Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: ham-n-swiss on May 14, 2009, 18:52:16

Title: Haven't started 230sl in close to 10 years
Post by: ham-n-swiss on May 14, 2009, 18:52:16

Hi, am brand new to this forum and hoping for some advice. I have a 65 230sl that has been in storage for about 10 years. It was running when for reasons I'll skip, I put a cover over it and forgot about it. I wan't to get the thing in driving condition again and wondering what kind of things should recieve specific attention before starting. Is there some way of rejuvinating what ever gas is in the tank so I do not have to find a way of disposing. What other things should I be doing.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Phil

Title: Re: Haven't started 230sl in close to 10 years
Post by: knockmacool on May 14, 2009, 19:18:17

Phil

After ten years there may not be any gas in it, but if there is... get rid of it! I will leave it to the experts for further advice, but it will be quite a moment when it wakes from its slumber... Good luck and keep us posted!

Drew

Title: Re: Haven't started 230sl in close to 10 years
Post by: waqas on May 14, 2009, 23:01:55

Some major areas before you get started:

(1) Engine: (make sure your engine is not frozen)

• Make sure the engine still turns by hand.
• Change the oil.
• Inspect the old oil for signs of engine condition.

(2) Fuel system: (before attempting to start)

• Drain the fuel tank and have it thoroughly cleaned out (boiled, etc).
• Blow compressed air through all fuel lines.
• Make sure fuel delivery pump is not frozen.
• Replace all fuel hoses (they will likely crack under the slightest pressure; fire hazard).
• Replace fuel filter, and clean out all filter screens from the tank (there should be 1 in the tank, and possible one more in the fuel delivery pump).
• Make sure the injection pump rack is not frozen.

(3) Electrical system: (before attempting to start)

• Do a quick test for shorts and then charge the battery.
• Change the spark plugs.

(4) Brake system: (before driving anywhere)

• Make sure calipers and rear cylinders are not frozen stuck.
• Replace all flexible hoses. (this is a must)
• Purge all the old brake fluid and refill and bleed with new DOT 4 fluid.

(5) Other fluids: (before driving anywhere)

• Make sure the transmission has enough oil.
• Make sure the differential has enough oil.
• (these should ideally be changed and inspected for signs of the condition of the components)

There will be more, but this is a good starting place. If you use the "search" function, each of the above points has been covered in great detail in the forums. Also, the Technical Manual (http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php (http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php)) has plenty of useful information.

Lastly, good luck and keep us up to date!

Title: Re: Haven't started 230sl in close to 10 years
Post by: franjo_66 on May 15, 2009, 01:11:04

my 230SL hasn't been driven in 6 years while it underwent a frame-off restoration. However one thing I did get the restoration shop to do was to turn the engine by hand every fortnight and to periodically change all oils, fluids & filters. I also replaced all hoses, lines, etc, etc, not to mention the fuel inhection pump bushes & bits.

Engined fired up beautifully a couple of weeks ago after a long slumber !