280sl has not run in several years

[Scluney]

Hi everyone,
I am new to the club as I start my search for my first Pagoda.  I currently drive a beautiful 560sl and love it.  I am going to look at a 280sl for sale that has not run in several years.  They say it has been in dry storage and by the pictures looks like the rest of the car has been cared for.  Of course, I will check the entire car for rust. My question is: what may have dried out (rubber, seals, etc.) that could be costly on a sitting engine?  What should I look for?  I am not sure that I will have an opportunity to try and start the car.

Thank You

best,
Stephen

[Vander]

How long is "several years"? There is a difference between waking up a car that has been sitting for 1-2 years versus 20+ years.

You do not want to try and start the car with old gas in it, with that said the fuel system is the first place you will want to start if you end up purchasing it.  I usually start with cleaning/replacing the tank, then onto the fuel pump and continue working my way forward to the front of the car/fuel system.

Rubber parts (just to purchase) are inexpensive on a Pagoda. Once it is running, things that are made out of rubber.....valve cover gasket, belts, radiator hoses, motor mounts, subframe mounts, transmission mount, tires, brake hoses.

[lreppond]

Hi Stephen,

Unfortunately there is only so much you can tell when a car isn’t running. You can determine the cosmetic condition and how much rust exists.  I’d want to ascertain why it’s been sitting and was it running before it’s sleep state. If you look under the hood and things look like they’re in order and it’s relatively clean, that’s a positive sign. 

Familiarize yourself with the videos on YouTube about w113.  They are quite valuable to someone new to this model. If you can enlist the help of a local specialist to help you with the initial inspection, it will be well worth the expense.

Finally, realize you’re dealing with a car more than 50 years old. Parts are pricey, and quality repairs cost too.  And also realize that with a non running car it’s a bit of a crap shoot.  Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. 

 

[Jonny B]

Stephen, familiarize yourself with the search function on the site, and spend some quality time looking through the information about your question - it has been talked about a lot, and you should be able to get some good insights.

[chucks]

Hi Jonny,
I live in San Jose and have a 230SL that I parked 15 years ago , just after fedoing the engin'e top end.
I need to get it running and sold. Do you have any referrals? Advice?

Chuck Scifers
669-350-941,   408-705-1010,   chucks@gmail.comn

[Shvegel]

Forget the engine and concentrate on the body.  The engine even if stuck is a fixed expense.  The body if rusted can be a soul sucking nightmare for which there is no escape. 

[Jonny B]

Shvegel makes a very good point. Correcting rust is an almost bottomless pit. But finding out about the body is not an infinite time exercise.

You might try Roy Spencer at Mercedes Heritage in Burlingame. I don't know if he does inspections, but if not, he can probably give you some local options.

https://mercedesheritage.com

[johnk]

Could he at least run a compression check after removing the fuel pump fuse?

[Pinder]

I also agree that you should focus on the body of the car and that it is complete with no major chrome items missing or other odds and ends which are surprisingly expensive. check the floor pans and trunk for rust and behind each wheel well front and rear. Also put your hand up on the frame on the front fenders inside the wheel arch and check for rust.  Rubber items you should replace all belts and hoses at some point.

[teahead]

If the body is in good shape, then see if the owner will drain the tank, put in new gas, remove the spark plugs and put marvel mystery oil in it, and turn the crank by hand if possible to see if it's stuck.

If not stuck, then put the spark plugs back in and try to fire it up!

[lurtch]

I will supplement Jonny B's post by saying this: 

By all means get in touch with Roy Spencer. He has a vast dept of knowledge on our w113's and also I also believe he has a
a contact list of potential buyers looking for them. He can also offer restoration services if you choose to go down that
long and winding road - - . BEEN there - -   not recommended - - .

Larry in CA