ok so we got a sweet deal on a 1981 380sel so far changed
fuel pump & plugs
engine fires up then dies almost immediatley weve been playing with this thing for a month now and nothing seems to keep it running.
were not really familar with mercedes engine so any help is appreciated.
tried adjusting what the manual calls the idle air screw but that doesnt help any.

PLEASE HELP US.
thx

 

I'm in the exact same situation! I recently purchased an 82 380sel with 102,000 original miles. the car is visually in mint condition. it ran fine the first day but since then its been having the exact same problem. On initial start up (cold engine) the car starts up and stays on, but after a minute or so it dies and will die almost immediatly after ever start up. I checked the fuel feed line and it seems to be getting plenty of fuel. Sounds like we are in the same boat (benz )! HELPPP!!!!!



GOOD NEWS FOR YOU BRASSKNUKL!!!!! I just pulled off the idle control unit (its a black box looking thing about the size of two decks of cards directly under the windshield in the center) and after opening it i noticed that the circuit board was fried. I haven't replaced it yet but i'm willing to bet that's the culprit. Im going to by a replacement tomorrow and will let you know if that was indeed it. Will keep you informed.

 

1984 380 se

hey im haveing the same problem ...i changed the fuel distributor , fuel lines , pump , plugs, wires ....and still not starting can you please tell me if that part worked or not .....
rvc2356@yahoo.com
thank you

 

o yeah ..... the car will turn over but will only stay on if i hold the gas down if i dont hold down the gas the car will die
...it was also stiilin for about a year .....