Complete loss of power in 4th gear

[mrfatboy]

I was out doing errands today and my 4 speed manual 69 280sl was driving fine.  One the way home I shifted into 4th gear and there was no power.  Engine still was running but when I step on the gas I get nothing.  1st, 2nd, 3rd work fine.


Any ideas?

[Benz Dr.]

Slipping clutch?

[mrfatboy]

The engine does not rev when accelerator is pressed.  Just goes to idle.

It's like there is some sort of kill switch activating when in 4th.

Fuel shut off solenoid activating?

Very bizarre.

[Benz Dr.]

If you have a fuel cut off solenoid, disconnect it.

[mrfatboy]

It turns out that the fuel cutoff solenoid switch on the firewall was stuck closed. I lubed it and now it works as it should. 

On a side note,  from what I understand, 3rd gear should have also had the problem but I guess there is another switch on the transmission that is probably not working correctly.

[Tyler S]

Fatboy, Here are the fuel cut switches and location on top of the transmission. The third gear switch is towards the front of the transmission. There is a rod and flat tang that actuates the switches in 3rd and 4th. This rod is connected to the shifter input shaft. The switches are adjustable but a Pain to get to.
Tyler