[sr1848]

Good morning everyone!

I am new to this forum and have already benefited from the many useful posts.

I recently purchased a 1987 560SL with 92,500 KMs. The vehicle is in reasonably good condition, however, it has been parked outside, on a paved surface for about 15 years. I was told the vehicle was recently started, however, I would like to start with a fresh baseline.

As a starting point, I compiled the list below of things to do before attempting to start the engine from its prolonged nap:

• Oil and Filter change
• Air Filter
• Air Pump Filter
• Fuel Pump replacement (previous owner told me it needs to be replaced)
• Drain old fuel and replace with new fuel

After engine has been started:

• Transmission Fluid and Filter replacement
• Brakes and Rotors (all around)
• Engine Coolant replacement
• Replace Tires
• Address any other issue
• Safety Inspection

Have I missed anything? Any additional thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[PanzerPuff]

Make it stop, make it go, make it ready for a show.
I keep a spreadsheet of everything done to my 1987 MB 560SL. Here is the list minus the vendor, date and price columns. Not saying you will do the same, it just gives you an idea of what may lie ahead at your option. The total is about $18 grand so far. Good luck with this never ending project.

Die Hard	Bobbi Ellis / po	Battery @ West Palm Beach FL
Mercedes Benz	1262770295	Tranny fluid / oil and filter
Mercedes Benz	1074920082​	Damping Pad
Custom		Custom fit car cover
Dayton Wires	Rim-wire	Wire spoke wheels
Mercedes Benz	8208310	Switch, brakes, exhaust hangers
BF Goodrich	205/655r15	Tires
Energizer		Battery
Mercedes Benz	1153301875	subframe bushings, control arms
Mercedes Benz	125425406	New speedometer
Larry Marsh		Timing chain, guides, radiator
Mercedes Benz	1074920044	Exhaust rings, oil change
Larry M	R12	Ball joint, tie rod ends, Freon12
Larry M	Water Pump	Coolant, thermostat, hose
Larry M	Relay	Voltage relay
Larry M		Steering gear, brakes, calipers
Larry M	3	Steering gear bolts
Labor	Sticker	PA state inspection
Labor	Sticker	PA state inspection
Adsit	Hold-107	Hardtop holder with cover
Larry M	10W40	oil and exhaust hangers
Larry M	Brake hoses	Blower motor, control unit
Larry M		AC Idler Pulley
Silver Advance	Battery
Mercedes Benz	1077780197	Soft top window weatherstrip left
Mercedes Benz	1077780297	Soft top window weatherstrip right
Mercedes Benz	1239973681	Windshield washer pump grommet
Mercedes Benz	^0009973320	Windshield washer plug
Mercedes Benz	1109870544​	Windshield washer plug
Mercedes Benz	2028609369​	Windshield washer tank cap
Mercedes Benz	107 869 06 20	Windshield washer fluid resevoir OEM
Ebay		Mercedes wood shifter knob
3544 Riverside	labor	Four wheel balance
Sylvania	9003	Ultra halogen headlamp
Mercedes Benz	labor	Four wheel alignment
Mercedes Benz	labor	Cruise control diagnosis
NGK	BP7ES	Non resistor spark plugs
Beck Arnley	444000	Power steering filter
Bosch	4177	Distributor rotor
Mann	H2014	Transmission filter
Walker	25023073	Oxygen sensor
Wix	33153	Fuel filter
Mercedes Benz	A1170940382	Air intake hose
Mercedes Benz	A1075050955	Fan shroud
Mercedes Benz	A1079131428	Chrome seat hinge cover
Mercedes Benz	224774401	Fuel filter
Febi	^1264600819	Idler Arm Repair Kit
Meyle	1073300203	Tie rod assemblies Left and Right
Tops Online	SCF560SLSAFL	Seat leathers safron w brazil pipe
Tops Online	245Saffron	one yard saffron MB Tex
Uro	1077200978	Conv top frame LR horizontal weatherstrip
Mercedes Benz	1154600510​	Steering coupler
Mercedes Benz	1074602001	Power steering gear box
Mercedes Benz	^000965008028	Screw
Mercedes Benz	1079190424​	Sliding jaw
Mercedes Benz	189816110​	Needle bearning steering
Mercedes Benz	72601012230​	Light bulb instruments
Mercedes Benz	1170941282​	Injection hose
Energy Suspension	9.5161R	Sway bar bushing set
Mercedes Benz	A0018267190	Driving light lens
Beru		Ballast resistor for auxillary fan
Energy Suspension	9.8105R	Sway bar end link kit
Meyle	&361321343513	center drag link
Mercedes Benz	part 0045454032	Electronic control module
Mercedes Benz	Steering bearing assembly
Volkswagen		8A and 16A ceramic fuses
Mercedes Benz	A0008350644	Lifting Magnet (heater)
Mercedes Benz	Ring around ignition key
Mercedes Benz	Ring around ignition key gasket
Mercedes Benz	A1169900031	Rivet for door catch
Mercedes Benz	A1264920281	Exhaust ring right
Mercedes Benz	A1170520816	Timing chain slide rail outer head
Mercedes Benz	A1170520916	Timing chain slide rail inners
Mercedes Benz	A1170520083	Timing tensioner liner
Mercedes Benz	A0020944604	Air filter element
Bosal	281-329	Exhaust system w/ muffler
Mercedes Benz	1264920281	Exhaust seal ring german
Mercedes Benz	48206810	AC temp switch on drier
MTEC		Sport wing wiper blades 18"
Bilstein	140617728472	Rear shocks B4 24-011846
Bilstein	271998070616	Front shocks
Mercedes Benz	Center caps for Mercedes Benz
Switch Doctor		Window control switch
Labor	na	Fix dents in door
Lemfoerder	3385010	Steering tie rod ends
Centric	10204240	Brake pads front
Centric	12135015	Disc Rotors front
Centric	11735003	Disc brake hardware kit
Valvoline	VV985	SynPower synthetic grease
Lisle	65250	Bearing packer

 

[StuLaguna]

Hi, and welcome. General consensus seems to be that the valvetrain is the achilles heel of the otherwise bulletproof M117 engine. Order up the gaskets, pull the cam covers and look for any play in the timing chain, or any wear under the covers that may indicate contact with the chain. Visually inspect the guide rails. Failure of the chain or rails would spell certain disaster for that engine.

Due to the complex fuel delivery system in this vehicle, you may have a lot of steps between initial inspection and the car actually starting. When you turn the key to position 2, you should hear the fuel pump. If not, perhaps it's bad, or perhaps it's the fuel pump relay. There are procedures outlined on this forum for testing both.

Once started, the idle quality will determine what's next.

 

[StuLaguna]

I will add that I recently acquired an '86 560SL. Mine ran okay, and had been driven around 4k miles a year but suffered a rough idle, and a failed emissions test. I smoked the vacuum system to reveal a ton of leaks resulting in a lot of false air in the system. After a handful of hoses, I'll move on to the rest of the fuel delivery system. I would imagine that with yours sitting for so long, and rubber hoses drying and shrinking that a smoke test could be telling.

 

[sr1848]

Thank you very much for your replies and suggestions.

I will definitely pull the covers and inspect the valvetrain along with the other suggestions.

When the key is turned to position 2, I do not hear the fuel pump. I will review the testing procedures to help diagnose the problem.

There's definitely a lot of work to do!

 

[Biackbenz300se#]

I would be very concerned about the fuel system. I would check the gas tank for rust. Sitting for 15 years I would suspect a whole lost of rust in there. Replace the strainer in the fuel outlet. I would drop the fuel pump assembly and check out the fuel lines and rubber hoses, replace fuel filter before applying power to the pumps.

 

[PanzerPuff]

On fluids:

• Use clean high octane fuel and a few doses of Techron once that engine is running. Spray throttle body cleaner into the air intake if you see any crud.
• Do not use any additives in the oil.
• Do not use any additives in the tranny and note your car has a torque converter drain plug where you can turn the flywheel with a screwdriver to line up the plug with the hole.
• I use Valvoline DOT 3 and 4 brake fluid with good results. Do not use DOT 5.
• You did not mention rear 80W differential oil, something to do while you are under the rear.
• The 560 can run hot so consider a cleaning and flush while replacing the coolant.
• When replacing tires ask for a wheel alignment. A good shop will refuse to do the alignment if any of your rubber goodies have worn out, so it is like a free second opinion.

 

[sr1848]

Thank you for the excellent advice!

@Biackbenz300se# : I removed the fuel tank and did find some rust deposits. The tank shops I called told me they won't reseal the fuel tank due to the lack of success. I will attempt to clean the fuel tank myself and see what happens.

Also, the Fuel Sender seems to be seized and obtained a replacement and a new Fuel Strainer is on order.

@PanzerPuff: Thank you. Coolant and rear differential fluid is now on my list of to-do's!

Thanks!

 

[StuLaguna]

I did forget to mention that it's recommended to pay close attention to the oiler tubes when you inspect the valvetrain. Give them a tug. They should be tightly seated. If not, they'll need replacing