SL/R107: 1987 mercedes sl 560
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
mercedes sl 560
1987 mercedes sl 560
TRIED TO START MY SL AFTER BEING STORED IN A UNHEATED GARAGE IN THE CANADIAN WINTER. STARTS RIGHT AWAY, THEN AFTER A FEW SECONDS IT DIES, ALMOST LIKE THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED OFF. IT WILL KEEP RUNNING AT A HIGH RPM BUT STILL DIES WHEN ON IDLE. ALSO THE TACHOMETER WON,T WORK. ANY SUGGESTIONS. THANKS BARRY
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
Sounds like it's just running off the initial shot of fuel from the cold start valve. My guess is that the fuel system is gummed up - I always use a fuel stabilizer when I put my 560SL away for the winter...and I start it at least once a week. The fuel distributor & injectors may need a good cleaning, along with a new fuel filter and an inspection of the pumps. I'd recommend finding a good independent shop and let them go through it. A dealer will kill you on something like this. The car is older than a lot of the techs that work there, most likely. 
Good luck with it. The 560SL can be an aggravating vehicle for certain.
Good luck with it. The 560SL can be an aggravating vehicle for certain.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Southern Illinois
82 380SL 96 SL500
I believe if you check the online manual as linked to below, you'll find information on how to jumper your fuel pump relay.
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/o...tedDocId=11883
If my assumption is correct, after jumpering (for testing only) your car will start and run.
The fuel pump relay requires a signal that the engine is running in order for it to continue powering the fuel pump. I assume this is the signal which operates the tach and as it isn't operating, you will need to troubleshoot that circuit to actually repair both issues.
OTOH, I could be full of crap and/or completely wrong.
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/o...tedDocId=11883
If my assumption is correct, after jumpering (for testing only) your car will start and run.
The fuel pump relay requires a signal that the engine is running in order for it to continue powering the fuel pump. I assume this is the signal which operates the tach and as it isn't operating, you will need to troubleshoot that circuit to actually repair both issues.
OTOH, I could be full of crap and/or completely wrong.
