Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Utopia on September 28, 2011, 03:10:40

Title: 280 SL 1970 shuts off after driving 10 minutes
Post by: Utopia on September 28, 2011, 03:10:40
Hi , I recently had the engine and fuel pump rebuilt by Mercedes Benz Toronto on my 280SL 1970 / Automatic. It started fine when cold but needed help from the gas pedal when the engine was warm. Now it shuts off after 10 - 15 minutes of driving and I have to wait until the engine cools down, then it will restart but stop again.

Mercedes says it's the ignition module and the cost is $2,000 for the part? Can somebody help?
Thanks Bernd
Title: Re: my 280 SL 1970 shuts off, when driving after 10 minutes
Post by: glenn on September 28, 2011, 03:19:17
Fuel tank might have crud build up blocking, restricting flow.....
Title: Re: my 280 SL 1970 shuts off, when driving after 10 minutes
Post by: ja17 on September 28, 2011, 05:22:11
Hello Bernd,

Yes fuel delivery is the most likely issue. Checking for spark when the car stops running will eliminate or confirm the ignition. Good used ignition modules, or convert to a modern electronic ignition is a much more friendly solution if it is the ignition. Isolate the problem first.

Try filling the fuel tank to see if this helps.
Title: Re: my 280 SL 1970 shuts off, when driving after 10 minutes
Post by: Max Brand on December 28, 2011, 22:44:12
Many years ago when gas stations ran their fuel storage tanks down to almost nothing, I began picking up the sediment from the bottom of their tanks. My car would operate until I was low on fuel and picked up their sediment deposited in my tank. For years I kept the tank topped off and never got below a quarter tank. After periodically cleaning the fuel filter I finally, I pulled the tank and cleaned out all the sediment. That may or may not be the solution to your problem but woth a mention.
Title: Re: my 280 SL 1970 shuts off, when driving after 10 minutes
Post by: dseretakis on January 07, 2012, 03:15:57
I would stay away from dealerships with a car that old. The techs have little or no knowledge when it comes to these cars. They are also very rigid in their repair algorithms and do not offer creative and affordable solutions. Find a good independent mechanic or fix it yourself.