V8 idling how should it feel (general question)

[mike_1972]

Hi folks,
this is my first German V8 (1978 450 SLC with 36k miles on the clock)
and I need some reference points from all of you...

How well do these engines,properly tuned, idle?
Are you suppose to feel the engine running at all?
Can you feel an occasional "shutter" or "rumble"?
I am just not sure .. I have had several fine German automobiles that ran like cream...
Actually the Audi 5cyl idled quite a bit better than 3 US V8 cars I had over the years.. the only thing that came close to it was my 4 cyl Ford Focus (believe it or not)...

Well thanks in advance..
Mike

[jdc1244]

There should be no rumbles or stumbles. It should run smooth and quiet.

[mike_1972]

Hi,
thanks for the reply.
I found the reson for the slight rumbling...
for a (not yet determined reason) my idle (set at 750RPM) lowers itself somtimes to about 450 - 500 RPM... at those low revolutions the engine just does not seem to idle all that smooth... whenever the engine cranks at about 600 - 650 it is smooth and rubmle free [8D]
Still am working to get my vacuum situation taken care off ....

Thanks, Mike

[runderwo76]

I too just got a 79 350 SL with 170k miles on it. It too idles rough. I will be having it looked at by my mechanic after the Holiday. This forum is a wonderful wealth of info. Thanks for all the input.

[:)]

[jdc1244]

Yes, get the vacuum situation sorted out first, that’s a good place to start. Don’t be too concerned if that does not work, however, there will be other things we can try.


Welcome runderwo76, your car looks great. From what car did you get the rims? I got mine from a 2000 CLK 320. Many of the newer rims look good on the older cars!

[;)]

[teky]

setup data
http://www.benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=243

[runderwo76]

Sorry I am just now getting back to you. The wheels came on the car from the person we bought it from. After getting new plugs and wires, our 79 450 SL is purring like a kitten.

See new pic below, my wife taking her grandmother around for a spin. Have a good day...