My Worst Nightmare..No Oil in the Injector Pump

[JPMOSE]

I have spent the last few hours continuing the process of extensive services (maint.) since my 250SL has only had 3000 miles put on it since 1978.  I was going to change the injector oil tonight....got a Windex bottle per the recommendation of this site.  Nothing is pumping up?  I pulled the dip stick only to discover the IP is empty!!!  So I filled it with 10-40 Amsoil Synthetic.  I have only run the car for 20 minutes since I obtained it two weeks ago.  I know that the pump was replaced within the past five years.  I never thought to check the level instantly.  I assumed the system was so enclosed that it never occured to me that it could leak!  There are traces of fresh oil but I know it is empty.  Since the car has only had less than 1k miles put on it since the IP replacement, do you think there is a chance that the damage is minimal?

Is there any chance that the IP was updated to a later configuration (oil is supplied and drained to main engine oil?

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL

[ja17]

Hello J.P. Mose,

Rebuilt injection pumps are normally shipped primed lightly with oil but not filled. It is more likely that your pump was installed and never filled!

Hopefully it was lubed enough to prevent damage. If you have no apparent problems with it, it is probably ok.

Good Luck! Glad you had the insight to check it!



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[J. Huber]

Good catch JP. I'm no expert but I bet you're fine. Is yours the type with the small dipstick in the back? I'd check it again after a few miles.

I wonder how many of our faithful will be running out to the garage first thing in the morning!

James
63 230SL