Just drove my 66 230SL for the first time yesterday since recommissioning it last year. I bought it in 2001 on eBay and used it on weekends until 2009. It was parked and covered until last year. New fuel tank, pumps and filters, fluid changes etc. Had an awesome run from Cooperstown to Queensbury to attend the Cars, Castles and Kids event at Roglieri’s house yesterday. 80, 90, 100-ran like a dream. The 5 speed is just infinitely better cruising on the highway. But need to sort a few things out and hoping for some advice.
1. Exhaust fumes filling the cabin under 60mph. I run this as a coupé as I’m not much of a soft top guy. The exhaust system is weak with a few leaks and perforations here and there. It was horrible.
2. With fuel more than half full raw gas fumes filling the cabin when pulling away or going up hills. It’s a wonder we didn’t become asphyxiated yesterday.
3. The steering has become very vague. Lots of play in steering where a crown on the road will turn the course of the car. My w111 was the same way.
4. Lots of vibrations in any gear under load. More like a tuning fork than something out of balance. Bushings
perhaps?
Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated. I love this car and want to keep it as a driver until the end!
