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Vapor Lock?

5123 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  cookie79, 
cookie79
I am a new member who has recently purchased a 1979 450SL. I purchased the car approximately 200 miles from my home. 150 miles on the trip home the car died while I was traveling at 70 MPH. After pulling to the side of the road I tried to start the car. It would turn over but not start. I continued doing this over a period of thirty mintes. Each time the engine came closer to turning over and starting. At the time the tow truck arrived the engine turned over and started.
The next day the car started and is running smoothly, but I have no confidence in driving this vehicle for an extended time.

My questions are:

Has anyone else experienced such a problem?
How was it solved?
Could this be a vapor lock problem?
If it is a vapor lock problem, what is the cure?

Looking forward to reading your opinions.

Thanks,

Cookie 79
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Digmenow
Cookie, this happened to me last summer as I was crossing the Wilson bridge from Maryland to Virginia. I had the car rollbacked to my indie's shop and of course, it started right up. Claude thought it was the fuel relay, located up behind the glove box. He removed the two clips (screws?) that hold the glove box in place and replaced the relay. $200 later, I was down the road and have never experienced the problem again (fingers crossed). Hope this helps.


BTW...when it's running, do you hear a buzzing or loud humming coming from the rear of the car?
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Digmenow
cookie79 said:
Dig,
As to the BTW question I do not hear any humming or buzzing from the rear. If I did what, would that mean?
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A loud buzzing coming from the rear of the car is an indication that the fuel pump's days are numbered. Louder equals worse. Sounds like you're ok.
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