Hi,

I’m an amateur mechanic and could use some help with a question because I’m unsure my car is safe to drive. I was cleaning the engine block of a 1984 280SL I recently purchased and a red cord attached to the side of the engine block broke off. The base of where the cord attached reads “carb”. Can someone help me understand what is that broke? I attached a couple pictures for clarity.

thank you in advance!

The small red hole in the center of the photo is where the cord snapped. I’m holding the wire that was attached there. Along the base of where it was attached reads “carb” and so does the base of the cords just below it.

Slightly zoomed out. If you’re facing the hood from the outside of the car this is the left side of the engine block.