[pmccandless]

Alright time to move on to the next issue on this '85 380SL. Again, I'll be going off what my aunt has told me so who knows where that will get me.

She describes as this:

The car will completely shut down all functions while driving. It can happen just pulling out of the driveway or going 75 on the freeway. All electrical shuts down typically for about 10 minutes before she's able to fire it back up, but recently has been noted to be without any power for up to 45 minutes. She's then able to start it back up and get it home.

This has happened numerous times and the only pattern that my uncle seemed to notice was that it was only happening when the gas tank was less than half full. Now is that even a possibility since it loses all electrical as well? Never heard of that before, but again I'm green when it comes to these german cars.

Any and all input is appreciated as always. Thanks guys.

 

[3547fl]

My first guess would the ignition switch, I only say that from past experience. When they go bad it's very unpredictable when and were they malfunction.

 

[isthisdave]

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Over Voltage Protection Relay

 

[tdoriot]

I had a connection issue with the extra wire that goes to the battery on my 73. Cost a tow and shop time to get that sorted out.

 

[pmccandless]

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Over Voltage Protection Relay

I researched this some and it sounds like there's not really much of a way to diagnose this besides switching it out. Am I right?

My main concern is that this is not a consistent problem that happens all the time so I will never really know if I resolved the issue or not. Unless this is something that I can mess with while the car is running in hopes to duplicate the problem?

 

[The Proctologist]

mine did something similar when the ground wire to the distributor got frayed

that's the problem with intermittant problems, you can only diagnose them when they aren't working, in which case nothing is working so how do you diagnose them? it could be as simple as a faulty ground connection somewhere

 

[RadioTek]

It sounds like the typical OVP relay problem, BUT, since there is mention of it being fuel level related, I would check to verify that. I'm thinking about a plugged up fuel tank filter screen. But if the symptom really is that all the electrical system goes, then I would lean more toward the OVP relay.


Just a thought or two,
Scott

 

[pmccandless]

So do you guys know if I mess with the OVP relay while the car is running is it possible to duplicate the problem?

 

[FriscoSteve]

Proc is right, could be a simple ground. Have you verified all your ground connections? Perhaps remove them, clean, sand the areas and reconnect them?

 

[pmccandless]

Proc is right, could be a simple ground. Have you verified all your ground connections? Perhaps remove them, clean, sand the areas and reconnect them?

I wouldn't even know where to start with that. The wires in this thing are a little more hidden than my '74 Chevy I'm used to working on...

 

[pmccandless]

UPDATE: I'm finally getting a weekend to devote to this thing in a few weeks so I wanted to knock out the necessities so I can actually drive this thing.

#1) Fan hitting the broken clutch piece on the a/c compressor: I wish I had a pic to show but I don't. The a/c isn't going to be needed for another 6 months at least now that the weather is nice so I was either going to take a cut-off wheel to the metal clutch piece that is sticking out causing the fan to hit it OR remove the compressor entirely. Thoughts? I plan on installing a new compressor before next summer just not right now so I'm leaning towards cutting the piece off and then digging into that when the time comes.

#2) Pass side valve cover has a heavy leak: so I wanted to know the best place to pick up a new gasket set. Preferably just the valve cover set and not an entire engine rebuild set.

#3) The stalling issue which was the original topic of this thread: I just found out that this thing has apparently been doing this for many many years now. When my grandparents owned and drove it, it would stall at any random time while driving and my grandma would just kick it into neutral and fire it right back up. It has progressively become worse and worse to where it would not even turn over for 5 minutes, 15 minutes, and just recently up to 45 minutes until power would be restored to the ignition to turn it over and fire back up. Does the fact that this is been progressing like this lean you guys towards one thing over another? I was ready to purchase a new OVP Relay until I heard this and wanted to run it by you guys.

Plan on ordering the parts tonight or tomorrow. Thanks in advance.

 

[pmccandless]

Anyone?

 

[slik560]

I had similar stalling/dieing issues in my 87 560SL and it was a loose crankshaft position sensor. A mechanic tightened the screw on the bell housing and that did it. I still may have the sensor replaced, but they are NOT cheap.

I often use www ********** .biz for parts. Talk to Rusty - he and Tom know a LOT about these cars.

The site won't let the name of the company show. Send me a PM if you are interested in the source.


Congrats: you've inherited the family curse.

 

[RadioTek]

AutohausAZ.com is in Tempe. They're mail-order only, but if you order more than $50.00, the shipping is free. Usually, UPS Ground shipped stuff shows up the next day, if you order in the morning.

Also, you might try BAP, they should have a store near you. They have, or can get, a surprising amount of stuff reasonably priced. A little more than AutohausAZ, but quicker.

Then there's always the dealerships.

Good luck,
Scott

 

[pmccandless]

Thanks Scott! I'll definitely check it out.

So for a new update...

I was told by a certain Benz vendor (not here I don't think) that my '85 380SL doesn't even have an Over Voltage Protection Relay and that it's 100% the Ignition Control Unit. What gives?

 

[rowdie]

The vendor is an idiot. Clearly listed in the EPC. PN 201 540 08 45 "overload protector".

Which one? It is OK to name names here.

 

[pmccandless]

So confused now. I don't know what to go with.

It's the vendor that slik560 had recommended a couple posts ago. It won't let me put the name on here.

 

[B Bear]

No OVP, then what did I replace in the spring?

 

[pmccandless]

Does anyone happen to have a pic of where this is located? I did a quick search but didn't find anything helpful.

 

[isthisdave]

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Section 00, CLAP