No power to 71 Pagoda

[jim willis 636]

I have just spent 5 months having my Pagoda restored. Brought it home on Friday 12/03/2010. Drove well on way home. Parked up for 2 hours. went to start car again and everything electrical does not work. No power, no lights nothing. Checked out electrical items and everything is live!  Battery is fully charged. Could the alternator have burned out? Would this cause the car to have no power at all? Car has had engine/box out during restoration and relays etc have been taken off and refitted. Nothing else has been touched on the electrical side. Any ideas?? 

[waltklatt]

Jim,
Check your ground cable from battery to body. Or the positive cable to starter.
Also use the search function to find many posts on your problem.
Walter.
1967 220SL-diesel
1970 280SL-nearly done

[w113dude]

Agree, short in ground somewhere.

[jim willis 636]

Thanks for those comments, I will take another look tommorrow. I will let you know how I get on.
Jim

[al_lieffring]

a 280 sl has a terminal block at the right side of the oil pan. The power for the entire car goes through this block, check the screw terminals for connection.

[jim willis 636]

Thanks for your comments. It was the earth which caused the problem. As the car was newly painted it was not making a good enough contact as you suggested. The car is now running again. Hopefully I can now enjoy driving the car and getting to know it.
Regards
Jim