kelreed

Purchased an 86 560SL after the car sat for 5 years outdoors. Replaced the fuel pumps and filter to get it running. Ran ok for a while then started shutting down after 20 minutes and finally quit and would not restart. Installed new computer it started but ran very rich (Black smoke). I recently installed an E-bay fuel distributor and cannot get the car to start. When I pour fuel into the round portion of the distributor the engine will run until that fuel runs out. I have manipulated the idle adjustment all over the place. always at the first cranking of the starter it threatens to fire then appears to run short on fuel.

I'm thinking maybe the fuel filter is limiting pressure?
Perhaps I got a bad distributor on E-bay?

Both pumps feel as though they are running, I had wifey turn the key while I held my hand on them. I disconnected the main fuel line to the distributor attached a hose and cranked the engine I got a steady stream of gas but it didn't look like 90lbs of pressure. Just looking for some input before I chnge the fuel filter.

MagCL

I have a 450SL which is probably similar to your 560SL and am just getting it going after sitting for around 10 years. I had the fuel tank sandblasted inside and relined because it was full of rust and crap. There is a fuel strainer that is at the bottom of the fuel tank where the fuel tank out line connects to. Pull out all the fuel from the tank and change that strainer (or at least try and clean it). Then fill er up with some fresh gasoline and try again. You should also do a fuel pressure test.

slik560

How about past the fuel distributor: clogged injectors? Have you cleaned those out or had them cleaned?