What's wrong with my R107sl?

[Timper]

The problem I'm about to describe is intermittent and even then, random...

When i start the car after long periods of standing (say three to four weeks of being parked)... Under any kind of acceleration, it's like it is misfiring. The harder you press the throttle, the worse it is, almost like it is getting ir but not no fuel. However if you just feather the throttle gently in, then it is ok and will gradually build up speed as normal

However, park it, switch it off and start it again, and it's completely fine and normal like nothing ever happened.

What could it be?

 

[carat 3.6]

Is it a 300sl?

I'm thinking that you have an ignition problem.

 

[Timper]

Is it a 300sl?

I'm thinking that you have an ignition problem.

Sorry yes, 300sl, 1987 e reg.

 

[Terry_]

First place to look would be your distributor cap. These are prone to condensation

 

[V12]

Especially the ecp ones!

 

[Timper]

First place to look would be your distributor cap. These are prone to condensation

Thanks, I'll do that over the weekend and report back.

 

[Timper]

Sorry to be a thicko here...

Can someone point out where I should be checking? I'm used to dizzy caps being round and brown And held on by two clips from my vw days.

I've taken the plastic cover off at the front to see where the HT leads go into.

 

[carat 3.6]

Sorry to be a thicko here...

Can someone point out where I should be checking? I'm used to dizzy caps being round and brown And held on by two clips from my vw days.

I've taken the plastic cover off at the front to see where the HT leads go into.

The dizzy cap is held on by 3 allen headed bolts, and is covered by the black plastic cover. It's mounted on it's side because it's driven from the camshaft.

 

[Timper]

Seems that a bit of google image searching has helped

Here it is!

So do I need to take all the plugs off first to get to the Allen bolts?

 

[Timper]

Just had another look. Looks like those leads have all got to come off, looks awfully tight in there!

 

[carat 3.6]

Just had another look. Looks like those leads have all got to come off, looks awfully tight in there!

You can remove the cap with the leads still attached, but you will need patience with the bottom bolt.

 

[Timper]

You can remove the cap with the leads still attached, but you will need patience with the bottom bolt.

Thanks for the advice. I'd much prefer to do it with them staying in place! Will be next week now as I'm busy over the weekend. Thanks again..

 

[stwat]

The bottom bolt is a real pain in the rump. Here's a tool I bodged together when I replaced my cap a few months back. Two extension bars from some screwdriver sets, an allen bit and a ring spanner It made the job so much easier.

 

[Timper]

The bottom bolt is a real pain in the rump. Here's a tool I bodged together when I replaced my cap a few months back. Two extension bars from some screwdriver sets, an allen bit and a ring spanner It made the job so much easier.

That is brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

 

[jaymanek]

condensation in the cap is very common with the 12V 300 engine and would cause exactly the symptoms you describe.

There is a seal ring behind there that might be worth replacing, A0149975848. May be worth getting one of those before you take it apart.

 

[Timper]

condensation in the cap is very common with the 12V 300 engine and would cause exactly the symptoms you describe.

There is a seal ring behind there that might be worth replacing, A0149975848. May be worth getting one of those before you take it apart.

Thanks Jay. Appreciate the heads up.

Hey, i'd still love to get the car serviced by you at some point sooner rather than later, it's just a question of finding a time that works for me due to my working hours.