SL/SLC-Class (R107) 1971-1989 : 250SL, 280SL, 450 SL, 380 SLC, 450 SL, 380 SL, 560 SL

SL/R107: 87 560SL rough idle, fuel smell, white smoke

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Old Feb 23, 2009 | 09:21 PM
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1987 560SL
87 560SL rough idle, fuel smell, white smoke

Car started to miss so started with some of the basics. Changed plugs and got about 5 minutes of smooth running then started to rough idle again. Checked vacuum lines with Mark I Eyeball and fingers and found all ok. Some of the plug wires had been electrician taped by former owners so replaced entire set with new. No effect. Car is now not only rough idling, but gas smell in engine compartment and blowing white smoke so bad I thought the fire dept. would be on my doorstep. Smoke has a fuel smell to it.

Read several forums (including this one) about rough idle, smell, smoke....changing the EHA Valve was the most recommended next fix. No effect. All symptoms remain the same...and I get the fuel smell even without starting the car. Gas tank cap is ok....the smell is coming from the front of the car. Also at this time I'm getting smoke coming from just under the rear of the exhaust manifold on the passenger side.

What would be my next procedure? O2 sensor/EGR Valve/Fuel Regulator? I'm trying to run the economical route here and in a more logical fashion than I have been. This car is a screamer and I would like to get her back on the road pissing off the GTs in the local area! Thanks in advance for any advice!
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 02:17 PM
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1991 560SEC Teal 1989 420SEL Ice Blue 1984 500SEC White
Is your fuel pressure regulator possibly leaking?
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 03:25 PM
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1987 560SL
Will finally get a chance to get into the garage tonight....will check. Some other things to look at from this and other sites also say to check/clean the MAF...what part of the MAF should I be looking at?
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 04:12 PM
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1987 560SL
Turns out it was the fuel distributor. Shop offered to fix with a new one ($3k) or refurbished ($1.8k). I found one at GermanStar for $495. Car now runs fine.
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Old Sep 5, 2016 | 09:52 PM
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1997 S500, 99 SL500, 88 560SL, 87 BMW 635
Hate to revive this old post, but...
Does the last post about a defective fuel distributor mean fuel regulator?
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