1987 420 SEL cranks a lot before starting
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Joined: Oct 2006
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2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
1987 420 SEL cranks a lot before starting
Hello all,
I bought a 1987 420 SEL thats in just fantastic condition, 165k on the clock, etc. for $1,100 but there is just one thing that doesnt seem normal, and that is the car cranks for a few seconds more than I think it should before starting, once its on, its butter smooth and everything is as it should be
anyone have an idea as to what it could be, or some common thing I should be looking at?
I bought a 1987 420 SEL thats in just fantastic condition, 165k on the clock, etc. for $1,100 but there is just one thing that doesnt seem normal, and that is the car cranks for a few seconds more than I think it should before starting, once its on, its butter smooth and everything is as it should be
anyone have an idea as to what it could be, or some common thing I should be looking at?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
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300 Sonderklasse E
I don't know much about your car specifically, but this problem can occur in situations where your fuel filter is getting clogged, and/or the fuel pump is wearing out.
A simple fuel pressure test would tell you if this was the case.
Does it matter if the engine is hot or cold? Will this problem happen after parking the car for 30 minutes with the engine still hot? If so, then fuel delivery is even more suspect.
Good Luck.
A simple fuel pressure test would tell you if this was the case.
Does it matter if the engine is hot or cold? Will this problem happen after parking the car for 30 minutes with the engine still hot? If so, then fuel delivery is even more suspect.
Good Luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
Honestly, it could be any of the components that get replaced with service, distriutor cap, spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, etc. Do a full tune up and see if the problem gets better, otherwise, fuel check valves.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2006
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2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
actually, I started it a few other times and I just think its not been driven in a while...
seems fine now, beautiful car in phenomenal shape.
un-related, how do I remove the headlight wipers and where to I get the 'blank' panels as I am going euro.
Thanks everyone!
-Erik
seems fine now, beautiful car in phenomenal shape.
un-related, how do I remove the headlight wipers and where to I get the 'blank' panels as I am going euro.
Thanks everyone!
-Erik
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Joined: Oct 2006
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2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
I was noticing today, when I leave stop lights stop signs, there is a fair amount of blue smoke (uh-oh) from my car, I presume this means my car is burning oil and it cant mean anything else (i.e. running rich, bad timing, fouled plugs, etc.)
the car still starts, runs and drives beautifully but this is making my a little worried.
the car still starts, runs and drives beautifully but this is making my a little worried.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 184
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2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
I'm not sure what type of oil it is, since I just bought the car I havn't changed it my self with my usual european formula oils.
as for the transmission fluid modulator, what is, where is it, and what does it do?
Thanks again!
-Erik
as for the transmission fluid modulator, what is, where is it, and what does it do?
Thanks again!
-Erik
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2006
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2000 MR-S daily driver, 1997 SL600 weekend fun, 1999 ML430 tow vehicle
i added a quart of 10w30 dino oil today,
i should add some detail to my problem
>>seems to only happen when car is hot (80*c)
>>seems to only happen under 1,000rpm
>>if you start off very slow and build to 1,000rpm, there is no visible in the mirrors.
>>when the car is hot, the gas pedal vibrates (i can feel it with my foot) until pressure is applied to it
>> seems to still get good fuel economy, runs very well and still very willing to rev.
>> car starts and idles rough after for a few minutes after a drive where it was allowed to get to working temp but starts immediately and runs smooth if only driven to 60*c on previous trip.
>> the car used to have a K&N cone filter on it, could that have messed something up? i have since replaced it with a fram, K&N drop-in is next though.
any help, wisdom or possible causes would be greatly appreciated.... I hope its nothing major, I LOVE this car.
Thanks in advance!
-Erik
i should add some detail to my problem
>>seems to only happen when car is hot (80*c)
>>seems to only happen under 1,000rpm
>>if you start off very slow and build to 1,000rpm, there is no visible in the mirrors.
>>when the car is hot, the gas pedal vibrates (i can feel it with my foot) until pressure is applied to it
>> seems to still get good fuel economy, runs very well and still very willing to rev.
>> car starts and idles rough after for a few minutes after a drive where it was allowed to get to working temp but starts immediately and runs smooth if only driven to 60*c on previous trip.
>> the car used to have a K&N cone filter on it, could that have messed something up? i have since replaced it with a fram, K&N drop-in is next though.
any help, wisdom or possible causes would be greatly appreciated.... I hope its nothing major, I LOVE this car.
Thanks in advance!
-Erik
Last edited by SL-ML-C; Jul 5, 2008 at 10:43 PM.
