rough idle

[n/a]

I have a 1971 280 sl and when I put into drive or reverse the motor almost wants to stall and sounds like a tractor, just not right. Any ideas that I can try. Thanks

[rwmastel]

There are a whole lot of ideas!!!
 - Is compression correct?
 - Is fuel pressure correct?
 - Is fuel rate correct?
 - Is CSS (Constant Speed Solenoid) working?
 - Is timing correct?
 - Is dwell correct?
 - Are spark plugs non-resistor?
 - Are spark plug wires and ends of good quality?
 - Do the spark plugs show rich fuel mixture?
 - Are the valves adjusted properly?
 - Are Fuel Injection linkages tight?
 - Are Fuel Injection linkages adjusted to proper length?
 - Has a mechanic messed up the Fuel Injection pump adjustments?

There's about 100 other things to check.  Can you give us a better description?  I assume it's an automatic transmission, right?  Is this problem only present when the engine is cold, hot, or both?  What does "sounds like a tractor" mean?  I didn't grow up on a farm, so I can't relate to that analogy.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Cees Klumper]

Tractor sound would be like a diesel I suppose. My first stop would be to check the constant speed solenoid, it sounds like it's not working (or not adjusted correctly).

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic