Author Topic: Acts like out of fuel  (Read 1903 times)

gcw206

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Acts like out of fuel
« on: August 19, 2018, 23:07:07 »
My 1969 280SL acts as if she is out of gas, but wait a few minutes, and she starts right up.  I had a similar problem several years back, and I replaced the rusty fuel tank (the problem), all of the filters, and the fuel pump.  She has run flawlessly ever since (until now).  When she started acting up, the fuel tank was full, the fuel looked very clean when observed through the access hole in the trunk floor, the fuel pump delivered a bit more than 1 liter every 15 seconds (as tested), and the fuel filter was replaced (I have a fuel tank filter in hand that I am going to replace tomorrow).  I suspect that the fuel delivery system is fine; however, I have not ruled out the venting system for the fuel tank.  I understand that the standard MBZ fuel cap is not vented, and all venting comes through the venting system? Is there an easy way to test the fuel tank vent system?  Does anybody have any other ideas? 

ja17

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Re: Acts like out of fuel
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2018, 05:24:58 »
Check the filter screen inside the intake fitting of the electric fuel pump. Test the venting by removing the gas cap if the engine falters again.
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

wayne R

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Re: Acts like out of fuel
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2018, 10:34:09 »
This is similar to  a problem i just had, and  a new set of distributor points and condenser
fixed the problem,regards.

MikeSimon

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Re: Acts like out of fuel
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2018, 13:40:08 »
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner