I was having warm start issues. The car would crank for 15 to 30 seconds until it finally turned on. I changed the fuel hoses, fuel filter, fuel accumulator, fuel pump, and gas screen. Fixed the issue.
This is such a fantastic video, shows the ups/downs and reality of doing this work and is of exceptional value to anyone doing this fuel system work. I especially appreciate the honesty of the trials and tribulations, documenting leaking, etc, we all go through this but few document it for the benefit of others. You did a great job on this project and video.
Thanks, Eric. Trying to learn and do what I can instead of running to the mechanic every time. I've only had the car about 2 months. I'm trying to restore one part at a time.
my 1984 380sl was doing the same thing. I replaced the fuel filter and pump a year ago but it didn't help. I saw where you brought up the primary fuel circuit regulator. Therefore I removed it and it looked like the o ring was worn. Therefore I removed the o ring and soaked it in at 205 for 3 days. I reinstalled the needle and there was some improvement but not major. So I decided to replace the accumulator. That was 90% of the problem. It's a shame that you can't buy the o ring for the needle valve. However the at 205 definitely helped reshape the o ring. Good video. Also while under the car, I sanded the frame the components sit in and the frame it was attached too. Looks good and hopefully no more surface rust problems. I used Rust Oleulm brand gray primer and paint. I also sprayed the rubber mounts with at 205.
@@frederickready3436 I’ve been trying to do what I can in my garage. I like to learn new things and don’t want to spend the money if I don’t have to. It’s been fun sharing it with all of you.
Good video, I must say that I thought I was the only one to have had this problem. I replaced all these items due to the hard starting. Once I did as you did all was good with the world. I would highly recommend replacing all the hose if you have an older MB. I found the same black items in my filter and accumulator ( 87 560 SL ). You can save a ton of money by doing it yourself and its not that difficult just take your time and lots of pictures.
Your video is so clear. It help me change the fuel hoses, fuel filter, accumulator, fuel pump and gas screen. Then I poured 5 gallons gasoline into the empty fuel tank before connecting the fuel hose to the accumulator. What surprized me is the gasoline is not coming down the fuel hose. Should I pour more gasoline to the fuel tank? I will wait for your advise before I continue. I look forward to hearing from you.
Glad you found the video helpful. First, I’m not a mechanic so I don’t want to tell you the wrong information. I connected everything, then added the gas. Are you talking about the skinny hose from the left side of accumulator back down to the damper? I think that was the return side. I figured nothing leaks until the car is on and the pump is sending gas throughout the system. I think 5 gallons is plenty and you don’t need to add more at this time.
If you watch this video, it’s very similar. You hold the end of the new hose and the metal inlet screws into the new hose. Screws in normal clockwise and unscrews counterclockwise. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8xk2ZFPtVb8.html
Thank you, about line wrenches.... On the fuel feed line if I counter hold the end that does not turn and looking at it from the bottom and turning the inlet nut counter clockwise, I would be tightening , the nut... However, if I can imagine and look at that nut from behind, I should be turning clockwise, to tighten, counter to loosen... That is where, I get confused, something so simple, but very easy to strip, if you, turn the wrong direction... I was hoping to actually, see you, tape, yourself taking them off, but you skipped, and just showed finish installment...for me knowing what size wrenches to use, would also be very helpful. Regardless, please keep making videos! Love my 85, rusty 380SL 155k miles, smooth, but rusting out as I have it right in front of ocean 🤢 Thank you, again!! All your comments help!! Good, day!! 👍
I had the hot start issue and have changed the fuel accumulator resolving that issue. I have thought about changing the rest when it is put up for winter
😳MG That’s not the fuel delivery system for a Mercedes 380SL…It’s the detonation device for Mad Max’s Interceptor…1Whatever you do, Do Not flip the red toggle switch!! 💥 😂 Great video dudebroman, my hats off to ya!! I believe I’m gonna have to perform this same repair to my moms ‘84 /380…Hers won’t start at all & appears to not be getting any gas up to the carburetor. Did you run anything through the fuel system, to hopefully blow out/ clear up those chunks of hose that apparently went through the system??
Haha...No, most of it was falling apart as I pulled off the hoses (I hope). I'm sure some smaller pieces made it up there but it's still kicking. Good luck and thanks for watching.
If you werent getting gas out then you should have tested things by dumping a gallon in just to make sure all is well in the tank. If its the firstime doingvthis job or basically any job one needs to find a bit ot knowledge and above all, time and patience. The system is actually rather simple and works well. The issues that occured should have been expected on any old vehicle, specially one that has been sitting. If you are wondering if the ststem is good or there are fp issues, just jump the fp from another power source like another battery. Otherwise, expect to replace most everything.
Thanks for watching and the comment. This was about 2 years ago. It must have really been empty but that's a good idea. All is good back there. I did have a future issue with the distributer but again fixed for like 500 dollars at the mechanic.
Great video, I've watched it numerous times in preparation for my attempt to do the exact same thing on my 83 380SL. Did you ever figure out why you were getting such a low flow of fuel once you unclamped the line? I think I have about 7 or 8 gallons in mine and I'm still not sure how I'll approach getting it out. May try to siphon out as much as I can before I loosen any of the lines.
Thanks and I’m glad it helped. Funny you asked because I just redid my friend’s car and we got about 7 or 8 gallons out of his. I would run it til you get the light on and use a 5 gallon gas can. I’d also keep an extra Home Depot bucket around if there is more. That’s what we did with his. Maybe one of us had an incorrect gauge reading.
Also, this video seemed to repair the startup issue. Not cranking for 30 or 40 seconds to get it started… This is an issue now (there’s always an issue 😊): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hbTdFMLFwws.html
Greetings, enjoyed your video...but as your fuel hose to back of fuel filter leaks, so does mine...just wondering what size spanners, you used, and the fuel hose from tank to fuel filter, did you take off hose counter holding, left loosening, and right tightning? Righty tighty, lefty loosy? Not, sure, but I remember if hose is on very tight you can break the inlet, or out let port if you turn it wrong direction, as, that port very fragil! Would, help me if you, remember, which way you counter holded and which direction you loosened... Thank you, would appriciate your comment-help!
@@oceanfront664 I think we are confusing two different hoses… One goes down from gas tank to the little damper. Another goes from fuel filter up to connect to front of the car…. I think you are saying filter to gas tank which doesn’t exist. Am I missing something?
Hmm. Seems like there is only one way for it to go. If you put it backwards, the fuel lines will be going the wrong way. I’m not sure if the 280 is different than the 380z
@@sophiathe380sl . Oh, yes, you did! Sorry for asking that dumb question since I did not watch the video thoroughly. What tool did you use to remove the screen filter from the gas tank? I saw another video where the man customized his own tool to remove the screen filter. Since your video did not show how it was removed, I thought I ask because this is my next project. 🙏
Dang. I don’t know. 😂 I just took what I had to the store and they gave me hoses. I think I used the extra from the hose coming off the tank (original Mercedes part) between damper and pump. Just tell them that it’s for fuel so they give you the correct kind. Good luck.
Sorry it’s been a while. I believe there are two sizes the thicker of the two is the same size as the hose coming off the fuel tank. Maybe you can find the specs on that. Sorry, I don’t have more info. Take them to an auto store and they’ll find them for you.
I have an issue with my battery - If I go more than 40 hours without starting my car I come to find it completely dead. It's chewing through batteries (I'm on my third) and won't start without a jump. The mechanic I brought it to claims it to be faulty batteries but after three it seems to be getting out of hand. Just wondering if you have any experience in something that could be drawing power on my 380SL while it sits overnight? It's totally stumping me.
Strange situation. Ya, I have no idea. Something must be draining it. I’m not a mechanic just pretend to be. 😂. Try asking Pierre or Mike’s Mercs. Also try the benzworld forum. Good luck.
@@sophiathe380sl Hey again! Just revisiting this because I think I found the solution and wanted to share incase you, or anyone else who comes across this, ever encounters a mystery battery drain. In my situation, unplugging the heater servo completely solved it. I have not had a dead battery since and I continue to test how many days I can go between starts and it always fires right up. Very relieved!
www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Benz-parts/380SL/Fuel-System/?year=1984&m=20&e=619&t=5&b=10&d=&v= I usually purchase my parts from FCPEURO.com or AutoHausaz.com. Put in the car info and it'll give you all the compatible parts. I'll sometimes go to the dealer. Bring your VIN and they'll help you out.
I’ve done this job twice and both times the screen luckily turned with the hose. Kent has a video with using bolts and nuts from the hardware store if you only have the screen left. Good luck
I've done this job twice and luckily it came off with the hose below it both times. If it doesn't, mercedessource shows a bolt and 2 nuts to get it off. Of course, it's for sale on their site but you can just grab it at Home Depot.
i own an SL also,they all start like crap and I am stunned no one made a fuel pump retro fit that gets rid of that dinosaur BS it came with..A good inline pump would do much better
After this fix and repair I had done months later on the distributor, the car starts right up even after sitting for a couple of weeks. I hope I don’t jinx myself. 😐
@@sophiathe380sl I just inherited my dad's 450SL (original owner) things I loathe about the car are the fuel system,mushy suspension and serious amount of rattles plus a 14" tire is pretty lame since no more perf rubber made in that size.
@@sophiathe380sl Had mine on the lift,older style (more rubber hoses) but what ever is under my 76 is def all original . I am seeking out a modern replacement over at Mercedes source