Update on my 250SL problems...

[keesing]

For those of you who have been following my "new" car delimas...
It's been three months since I got her and I've yet to put a total of 100 miles behind us. Seems like it has been one thing after another - and none of it normal or expected!

Both certified Mercedes mechanics jointly and independently determined that the fuel flow problems, which resulted in the electrical and other problems, were caused by the intentional physical addition of foreign substance (sand & dirt) to the fuel tank. Due to the amount (4 – 5 inches), and the consistency, their belief is that the sand likely was added some time ago, and had solidified in the tank, and that the transporting of the vehicle dislodged the debris causing it to contaminate the rest of the system. Additionally, they ascertained that the radiator problem was caused by a similar occurrence.

1.   Replaced burned ignition points and condenser
2.   Replaced wires at resistor block
3.   Replaced spark plugs
4.   Replaced fuel pump with mounting bracket
5.   Replaced fuel hoses under car from fuel tank to pump
6.   Replaced fuel filter
7.   Replaced ignition coil
8.   Replaced ballast resistor
9.   Adjusted engine timing and co2
10.   Test drive car
11.   Reinstalled distributor advance vacuum at throttle hsg.
12.   Replaced fuel tank
13.   Replaced fuel sending unit
14.   Replaced gaskets
15.   Replaced gas cap w/ locking cap
16.   Fuel tank drained
17.   Replaced fuel filler neck grommets
18.   Replaced inline fuel filter
19.   Flushed entire fuel system, hoses and fuel injectors
20.   Car overheating – determined rusted and clogged radiator
21.   Replaced thermostat kit
22.   Replaced cooling fan clutch
23.   Removed, flushed, boiled and refurbished radiator

Going on a shake-down drive on Sunday - keep positive thoughts for me PLEASE?


1967 250SL Signal Red
1969 280SL "Tweety Bird Yellow"
1987 260E Charcoal

[rwmastel]

Best of luck!  You've done quite a lot, and learned quite a lot.  You should be "allowed" to enjoy the car now, you deserve it!

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

[Abbas]

I could almost assert the sand and dirt were added by a mad and very furious wife of her husband - who had owned this Pagoda sometime during its long life. She could not find any other way but to take revenge from his beloved car by puting dirt into the tank while he was away. Maybe she was jealous of him spending time with the car rather than with her. Any other explanation is improbable

Abbas

280SL W113 1969 Ivory
E280 W124 1995 Silver

[joelj]

Good Luck Keesing

Whoo Hoo!!!

Let us know how it goes.

With what you've replaced your car should go smooth and fast.

It may just need the debugging to get it to run without hitches. The open road stretches will do it wonders.

cheers,

Joel

1969 280sl auto
White /blue
Euro version federalized for US use

[keesing]

SHAKEDOWN DRIVE A SUCCESS!
Well, after several months in intensive care and a bill that rivals a hospital stay... my baby ran about 200 miles in the mountains of New Mexico without a hitch. My wife and I took off about noon, up through Taos and the Carson National Forest (from 7,500 ft. to 10,000 ft.) - Mountains, desert, hairpin curves and 100 mile views - No problems and alot of enjoyment! WOW, this is what it's all about!
     

1967 250SL Signal Red
1969 280SL "Tweety Bird Yellow"
1987 260E Charcoal

[joelj]

congratulations Kessing

cheers

Joel

1969 280sl auto
White /blue
Euro version federalized for US use

[Douglas]

John,

Almost every person here had to sort out their car when they first purchased it, so you're in good company. Furthermore, most people had the exact same issues. These cars are surprisingly consistent. In any event, congrats on a Pagoda that is now nice in every way -- and consider yourself "initiated."

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[TheEngineer]

Wifes are that way: My wife was very much against me buying a Mazda Miata; she said it didn't look good, was too small and had no class. But I had read up on it in Consumer Reports and it was highly rated. But my wife wanted me to buy another Pagoda. We had a blue one in the sixties, I could buy another one and if it needed a little work, she flattered me, I could handle that. I fell for it and I've been working on this car ever since. Naturally, this keeps me at home instead of chasing girls. Just as intended!

[mdsalemi]

...and when you return from your successful shakedown cruise, you will soon be able to sport some VERY NICE new wheel covers!  They'll ship on Tuesday...

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[joelj]

Hi the Engineer,

In the long run, the Pagodas are going to be a better investment than chasing girls.

You have a very smart wife I guess she knows you too well

cheers,

Joel

1969 280sl auto
White /blue
Euro version federalized for US use