All Part Groups Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: Ed, please list any major concerns that I should be wary about for a 1980 450SL that I am considering.
It's engine (200K miles) currently runs very smooth, the transmission is about 2000 mile new.
Asking price is $7000.
Particularly: timing chain average mileage and cost to replace, head average mileage and cost to replace, carburetor, value, etc.
I own a 300D and 300SD and perform most of the maintenance.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Is there a Mercedes club that might also help?
Chuck Randolph
A: Should be an online club for you. Only concern I would have is the timing chain thing. The fast way now instead of removing the entire front of the engine is to use a chain link breaker and join the new chain to the old chain. Slowly and VERY carefully rotate the engine untill only new chain is there. Join the links and save a lot. Ed
Q: I need an air cleaner assembly for this car. I need the assembly that has the backfire hose connection on the front of the assembly.
I understand that this air cleaner is unique to the 1980 model. The local dealership has not been able to get the correct assembly.
Can you help me?
Michael Baker
A: Check through the autorecyclers section of our site. Ed
Q: When I apply the brakes it takes a tremendous amount of pressure to stop the car. Also, the engine RPM increases with pressure on the brake pedal. Is the booster leaking?
Q: I bought a 74 450SL. It won't start using the ignition switch. If I spark it at the starter it will startup.
I see there is some kind of port in the glove compartment that looks like it was factory installed.
Is there some kind of kill switch key I need? If so, are they universal, and do you have one I can buy?
Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated!
A: Nothing that I have ever seen. Ed
(Ed has 35 years auto repair experience. John, All-Parts)
Q: I have changed the fuel pump,fuel injectors, fuel filter, the two fuel regulators... and I still have trouble when the car starts up...
It chug a lugs down the street like an old junk car...... then when it warms up...... it will stop.......
I am sooo embrassed going down the street..It seems what am I missing...... I had three different mechanics look at the car......
No one has been able to solve it.......They really dont know.. What should I do?
Plus, my tempature of the car after driving a while seems to be higher than normal.......
It has not over heated..... but it far too high.
A: Change the warm up regulator on the engine. It is lacated near the thermostat housing. It could cost you some money, but if you want to fix it, it shouldnt matter to you.
Q: Cruise Control was not available in 1973 on a 450SL. It became available in 1975. The vehicles have the same engine. Can I retrofit cruise control, and if so, how big a job is it?
A: Ok firt off I put in aftermarket cruises for the company I work for goto www.rostra.com and they sell aftermarket cruises for almost every vehicle there is. You can also call me at 918-627-1400 central time between 8:30nd 5:30 monda thru friday just ask for Curtis.
This way to the live technicians