kevindaboin962

My 1985 380 SEL will run great for about 20 minutes, then it will begin to spit and sputter as though it is running out of gas. I pop it into nuetral, turn the key off, restatrt the car and it takes back off again for about another 10-20 minutes.

I notice the problem is worse during hot day's ...

I have replaced fuel filters, fuel relay and ignition coil to no avail.

I sure would appreciate any help !!

Thanks, Kevin

howdosaymercede

Have you taken it in yet? Did they tell you what the problem was?

Jer

It is possible the injector seals are leaking as a result of heat, allowing air ingression into the combustion chamber. Depending on the age and mileage of the car, you might want to replace them.

dlafever

I have had a problem very similar to this on my previous 1984 380SE. The fix was to resolder the connections on the fuel pump relay. This is a silver (as I remember) box under the driver's side of the hood.

-D

kevindaboin962

Thank's for the suggestion... I will try this and see if it helps.

I seldom drive the car because of this problem, and the vehicle is actually sitting at my office where it has been for most of the last 3 month's.

Thanks again for the tip, I will report back ...

Kevin

kevindaboin962

Thank you for the suggestion... I had another response that suggested that I re-solder the fuel relay... I will try this first as there is no cost involved.

The vehicle has 160,000 miles and is an 1985.. I seldom drive the car as the problem that I am experiencing takes the fun out of it. As I am driving, I will pop the car into nuetral, turn off the key/ignition let the car coast for about 15 second's start the car back up and put it back in drive and off she goes for another 5 - 15 minutes.

I have been wondering if perhaps I need to change the cap and rotor as I am aware that they have to be prcise in a Mercedes. Do you think this could be my problem ??

Thank's for your help.

Kevin

Jer

I doubt the cap and rotor are the problem, because when the contacts get corroded, they don't function under any circumstance. Still, remove them and check the condition. If they are worn, replace them.

kevindaboin962

Thanks again for responding... I forgot to mention that about three weeks ago I replaced the spark plugs and sanded down the corrosion on the cap and rotor... The car ran like new!.. for one day... The next day, I was on the interstate and there it went acting up again. That's why I questioned about the cap and roter being replaced. I know that the simple sollution is to go ahead and just replace them, But I hate to spend a 100 buck's and not accomplish anything...

Thank's again,

Kevin

rosewd2

FYI http://www.autohausaz.com has your cap for $35.10 and the rotor for $10.56 original bosch parts. Shipping is free if you order $50 or more, I always find something else I need. I but all my parts from them. For $45 I'd replace them both. Use ignition silicone on the cap & plug boots.