Author Topic: Help - Problem starting a 230SL (manual)  (Read 3582 times)

relbhcb

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Help - Problem starting a 230SL (manual)
« on: January 05, 2016, 16:43:49 »
I can't get my 230SL's engine to start - after 2-3 years of never letting me down :( .

  • If I do not touch the throttle pedal and turn the key (after having let the fuel pump pressurise the system for ~10 seconds) then the engine fires for a couple of seconds at low RPM, but then dies - tick over is not self sustaining, and even if I "tickle" the pedal to keep it going the engine cuts out anyway.
  • Alternatively, if I press the throttle fully to the floor and turn the key then it roars in to life (maybe 2,500 RPM)  :o , but as soon as I try to reduce the RPM the engine dies.
  • If I do either of these more than two or three times I then have to leave it for ~10 minutes before it will fire again.

I had thought that the automatic choke required you to not touch the throttle during start, but the full-to-the-floor method was given to me to use if all else failed (& it did get me started last weekend).

Any suggestions as to what I can look at? The battery is fine, and the fuel tank is half full with reasonably fresh petrol. The electronic fuel pump sounds normal.

TIA

Benz Dr.

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Re: Help - Problem starting a 230SL (manual)
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2016, 16:48:40 »
Your engine isn't getting enough fuel which could be any number of problems. I would look at ignition first and then fuel pressure.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

ja17

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Re: Help - Problem starting a 230SL (manual)
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2016, 16:57:13 »
Ditto, on Dan's reply.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

relbhcb

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Re: Help - Problem starting a 230SL (manual)
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2016, 17:53:39 »
Thanks both; I have asked my independent MB specialist to come over on Friday to have a look at it - fuel issues (injection) are beyond me I'm afraid.  :-[

Benz Dr.

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Re: Help - Problem starting a 230SL (manual)
« Reply #4 on: January 06, 2016, 06:25:08 »
You need a good strong spark which you can check at the coil wire. Fuel volume is generally a sign of good fuel pressure. Both of these tests are on this site.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

douglas5005

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Re: Help - Problem starting a 230SL (manual)
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2016, 07:02:13 »
Hi,

Any updates on the car?

Benz Dr.

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  • Benz Dr.
Re: Help - Problem starting a 230SL (manual)
« Reply #6 on: January 22, 2016, 16:31:14 »
Probably the warm up regulator on the IP. It could be stuck in the fully warmed position. 
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC