1991 500 sl,just replaced fuel pumps,fuel filter and temp. control switch. Ran great for a few days,drove to the store,came out,turned key,all dash lights came on,starter engaged but would not turn over engine. Tried jumper cables,starter engaged but would not turn over. Took battery home put it on charge,dead cell. Installed new battery,same result,starter engaged but would not turn over. Any ideas? Also what is the location of the starter on a 500 sl?
Thanks in advance for your help,it's my first time posting. I'm pretty okay with tools, but I'm looking forward to hearing from SLEEPWALKER and the rest of you experts. THANKX AGAIN,HARLEY GUY

 

are you from california? i spoke with a guy named Ted from cali and he asked me some questions about a 91 sl 500. needed a crank sensor. just curious is that you?

 

He's my best friend. Turned out to be your other suggestion,the temp control switch.(If you're his son in law, it's the same caller)That's who he told me he called. Got an email? By the way,thanks for your help and for recommending this site.

 

Yes I guess you can say he's an inlaw. I'm glad I was able to help you. So now what's wrong just not starting? Email is jdowns1973@Comcast.net

 

I turn the key all the dash lights come on,the starter engages,starts to turn but doesn't.Kind of like it's on a "flat spot".Or if you have a hi compression motorcycle that stops at the top of the compression stoke some times you have to put it in gear and rock it off of top dead center. Also after trying several times and holding the key in the start position I smelled a little elec. burn smell under the hood on the right side. New battery last night,no difference. P.S. Say hi to Jesse for me. Met her years ago out here,don't know if she'll remember. My name is Ted also.

 

She said ted haler? ......and ofcourse I remember him. She said hello

 

Great ! Okay,now MB MASTER How bout my car?What do you think?Or because of it's age do you need to talk to some of the older guys like me? And is the starter passenger or drivers side,underneath (I hope) or on top of engine?......Small world isn't it.?. I put a call into Ted but the cell service up there sucks. He'll get a kick out of this. Spoke to Ted yesterday,blew him away. any advise on my starter questions?

 

Hey chassis 221 I'm on line now.Can you take a look at my starter questions and give some advise?

 

I know that one,but this is different.The starter engages,for a second or less sound like it starts to turn but doesn't. like a week battery. Except I replaced the battery as a first step.

 

First make sure the engine can turn smoothly.
Try by turning the crank and see if it spins rather easily. I also have seen siezed belt pulleys that made it impossible for the engine to turn over. Remove belts and check all the pulleys. Mercedes starters very rarely go bad.these are the only suggestions I can give you off the top of my head.