I'm new to mbworld.org but from what i've seen its a very helpful site. About 3 weeks ago I purchased a 2002 SLK32, and I have to say I love it but I'm having problems with the power. I know that this forum is for the C32 but since we have the same engine and there's not that much movement in the SLK32 forum, I thought that you guys might help me better.
The problem I'm having is a little hard to explain but I'll try my best. I've spoken with the original owner very little but plan on finding out more about the mods it has. All I currently know (from what the previous owner told me) is that the car has "Pulleys and Chip", from my poking around I found that they are Evosport, I'm guessing Evosport's "Evolution 1 Power Package".
The problem is that the problem isn't consistant, so I have no idea what it could be. Nevertheless, the problem is that when I open the engine up and fully throttle, the engine jumps and delivers the power but not for long...after some seconds (no defenite nor consistant time) the engine powers down heavily even though I haven't lifted the throttle. The revs keep on climing as well as the mph but almost as if the car was towing three times its weight. The first thing that comes to mind is the transmission but it doesn't do it on any consistant gear (it might do it on 1st or it might go through 1st and 2nd hard and then do it on 3rd, etc) also the trans never stops changing gears even while under the problem. The second thing that came to mind was the air filters, thinking that it was being restricted by needing air, but that wasn't it. So I'm still in the same place... I'm currently thinking that it might be something with a clutch problem??? I don't know if I'm talking total non-sence and ignorance but thats why I'm asking you guys...I read in SLK32.com that with or on the supercharger pulley there is an "electromagnetic clutch" (I have no idea what that is) but I'm thinking that might be it?? Is that just stupid or is it a possibility?? Has anyone else had this problem??

I know I wrote a lot but your help is very well appreciated!!!!!


Thanks!! SLK32////AMG from PR!!

 

You need a new intercooler pump.

 

+1

Definitely sounds like a bad intercooler pump

 

time for a CM30.

 

...as in Johnson CM30 pump. LET Motorsport sells the unit for about $175. The unit can be replaced DIY in a couple of hours.

Is your power loss greater or more consistent when the engine is warm or hot? If the pump is dead, the intercooler can't cool the air entering the supercharger enough to prevent engine damage. When the incoming air exceeds a certain point the supercharger shuts off to save you a very expensive repair.

The I/C pump is a common failure on these cars. Good Luck

 

Yup, I would have to recommend checking the pump first.

 

Yepper, its the pump for sure and not the kind that Moosie uses!!! Now , just wait for the drivers seat to short and the seat heaters not to work and the pulley bearings to go (unexpectedly, of course) and what else?? OH, the radio to sound crappy and the ESP to kick in too much when you're drag racing and ONLY one wheel gets you out of the hole when you turn it off. Best part is, if done right, you can run between a 12.3 and a 13.0 with no problem.

 

i agree with everyone here. definitely sounds like a bad IC pump

 

WOW!!! I didn't expect so many replies and that fast!! You guys are the the best and the site also!!! Shows how much I know...I never would have thought of that!!! I actually contacted the original owner and he tells me that it happened to him once before and confirmed your suggestions. He told me that it was replaces/fixed in the Mercedes dealer some time ago, but it would appear in the car's history. I hope it's not to expensive...$175 I can do!! I'll be looking for it online so any suggestions of places to look, they'll be greatly appreciated!!

Hope that fixes everything and I get to feel the real power of the amazing engine!!

Thanks again!!!

 

From PR?

Puerto Rico?

 

Yes Scott, they do have cars there!!!

Es de Isabela, San Juan?? De donde??

 

Yeah, Puerto Rico....San Juan!

 

Oh yeah! Welcome by the way! If you have any questions or problems with the car just start a thread.
Or: most of the good info has been posted already and you can find it in the search section

 

Really? Good God. I learn something every day. But do they sell 89 octane?


Geeze, Glenn, put down the Lubriderm and sock. You must not be getting enough blood the brain.

 

you need a new ic pump, I been to san juan, about few months ago.... there is a lot of cars on the main strip by the Ocean hotels. With the hot weather in PR during summer, you have to watch out for engine temp

 

The odd part is seeing fuel priced in Liters.

I loved PR though! I want to buy a place down there. Minnesota weather gets old this time of year.

Driving was kind nuts in San Juan though!

To be on topic, yes I would put bets on IC pump also.

 

you might also want to upgrade your heat exchanger as well. I have the exact same problem. I'm planning on upgradeing my intercool pump and heat exchanger. You should PM code3 and see if there heat exchanger will work for the slk.

Also please use paragraphs next time.

 

For someone that just bought the car, another $500-$600 might make the fresh purchase look a lot less appealing.

Also, if I remember correctly, there is not a new HE for the SLK.

 

Hey guys!! sorry I haven't replied... Thanks again for everything!! If any of you guys come to Puerto Rico soon, PM me!!

 

OT, but where in MN are you? That's where I grew up. I actually miss the changing of the seasons and even the cold....

 

Sorry, but when I saw this, the first thing that came to mind was salsa and chips.

 

Hi SLK32,
I have a '02 SLK32 as well. You can purchase a CM30 off of apeusa.com for a little cheaper ~$145. I was having similar issues until recently installing the unit and now im back to thrashing srt-8's...

 

Thanks l3iGD,
I'll now be able to buy it sooner!! Thrashing STR-8's sounds beautiful!! I also have the Phenolic Spacers but haven't installed it...

 

Im just outside of St Paul. When I was younger I loved winter but I guess this whole growing up thing, paying to heat my own house, shoveling my own driveway and not being able to snowboard every day after "school" kinda bums me out.

That and I have to pack the cars away for the winter, no for the next5 months can make someone

To the OP, get that pump and go have some fun!