1983 380SEL Abrupt Stalling
12-22-2007, 02:44 AM
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1983 M-B 380 SEL, 1981 380 SL, 1974 450 SL
1983 380SEL Abrupt Stalling
Hello all,
I own a MB maintained 380SEL that is only occasionally driven (on good days only) and kept indoors in a c/a garage. I am the second owner and have continued the regular maintenance. This is the late 83 with the climate sensor in front of the sliding roof and it has the double row chain. It has only 145,000 miles.
About a week ago, at a stop light, it stalled. It started up right away and never did this again until about 3 days later while driving about 45MPH, it stalled. Again, it started back up without a problem and performed as usual.
About a day later, about 1/2 mile from home, it stalled but this time, it took a couple of cranks before it restarted. For the rest of that day, it performed without a problem. The next day, it stalled once at idle and it restarted immediately with one key turn.
I took the car to the MB dealer who has maintained this car for years for scheduled service/oil change. Unfortunately, the car didn't stall and they were unable to find this problem. That evening, we decided to switch spots in the garage to put it to rest. Upon backing it out and waiting for my wife to back out her car, the 380 stalled. This time, it took several tries before it started.
I am mechanically inclined and I feel that this could be a minor problem somewhere with the electronics on the fuel system. Any suggestions on what this could be?
There are no smells of fuel, no leaks, and the engine runs silk smooth. Thanks so much in advance.
Bj1
1983 380SEL
I own a MB maintained 380SEL that is only occasionally driven (on good days only) and kept indoors in a c/a garage. I am the second owner and have continued the regular maintenance. This is the late 83 with the climate sensor in front of the sliding roof and it has the double row chain. It has only 145,000 miles.
About a week ago, at a stop light, it stalled. It started up right away and never did this again until about 3 days later while driving about 45MPH, it stalled. Again, it started back up without a problem and performed as usual.
About a day later, about 1/2 mile from home, it stalled but this time, it took a couple of cranks before it restarted. For the rest of that day, it performed without a problem. The next day, it stalled once at idle and it restarted immediately with one key turn.
I took the car to the MB dealer who has maintained this car for years for scheduled service/oil change. Unfortunately, the car didn't stall and they were unable to find this problem. That evening, we decided to switch spots in the garage to put it to rest. Upon backing it out and waiting for my wife to back out her car, the 380 stalled. This time, it took several tries before it started.
I am mechanically inclined and I feel that this could be a minor problem somewhere with the electronics on the fuel system. Any suggestions on what this could be?There are no smells of fuel, no leaks, and the engine runs silk smooth. Thanks so much in advance.
Bj1
1983 380SEL
12-22-2007, 10:35 PM
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'91 300SEL
WAG - fuel pump relay. Either remove and clean the contacts or replace (I don't know what they cost, might be worth having a spare?). I have had good luck on other relays by removing the cover and looking at the points - if they are pitted or burnt, sometimes some 600 grit will help, plus some contact cleaner to wash it out.
Or, replace.
Or, replace.
12-22-2007, 10:40 PM
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1983 M-B 380 SEL, 1981 380 SL, 1974 450 SL
Thanks so much! By chance, do you know where this relay is located? On the engine near the distributor or on the left or right fender? I really appreciate you reply. 
