w126 500sel - starting issues!!!

[elderly126]

hello people,

I'm new to this site and pretty new to the world of mercedes! I'm hoping someone may be able to offer advice.

I have a 1982 500sel (same age as myself nearly!) on 275,000 - quite a tired old thing but sturdy enough.

At the moment - I can't get it to start. It feels like it's a steering wheel lock issue - as the key doesn't seem to turn / click correctly. I get a buzzy whir (fuel pump??). I did get this before - when I parked with the front wheels slightly crooked at on a kerb stone. Removing said stone and giving the wheel a tug did the trick then. Now tho, the wheels are straight and free but no joy!! Could it be a duff ignition barrel or steering lock? - and more importantly - how can i sort it!!? As a two tonne lump of steel is a garden ornament none of us want!

I should stress i'm pretty unmechanically minded so simple solutions are welcome...is there anything I can hit with a hammer?

Any thanks in advance for any help!

 

[jaymanek]

Is the key turning all the way to start?

The buzz is a good sign, this is the fuel pump.

 

[elderly126]

I think it's turning all the way - although maybe not that last bit to start - quite hard to work out if it's because you expect the rumble of the starter and I'm not really familiar enough with Mercs to know the 'feel'. The lock on the wheel operates, but it all seems pretty stiff. I tried turning the wheels a bit either way but no joy!

 

[grober]

Sounds as if your ignition key barrel is about to give up the ghost. You want to get it sorted before it jams solid . It then becomes very difficult to remove. I believe our own Ian B Walker posted a "how to" on this. http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/howto/5489-howto-lock-set-change-w124.html

 

[elderly126]

Thanks for that!

I presume a w126 is pretty much as per w124 in this regard? Is there a way of knowing on removal if that's the culprit? - can the car be started minus ignition barrel?

Thanks,

Harry

 

[elderly126]

In addition, does anyone know of any good suppliers of decent second hand merc bits? I have used ebay in the past for a few bits and bobs. I might get a barrel and have a go - don't really want the expense of a new one - it was a cheap car.

Also are there any good (and cheap!!) Merc servicing specialists in the warwickshire area (i'm in rugby) who look after the older cars?

There's nothing else that could be causing problems here is there - logic would suggest a soon-to-expire key barrel

 

[neilrr]

I went through this with a 190E which has pretty much the same ignition barrel set up.
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/interior/56593-help-w201-ignition-barrel-wont-turn.html

It was a PITA. I have a W126 ignition barrel & key if you need one.

 

[jaymanek]

you can get a barrel from the dealer. that way it will keep the original key.

 

[elderly126]

Thanks again for the replies - reading neilrr's link and post, it seems like it's not such an uncommon thing?

I'll have to try and find a coathanger and some patience and have a go.

I'm guessing going to a MB dealer will mean a big bill for a new barrel? Do you just give them your VIN? Would be nice to have a single key - but it's not a show winning car and I'm a frugal man!

How much would you want for your barrel neilrr? assume it's known to be good, etc.

 

[neilrr]

elderly,

Can you post up an email address after 8 o'clock tonight & I'll contact you?

TIA.

 

[elderly126]

Cheers,

was reading through the posts on the link you pasted - and others spurring off - probably need to see if my barrel's the one or two hole type to see what will fit properly! I'll probably have to check at the weekend as I'm not about in daylight until then.

Thanks again

 

[neilrr]

Thanks.

Best to remove your email address now.

 

[elderly126]

Seems a bit strange this - tried another start this morning - just a fuel pump (quite loud) whir.

So attempted to remove the plastic panel around the barrel (don't know if I should have done this, as I snapped the corner off...) to get better access. Took the key off the fob, gave it a twist and then surprisingly she fired up!! - after a bit of effort - probably a bit flooded. So the old v8 coughed a bit up the road...

Anyway it's fired now a couple of times. And seems to be functioning quite well.

I could only find one 'hole' into which I could fit the home made tool - but it's tiny (only paperclip steel diameter) but haven't really tried to extract yet. It's a about 6 o'clock on the picture above - is this the right hole?

Does that black collar need unscrewing? I noticed debate on benzworld.org about different w126s having one/ two holes or collar that does / doesn't need removal.

Is it a good idea to replace the barrel still? Oddly the silver disc seems loose and spins quite freely (see below)

It seems as though someone's been in here before - scratches, etc

Probably need to source of the black trim bit again tho! - tho when it's back in place on it doesn't look too bad!

Any thoughts? I suppose to be sure, sourcing another barrel would be prudent - if only to keep in the glove box for emergencies!