Old Timer II

So... my sl320 has been sitting for about 4 days, covered with a tarp, we had some good snow and cold in the single digits.
Today, roads are clear, sun is out it's 10 degrees...
I started the car, it sounded normal, went inside to let it warm up, came back out about 15 min later it was not running, cranked it up but it faltered, stalled, faltered then started but not sounding normal, I think it was starving for fuel, it's skipping, running on 5 cyls... took it out for adrive, it's still skipping after a 5 mile trip... not sure if it's;

1) fuel problem, possible injector problem, a mechanical problem, something with one of the cams (it's not making any clatter noises)
2) spark plug dead for who knows why reason
3) fuel filter plugged, iced up ?

Just not sure... going into the 40's today so it will all thaw out...
We'll see later...

Car has 165,000 miles, never failed before.


The Old Timer

miike

When was the last time you changed the coolant?

Old Timer II

Coolant was changed, system flushed about 20k ago when I did the water pump.

Checked spark plugs today, all looked the same.

Check engine light... code P0301

Doing a compression test tomorrow.

Any thoughts ?

Old Timer II

Compression test will rule out a mechanical failure...

Ignition seems normal based on what the plugs look like.

Possible fuel system or filter failure contaminating the injectors (or 1 injector) doesn't sound likely...

I'm hoping it's not a mechanical failure...

It drives, just on 5 cylinders.

V-AMG

Im dealing with something similar. Runs well first 5-10 mins then misfires begin. I am thinking that it may be condensation in the worn distributor caps. Seems to be a VERY common issue with these cars from the little I've read...

I hope to attack mine this weekend so I can let you know the results then, but i figured i'd chime in with my $0.02

Old Timer II

Compression test was favorable... 180 as the high and 165 as the low. Upon retest with battery charger on they all were in the 180 psi range.
Relief that it's not necessarily a mechanical failure.
Put on a new fuel filter, put injector cleaner in the tank... will run it today
Installing new spark plugs today even though they all have good color, the electrodes are worn away.
Considering that it's time to replace the injectors... it has 165,000 miles on the clock and I'm sure the injectors are original.

Any thoughts ?

The Old Timer...