Hi, I am more used to diesels (have an 84 300TD), but recently got a lovely 1980 280SL at an auction. It starts up fine (just regularly, not using starter fluid or anything), runs for about 10 secs, and quits.

Any suggestions on what to look at?

Also, the gas tank seems not to have a leak (1/2 tank gas has remained level for a few weeks), but the top near the filler cap has some rust on the inside. Suggestions on that too.

Thanks.

 

From your limited description it reads like the engine is starved for fuel. I'd start at the tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, accumulator, fuel lines, vacuum lines, fuel distributor. If this car sat for a lengthy period waiting for you to find/buy it, fuel delivery system or component could easily have become corrupted.

Bob

 

The first thing that I would check would be to have a look at the fuel pressure, it should be around 3.8 bar.
Also check where there fuel leak is coming from, maybe a leaking pressure regulator??