Help - my 280 sl is dying, but why?

[Melitine]

Greetings, I have not posted here before, and will appreciate any help. Just got back from an hour of stop and go errands in my
1970 280SL, which I have owned for 15 years - daily driver. On the way back, every time I stopped, the engine just died. The car lost all power.
It did start up again, but not easily. The center warning light has been on for the last day and I am embarrassed to admit I do not
know what that light means. All fluids are fine. Naturally, I have an appt to take it to my mechanic (an hour away) tomorrow. But now I fear
I will have to tow it. Any advice? Is my alternator dead?

[garymand]

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/DashboardInstruments  heres the light.  probably not related.  How long do you have to wait?  check for rust in the gas filter or no spark.  I'm guess ing the motor turns over but just won't start for some amount of time?

[Melitine]

Thanks, I "know" the light is re the brake fluid, but I was so freaked I doubted myself. (But it was good of you to send the tech link). The engine turned right over, it just needed a little goosing. No rust in gas filter, spark is ok. I'm suspecting the fuel pump. Last few weeks it's get up and go got up and went - soft acceleration at the lower rpms. I'm getting ready to sell, unfortunately it's time. But I will get it to Denver and have it worked on.

[garymand]

So you have spark and some gas.  Good guess...  You can messure gas pressure and volume to ensure the pump is delivering well. 

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Check (unless you have done so) your fuses, make sure they are all tight with the warm weather the positioning clamps may be loose and you may loose fuse contact. To adjust them, remove the fuse  and bend the contacts a bit so the fuse(s) have good contact. Also on idel is your RPM steady at around 500 RPM or does it die down? You may have to have a read of the linkage tour in our Tech manual.

Good luck.

[Melitine]

Idle is steady, fuses, connections all appear ok. Thanks to all for the help. I'll post when I figure it out!

[Bonnyboy]

you mention no rust in filter - is that the filter in the flower pot in the gas tank - check the tech portion to confirm  the rust encases the filter and block flow to the fuel pump - is your tank full or near empty?   good luck