380Sl 18 1983 Power issue
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
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380 SL 1983
380Sl 18 1983 Power issue
My 83' 380 SL has lost mucho power. Once it shift through the gear to high gear it is a total dog, hardly makes it up hills. I have changed fuel pump and filter last year.
Not sure where to start on this one.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Not sure where to start on this one.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15
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From: Ohio
91 300sel,97 S500, 95 525i
Check the alternator output. make sure its charging. make sure battery connections are clean and tight, also make sure overvoltage protection relay is ok. (above fuse box, pink anodized relay). Could also have mechanical issues. ie timing chain and rails.
Thread Starter
Newbie
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380 SL 1983
Thanks for the reply. I am not sure how the battery and alternator would be tied to loss of power. Can you explain?
New double timing chain already installed.
I am also leaning toward my transmission also as it does not want to shift down when I step on it.
Any help is appreciated,
Thanks,
New double timing chain already installed.
I am also leaning toward my transmission also as it does not want to shift down when I step on it.
Any help is appreciated,
Thanks,
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
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380 SL 1983
Thanks,
It does kick down if I step all the way on it so the switch does kick it. The problem is occuring before step all the way down. If I give it gas , say most of the way down it does not gain any power. It is very sluggish.
It does kick down if I step all the way on it so the switch does kick it. The problem is occuring before step all the way down. If I give it gas , say most of the way down it does not gain any power. It is very sluggish.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 801
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From: Mercerville New Jersey
1991 560SEC Teal 1989 420SEL Ice Blue 1984 500SEC White
Have you experienced other 380's?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
91 300sel,97 S500, 95 525i
totaly agree with the last guy!! when was the last time this vehcile had maint? May have one of the fuel pumps going down. But simple check is the voltage output of the alternator. has alot to do with the power output and to check it does not require trial fitting any parts. to check the fuel pressure is a little more difficult.
