1995 sl500 hot starting problem

[DanSL]

Hello all,

First day of ownership and unfortunately a problem has arisen already!

After picking the car up all was looking good until I stopped to put petrol in after driving for about 10 minutes and it wouldn't start. I tried it maybe four times and it was turning with a pop coming from the exhaust. I was shocked to say the least as I'd started it three times before initially setting off without an issue. Anyway, I was non plussed so I called the RAC but after waiting about half an hour I thought I'd give it another go and wa-la, it started absolutely fine and ran like a dream for the 70 mile trip home. Would anybody kindly be able to offer any advice as to what could possibly be causing the problem? I would add that this is a well cared for 2 owner example with a Full Service History.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[mercedescl500]

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum. Your problem sounds very much like a CPS (Crankshaft Position Sensor) failing. They usually fail when they get too hot, and then work fine once they have cooled. Eventually the engine will fail to start all together. To get absolute confirmation of the cause you really would need to run a Diagnostic to see if there is a code stored in the ECU. If the CPS is the suspect then change it for a genuine part instead of a generic/patern part as they are usually rubbish. Changing the CPS is quite straight forward if you have basic mechanical skills. Hope this helps.

Ricky.

 

[BlackC55]

I very much doubt a CPS issue on that 119 v8. I have never changed one and they rarely fault.
There are fault codes (bleep codes) but they are unreliable.
You need to find out if it is fuel or spark related. This will guide you to the component that is faulty.

 

[gatvol]

I am no expert, though have had distributor cap problems on my 94 sl500. They are cursed with this problem. Very easy to remove yourself and see if there is corrosion to the distributors or the rotors.

I replaced 2 caps and 2 rotors in 2010 and have done 2000 miles since. Regardless I have just cleaned away corrosion as my car was running on about three cylinders after 4 miles of driving. I could never have imagined that such old fashioned components could cripple a car like this. My problem is that I only use mine on the odd weekend so the corrosion can build up

Worth you checking out these simple components before you go in for more serious intervention