Author Topic: 280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather  (Read 1798 times)

carloss

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280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather
« on: February 17, 2019, 20:48:49 »
Hi this is my first time in the forum,I am from Argentina I have a 280SL and, and when I get in heavy traffic in hot weather, the engine stops, and it wont start until, it cools down, I found that pouring water over the WRD speeds the process, and starts right away, can someone please give some advice ? :(

Benz Dr.

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Re: 280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2019, 22:16:36 »
Sounds like it could be a fuel flow or volume problem. Disconnect the return hose going back into your fuel tank and check for volume which should be 1 liter in 15 seconds. If it's not at or near this amount you will need to look further. Lots of info on this site about that.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

carloss

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Re: 280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2019, 23:12:25 »
This only happens when the engine is idling or driving in traffic, driving over 4500 rpm it does not stop, and rus very smooth

mrfatboy

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Re: 280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2019, 01:16:41 »
I found that pouring water over the WRD speeds the process, and starts right away, can someone please give some advice ? :(

I found this comment interesting. I would think he is running very rich. Pouring cold water over the WRD would open up the air slide valve (more air) thus leaning the FIP compensating for the over rich mixture allowing the car to start.

Just a guess😃


1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

ja17

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Re: 280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2019, 04:17:05 »
I think Dan is on the right track. Pouring water on the WRD also increases the fuel supply as the heat feeler retracts.
 Seems you are running with an overly  lean mixture when your engine is hot. Check the fuel pressure and volume, make sure all filters and screens are clean and check to see that the fuel is circulating back to the tank.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

mrfatboy

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Re: 280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2019, 05:48:56 »
I guess I read his issue a iittle differtly.  It sounded like he pours some water on the WRD after the car dies to get it started again. How much water and cool off time is the question. 😃

I assumed 😳 he just cooled the WRD enough to open up the air slide valve just enough to let the extra air in.

But Dan's & Joe's answer is the better bet👍
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Benz Dr.

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Re: 280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2019, 06:38:04 »
I guess I read his issue a iittle differtly.  It sounded like he pours some water on the WRD after the car dies to get it started again. How much water and cool off time is the question. 😃

I assumed 😳 he just cooled the WRD enough to open up the air slide valve just enough to let the extra air in.

But Dan's & Joe's answer is the better bet👍

That's because Joe and I have probably had to deal with this quite a few times.
« Last Edit: February 18, 2019, 20:16:41 by Benz Dr. »
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Cees Klumper

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Re: 280 engine stops in traffic in hot weather
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2019, 14:13:30 »
The symptoms remind me of my old Triumph's dreaded 'Vapor Lock' issue. Heat off the engine causing an airlock in the fuel supply. Not known to affect Pagodas, but again it suggests fuel supply issues.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II