Engine cuts out when steering on full lock

[loizou]

My 230sl with power steering has an unusual problem when the steering wheel is turned from lock to lock the engine cuts out and the red light on the dash comes on.
Any ideas or cures or what is causing this.
Thanks

[jeffc280sl]

Louis,

I assume this happens when the car is at idle and not moving.  Turning the steering wheel during this condition places a very high demand on the power steering pump and in turn your engine which stalls out.  I'd start by changing the power steering fluid.  I'd check the lines for leaks and bulges.  If this doesn't help I suggest you consider rebuilding the power steering pump.  You can do a search on this topic where you will find numerous posts.

[loizou]

Yes Jeff this happens when the car is not moving but just ticking over also I forgot to mention that it is idling at 500 -600 revs
What should it be idling at
Thanks Louis

[menesesjesse]

The rpms seem too low and the additional stress from the pump may cause the stall.  I recommend bumping up the idle to 750 and then check to see if it happens.
Jesse

[jeffc280sl]

Louis,

As Jesse says your idle is too low.  I assume you have your car in drive with an idle that low.  I know the later SLs have a solenoid that picks up the idle in this situation.  Does your car have an idle solenoid on the accelerator linkage?

[jeffc280sl]

Search for "constant speed solenoid" for info

[ja17]

Yes, the idle is too low and this is most likely the problem as long as the engine is in tune and the engine is healthy.

Sedans of the era had a hydraulic piston which kicked the idle up a bit when the car was at idle with the steering activated. The piston ,which was on the intake manifold, acted on the engine linkage and  had a metal line which came from the PS box.  I don't think any of the SL engines had this.  But it looks like steering at idl,e is a period of very high demand on the engine. Too low an idle will cause the engine to stall.