Author Topic: 280 sl Coldstart problem  (Read 2742 times)

Allforjags

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280 sl Coldstart problem
« on: November 05, 2019, 16:37:37 »
Hello
My 280 sl is kranking 15 sec before it starts.Does anybody knows is that normal.
When i connect the testlight to CSV terminal and ground light starts when i start kranking the motor but light wont stop .I read that light must work only from 2-12 seconds.
Any ideas..

teahead

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Re: 280 sl Coldstart problem
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2019, 16:50:56 »
Hmm...bad thermo time switch?  Or relay?

You can bench test the relay.  See if the output stays on when you apply power.
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

Cees Klumper

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Re: 280 sl Coldstart problem
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2019, 04:09:19 »
Could be that the cold start valve is clogged. Or maybe the thermostat in the Warm Running Device (little tower on top of fuel injection pump, with coolant hoses attached) is stuck with the rod in the extended position.
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

ja17

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Re: 280 sl Coldstart problem
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2019, 15:54:44 »
The solenoid on the injection pump should stay on while you are cranking the engine. You are correct in that the CSV on the intake should only stay on for a timed period. Test both devices you may have a wiring issue.
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

Benz Dr.

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Re: 280 sl Coldstart problem
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2019, 16:16:03 »
Could be that the cold start valve is clogged. Or maybe the thermostat in the Warm Running Device (little tower on top of fuel injection pump, with coolant hoses attached) is stuck with the rod in the extended position.

Good call Cees. A plugged CSV is more common that one would think or expect. Sometimes only one side is plugged so if you're having problems with cold starting check the CSV by removing it and visually inspecting its performance.
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

wwheeler

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Re: 280 sl Coldstart problem
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2019, 16:17:46 »
There was another thread where someone had confused the operation of the CSS (Cold Start Solenoid) that is on the injection pump with the CSV (Cold Start Valve) which is on the intake manifold. I wonder if there is confusion here with the acronyms? As Joe said, the CSS should stay on the entire time the engine is cranking. And 15 seconds is way too long to start for a well sorted engine.
Wallace
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'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

ja17

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Re: 280 sl Coldstart problem
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2019, 20:52:06 »
The intake fitting for the cold start valve, on the intake, has a fine screen in it that can get clogged also. It's easy to check to see if the screen or the cold start valve jet is clogged. With the warm engine at idle, just jump the CSV with 12 volts for an instant. If the CSV is spraying fuel, then the engine will stall.
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