air-tight (my Alfa had lost it's gasket and played up something terrible until I replaced it. Smelled pretty bad, too, at certain times and certain fill levels.) I think the correct terminology is "Evaporative Emission Control System". Brian
1391.4	Try German Motorcraft in Colorado Springs	COMET::BARRIANO	choke me in the shallow water...	`Tue Mar 19 1991 22:09`	10
	Rick, If by local dealer you mean Phil Long, than I would say you are wasting your time. I'd recommend Jack Heavy at German Motorcraft 633-2277 (cars) His shop is on the west side of Colorado Springs off of Midland Expressway. He specializes in Porsches, Bimmers and Mercedes. I've got my 63 300SE overthere now waiting for an infusion of money. :-) Good Luck Barry
1391.5	Thanks for the recommendations!	CSC32::R_SWANSON		`Thu Mar 28 1991 19:55`	14
	Thanks alot for all your recommendations. I appreciate the ideas. I will keep you posted. Re -1; I totally agree with the service at Phil Long. They have had my car for a total of 3 weeks trying to fix this problem. Usually for a week at a time. I stopped going there when what was diagnosed as two bad horns (diagnosis cost me $90) which they ordered for me at a cost of +$200 ended up being a switch that was in the wrong position. This was even a factory installed switch! It was located by my right knee as you are sitting in the car. I'm a board member on the Merecedes Benz Club of America ofr our section and it seems like most people end up going to Salims. But I will try German Motorcraft. Most likely I will wait until the weather gets warmer so it exhibits the problem more frequently. I will keep you informed. Again, thanks for all the recommendations.