Author Topic: engine missing  (Read 2909 times)

steven a gonzales

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engine missing
« on: July 31, 2017, 17:36:53 »
my SL some times misses and then it goes away and then  may come back its very un predictable. When its missing if I put it in neutral it doesn't miss, but upon load in gear it misses???????????  Steve 562-4385977 kayabenni@yahoo.com

Benz Dr.

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Re: engine missing
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2017, 17:43:31 »
Try a new set of spark plugs. Doesn't cost much and often does the trick.  NGK  BP5ES  is what I recommend. 
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

mrfatboy

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Re: engine missing
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2017, 03:49:55 »
Check for old cracked spark plug wires.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Shvegel

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Re: engine missing
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2017, 15:05:14 »
My general rule of thumb is if the miss feels like you are moving the throttle pedal it is fuel related and if it feels more staccato or machine gun like it is ignition related.  I am with Dan on spark plugs first.   Unless there is an obvious problem I wouldn't just change spark plug wires trying to fix your problem.  The original spark plug wires are actually very good and if you don't but the right replacement set you can end up with more problems than when you started.  The spark plug ends of the wires should have metal or ceramic shields around them.  If they are rubber all the way to the end then they are the wrong wires and should be replaced along with the spark plugs.

The miss going away when you are in neutral doesn't help you as a clue since both the fuel and ignition system are under reduced load.