I just took my car into the shop this morning due to some issues I was having with what seemed like fuel distribution. It is an '85 500SL. The car has been very rough upon acceleration, had a slightly rough idle, and was obviously missing a lot. Upon hitting interstate cruising speeds, the car smoothed out OK, but with what seemed like no power and the occasional slight jolt of a miss. I couldn't even think about trying to pass someone. I have also been kicking about 10MPG over the past couple of weeks.
I have suspected gunk/water/goo/crud/whatever to be in the gas tank as this car set for nearly 2 years with only the occasional crank and drive around the block. Prior to buying it, the plugs, wires, air filter (your basic tuneup) was done on it. Well, here was the outcome of the mechanic (Mercedes specialist luckily, not dealer) on what needs to be replaced.
Fuel Distributer
Warm Up Regulator
3 Fuel Injectors w/ Seals (he recommended going ahead and replacing all 8 rather than just the 3)
Fuel Filter
He gave me his quote, but when I asked for the individual part prices he immediately let me know that if I wanted to get the parts on my own he would have no problem accepting my parts and simply charging me the labor. This was a good thing, as it looks like I may be able to save ~$600 total on parts.
My question is, does this seem right as to what may need to be replaced seeing the symptoms I described above. This is my first time having to get a mechanic involved with this car and I simply want to make sure that what he is telling me (if nothing else) sounds legit. It does to me, but I ask the question to those much more knowledgeable than I. Thanks for the input.
Have you tried mixing some Techron concentrate with the gasoline yet? That's always step 1.
A fuel filter is step 2. (It should have been done with the tune up.)
The injectors I'd place at number 3.
The warm-up regulator should only affect cold (fast) idle.
Finally, the fuel distributor (last resort). These can often be cleaned simply by loosening each of the fuel line nuts on top of the unit with the engine running. The gunk can then run out. (This is not a task for the faint of heart...) If problems persist, then consider replacing it.
Notice that my approach is incremental. It's NOT "let's do all this right now." Find the problem by dealing with one component at a time...
Linear Mode
