Car ran great but slowed,Stopped and now wont start.Timing Chain???

[mxcrasher]

1981 380 SL.So I took her to fill her up to the gas station but on the way it lost power and acted like it was out of gas. When I got to the gas station it died. The car has a full tank and will not start. When I turn it over it sounds like the timing is off now. What are the symptoms of the timing chain going bad. I didnt hear any odd noises like banging valves or the like. Has anyone had the chain issue when it goes out. what do I look for now to get it back on the road.
Any suggestions????

[Digmenow]

I had that symptom once in my '81 380. There I was, a warm summer morning, pulling onto the Wilson Bri...!

Long story short. Four hours later, it started right up. The fuel relay was then replaced and (knock wood) it never happened again.

[ctaylor738]

As a test, pull the fuel pump relay out and jumper the holes where pins 30 and 87 go with a piece of #14 wire. If the car starts, then (probably) the relay has died.

BTW, what does a non-running car sound like when the timing is off?

[mxcrasher]

I maybe meant to say cranked it over. Hard to explain. the best to describe not a smooth turn over.

[ktmduke97]

fuel pump or relay most likely. start with the relay and then check the pump. when you turn the ignition on do you hear the fuel pump hum for about 2 seconds? if not...there is your problem. If your timing chain broke you would know. It makes a horrible sound as the valves hit the pistons. If you want to know for sure take off one of the valve covers or with a small mirror and light look from the oil cap. If you only see sprocket and no chain...your engine has been grenaded

[mxcrasher]

Originally Posted by Digmenow

I had that symptom once in my '81 380. There I was, a warm summer morning, pulling onto the Wilson Bri...!

Long story short. Four hours later, it started right up. The fuel relay was then replaced and (knock wood) it never happened again.

81 380sl. I have removed the right kick panel and have exposed several relays and to my suprise a glass fuse. Can anyone list what relays are to what especially the fuel pump relay.
Once someone has pointed it out to me can anyone tell me how to test it? origionally I posted that the car ran then ran poorly like it was out of gas and then finally died. I had it towed home and the next day it started back up but still runs poor(no power, bogs). Any suggestions?
ps what is there a glass fuse doing hidden behind the kick panel? I will be glad to post a pic if it is not standard

[isthisdave]

Once someone has pointed it out to me can anyone tell me how to test it?

See post #3.

[baido]

to me it seems that its electrical problem only.
just like you have been told, check the fuel pump relay.
i had a very similar issue, my car would start fine when the car is cold.
but after some time, it will start cutting off. just like its running out of petrol, then it will stop, and never to start again, unless it cooles down.
and it was the trigger box.
when replaced, it all went fine
good luck

[crm4444]

Originally Posted by mxcrasher

81 380sl. I have removed the right kick panel and have exposed several relays and to my suprise a glass fuse. Can anyone list what relays are to what especially the fuel pump relay.
Once someone has pointed it out to me can anyone tell me how to test it? origionally I posted that the car ran then ran poorly like it was out of gas and then finally died. I had it towed home and the next day it started back up but still runs poor(no power, bogs). Any suggestions?
ps what is there a glass fuse doing hidden behind the kick panel? I will be glad to post a pic if it is not standard

It's not in the right kick panel - check behind the glove box by removing the cover under it.

[Digmenow]

Remove the glove box. Two or three fasteners and you get best access.