Author Topic: 230sl autotran reluctant to catch at low speed  (Read 3868 times)

tempur

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230sl autotran reluctant to catch at low speed
« on: May 28, 2008, 07:46:03 »
My '65 230sl is demonstrating some unusual habits lately: when driving off, the engine seems hesitant to rev and proper acceleration only occurs once the vehicle is moving.  The engine otherwise is running smooth and the autotran is not giving any problems either.  Engine temperature doesn't seem to make any difference and the symptom appears to be the same in all drive selections (2,3 and 4).
I am asking for advice because I don't know where to start looking; is the auto gearbox to blame or should the engine be tuned?  The car only has 17K documented miles so wear seems to be out of the question.
Thanks,
Tempur
'65 230sl
'68 280se/c
'95 e280t

69280sl

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Re: 230sl autotran reluctant to catch at low speed
« Reply #1 on: May 28, 2008, 08:53:30 »
Tempur:
I can't offer any suggestions, although I'm sure others will come along who can, but I'm intrigued by "17K documented miles" on a 1965.

Can you share with us how the mileage is documented and history of the car.

If you wish to do so, its probably best to start a new thread.

Gus
1968 280sl
Gus

68 280sl, signal red/ beige/black softtop. Car # 1084

tempur

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Re: 230sl autotran reluctant to catch at low speed
« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2008, 09:39:27 »
OK, will do.  I'll also post a few pictures so keep an eye out.

ja17

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Re: 230sl autotran reluctant to catch at low speed
« Reply #3 on: May 28, 2008, 20:45:51 »
Hello Tempur,

Start by checking the main fuel filter first! Even a low mileage car can suffer the ravages of long years of storage, like sediments and varnish in the fuel system.
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

tempur

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Re: 230sl autotran reluctant to catch at low speed
« Reply #4 on: May 29, 2008, 00:52:48 »
Dear Gus,
I posted some pictures of my car in a new thread under 'general discussion'.  I would be interested to hear your comments.
Tempur.