SL/R107: Inherited 1976 450SL
06-19-2009, 03:57 AM
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1976 450SL
Inherited 1976 450SL
So I'm new to this forum and it seems like the best place for some info so I'm just going to put it out there. I don't know much about working with cars but I have a basic understanding and am willing to learn.
Now on to the good stuff. I recently was given a 1976 450SL with a hard top from a relative who passed away. It has been sitting since 2006 in a garage with a cover on it. I was fortunate enough for it not to have any gas in the tank, however all other fluids were sitting in it for that time. So I filled it up with premium and hoped for the best.
I was hoping it would just start right up as I understand Mercedes makes a good engine. I put in a new battery that I bought right away knowing the original would be dead. I hooked it up and gave the key a turn and it cranked but wouldn't start. Everything electrical seems to work perfectly and the starter sounded amazing. I then replaced all the spark plugs. I removed the air intake cover and sprayed in some starter fluid and turned it over and she started right up and the engine sounded amazing. No knocks or grinding. The only problem I seem to have now is that it won't idle at all. If I put some pressure on the gas after it starts up it seems to run forever but if I even let go of the gas for a second it sputters and dies.
Now I understand that I will probably need to bring it to a MB mechanic to get it looked at since it is older, however, I am looking to try to fix things a little at a time since as a college student I don't have tons of money to throw at it. Any help or tips someone has to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Now on to the good stuff. I recently was given a 1976 450SL with a hard top from a relative who passed away. It has been sitting since 2006 in a garage with a cover on it. I was fortunate enough for it not to have any gas in the tank, however all other fluids were sitting in it for that time. So I filled it up with premium and hoped for the best.
I was hoping it would just start right up as I understand Mercedes makes a good engine. I put in a new battery that I bought right away knowing the original would be dead. I hooked it up and gave the key a turn and it cranked but wouldn't start. Everything electrical seems to work perfectly and the starter sounded amazing. I then replaced all the spark plugs. I removed the air intake cover and sprayed in some starter fluid and turned it over and she started right up and the engine sounded amazing. No knocks or grinding. The only problem I seem to have now is that it won't idle at all. If I put some pressure on the gas after it starts up it seems to run forever but if I even let go of the gas for a second it sputters and dies.
Now I understand that I will probably need to bring it to a MB mechanic to get it looked at since it is older, however, I am looking to try to fix things a little at a time since as a college student I don't have tons of money to throw at it. Any help or tips someone has to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
06-19-2009, 01:56 PM
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1976 450SL
I've driven it on some back roads and I think went up to about 40 and it accelerated easily. I wasn't paying too much attention because I was double footing it trying to brake and keep the rpm's up to keep it from dying.
06-19-2009, 03:43 PM
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1991 560SEC Teal 1989 420SEL Ice Blue 1984 500SEC White
Ok 76 you are in the beginning stages of the polution devices.
I would be looking at the vacum line hoses and particular the hard palstic parts for a break or split in the hose.
Try posting this on http://mbca.cartama.net/
More of these cars older cars to be found over there.
Bruce
I would be looking at the vacum line hoses and particular the hard palstic parts for a break or split in the hose.
Try posting this on http://mbca.cartama.net/
More of these cars older cars to be found over there.
Bruce
