I recenty bought a 1985 380sl with only 82000 original miles which looks greats in and out. When cold, It starts up very quickly not even one crank, however, enigine runs rough. as if all cylenders are not working and if i drive it, has no power and you can smell the fuel from the exhaust. After warming it up, specially when temperature guage is between 40 and 50 degrees, the car will run with absolutly no problems and very smoothly. When car has been driven for a while, it always takes many cranks before it starts, again, otherwise it runs great when started. Anyone has any ideas why? Could it be fuel damper or Regulator? Thanks

 

Hi there, this could be caused by anything from a vacuum leak to a faulty sensor,If I were you I would save myself months of heart-ache swapping out potential culprits by finding a mechanic with the correct diagnostic kit and getting him [or her...] to have a look at it

 

Thanks for the comments. I actually found an excellent mechanic in Los Angeles Valley area, MBZ Motors and this guy is fair and excellent. He checked the fuel pressure both up and down the car and I was loosing pressure. He changed the Fuel Damper and all problems are GONE!!!!
The car starts quickly when cold, Runs perfect and hot start is as quick as just one crank of the engine. Runs a bit rich when cold but overall runs great.