[82 380SL]

Did a search and came up empty. I have a 380 that has been sitting for a couple of years and does not want to stay running. At first it would run for a few miles then start sputering and very hard to keep it running.
What i have done.
pulled tank and cleaned
install new strainer in bottom of tank
fuel pump replaced by previous owner I can hear it running and did a pressure test of 100psi
replaced fuel filter. Alot of rust came out.

After doing these things it starts rough and idles then the pump starts moaning and it starts to die.

I know that 100 is too high so I am thinking the return line may be clogged. I dont know which line is the fuel line. POS Haynes manual is very vague.

 

[82 380SL]

Also the plugs are white like they are not gettin enough fuel.

 

[dugald]

Have you looked at the M/b shop manual?

Model 107

 

[82 380SL]

Just did. Hard to read and cannot tell by picture which line it is. Any suggestions?

 

[dugald]

Are you looking for the engine compartment end or the tank end of the return?

At the tank, the return line is the one that doesn't go to the pump assembly. Pretty obvious.

At the engine, a pic in the manual section 07.3-130 "Testing the Fuel Pump" shows where the return exits the fuel distributor.

 

[isthisdave]

.


Does your '82 have the fuel cooler provision on the AC line? I think it does, it's the fuel distributor return line that goes through the fuel cooler

 

[82 380SL]

Yes, thank you I thought I was going crazy. How would I clear that line?

 

[hornetball]

All those lines are available from the dealer. About $60 for each. Recently replaced mine because they were getting too old for my comfort.

That said, you are pursuing an extremely unlikely cause. There are dozens of other, far more likely, causes -- especially if your fuel was contaminated. I highly recommend that you perform the fuel system pressure diagnostic testing outlined in the FSM. Get a set of K-Jet gauges. The $100 you spend for a decent gauge set will be repaid many times.

 

[isthisdave]

Yes, thank you I thought I was going crazy. How would I clear that line?

I'd disconnect the line after the cooler and put some compressed air thru to the fuel tank.

 

[82 380SL]

when you say after the cooler I am lost. I cannot follow it back from rear and cannot find it in the front passed the cooler. Any photos or suggestions?

 

[rowdie]

There are 2 lines on the cooler. One from the fuel dist. The other one is the return to the tank. Disconnect it and use compressed air.

 

[isthisdave]

.


No, I don't. Post some pics of your fuel distributor and the cooler if you can.

 

[82 380SL]

I pulled the other line off the ac and fuel cooler line and blew it out back to the tank. Put it back together and it runs like a charm. This has been an ongoing repair for 3 months. Thank you all!!!

 

[rowdie]

I love it when a plan comes together. Congrats.

 

[82 380SL]

I agree Rowdie, Its almost as nice as your Avatar.!!

 

[dugald]

Fine ending!

 

[Chris8 S]

I know this is old thread but I saw 380SL gas line going into A/C line and wondered what was up...