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I recently purchased a 1982 Mercedes 380SEC for my wife. It came with all books and and maintenance records since new. Even the 53,000 window sticker.
The car was sitting for a few years in a garage. I was able to drive it 100 miles to my house. It was running rough.
I replaced the plugs, wires, distributor, cap and rotor.
Right after i replaced the distributor, it started running rougher than before, black smoke and soot out of the tail pipe.
I have new fuel pump, accumulator and filter on order.
any ideas.
Thanks Lapis Blue Poly
Sound like a fuel distributor problem. I'd try running some B12 carb cleaner through the tank and see if it clears up. The air flow vane may be binding also. Pull the air breather off and check to see if it returns when you gently push it down.
Last resort you can adjust the fuel mixture with an Allen wrench through the hole in the center of the air breather. Be gentle.
Check your maintenance records. Your timing chain should be changed every 60k miles. The earlier 380 engine has a single-row chain that is underdesigned for the engine. A break will tangle valves and pistons thus making a boat anchor of your engine. The 1985 and up corrected that problem with a dual row chain that should go well over 100k miles with good oil maintenance practices.
DIY is possible but requires some dedicated time and an assistant or else some special tools. A complete job includes new chain, tensioner, and chain guides. Should also include at very little extra cost replacing cam oiler fittings. If not DIY, then about $1000 at a dealer or good independent.
In my opinion, a small cost for peace of mind with that very handsome car.
Last edited by rocky raccoon; 12-30-2018 at 06:59 PM.
Check your maintenance records. Your timing chain should be changed every 60k miles. The earlier 380 engine has a single-row chain that is underdesigned for the engine. A break will tangle valves and pistons thus making a boat anchor of your engine. The 1985 and up corrected that problem with a dual row chain that should go well over 100k miles with good oil maintenance practices.
DIY is possible but requires some dedicated time and an assistant or else some special tools. A complete job includes new chain, tensioner, and chain guides. Should also include at very little extra cost replacing cam oiler fittings. If not DIY, then about $1000 at a dealer or good independent.
In my opinion, a small cost for peace of mind with that very handsome car.
Yes! Although, many early 380s had the dual row chain installed by MB. By 84 they had it sorted out with the dual row chain.
10-23-2018, 07:55 AM
