500 sl 2 year rest

[graham58]

Hi my 92 sl has been of the road for about 2 years,i have been starting it every so often but not been taking it for a run.i have now put it back on the road ,but the amount of problems it has is unbelievable.It was over heating going straight up to over 120,i have changed rad ,fan clutch and the stat,its still running hot at about 110 while i,m stationary but not boiling over now.Then when i,m driving it drops down to about 100 so i can live with that.The soft top doesn,t work now ,a job i need to sort at a later date and i,ve just ordered new discs and pads all round plus lots of little things like bits not working and warning lights on dash .My car was perfect when i laid it up ,it seems these cars are better used than put to bed in a garage.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Very much so indeed, even if it's once a week they do seem to prefer even low key use to no use. Mine was laid up for about 8 months before I bought it, and I had over 130 fault codes to sort through, mainly electrical, along with failed control panels and suspension system components.

 

[turbopete]

agreed. I believe one of the WORST things for a vehicle is for it NOT to be used.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

My SL R129 goes into winter storage every year Nov - April, I always disconnect battery and Ctek trickle charge few days before start up. I personally don't think its a good idea or practice to start a car up once a week or so without taking it for a run...I have never had any issues really other then I think the storage team 'fried' my roof module last year as they had moved my car over winter and I suspected jump leads had been used...now that the E55 has gone I can store at home garage

On the roof... if battery has been reconnected or gone flat you will need to reset the windows and roll bar first, hold switch up position 3-5 secs, on the temp issue it may be a viscos fan common issue, if yours has this fitted or you may have changed already? If car has been in storage for 2 years I would also give it a full major service including plugs and all filters, brake fluid etc, and do a complete coolant flush and change...

Hi my 92 sl has been of the road for about 2 years,i have been starting it every so often but not been taking it for a run.i have now put it back on the road ,but the amount of problems it has is unbelievable.It was over heating going straight up to over 120,i have changed rad ,fan clutch and the stat,its still running hot at about 110 while i,m stationary but not boiling over now.Then when i,m driving it drops down to about 100 so i can live with that.The soft top doesn,t work now ,a job i need to sort at a later date and i,ve just ordered new discs and pads all round plus lots of little things like bits not working and warning lights on dash .My car was perfect when i laid it up ,it seems these cars are better used than put to bed in a garage.

 

[jaymanek]

That temp would worry me. Think it's time to invest in a water pump if you have renewed other items.

As has been said, not good idea to start it and not drive it.

 

[Richard Moakes]

+1 Water Pump and Viscous Fan Coupling


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[Frontstep]

Just like us,

human beings need to be kept moving to.

After a long lay up I am sure my brain had stored a few thousand codes.

An Italian tune up for people a few times a week is good for you.

 

[graham58]

That temp would worry me. Think it's time to invest in a water pump if you have renewed other items.

As has been said, not good idea to start it and not drive it.

i am in the middle of replacing the water pump what a job :cry:

 

[graham58]

you may have changed already? If car has been in storage for 2 years I would also give it a full major service including plugs and all filters, brake fluid etc, and do a complete coolant flush and change...

already fitted new plugs ,leads,dizzy caps and rotors,still got loads to do,this lay up is costing me dear.

 

[LostKiwi]

Far better to use the car on a regular basis, even if its just those days where the sun shines.

 

[turbopete]

Far better to use the car on a regular basis, even if its just those days where the sun shines.

could be why its been parked for 2 years then......

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Have you changed the Viscous Fan Coupling? this would be first on my list before the pump

i am in the middle of replacing the water pump what a job :cry:

 

[graham58]

Have you changed the Viscous Fan Coupling? this would be first on my list before the pump

yes that was done before it was laid up ,state too.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

I would make sure you fully flush the system and add new coolant whilst fitting new pump.

yes that was done before it was laid up ,state too.

 

[TechnoWhizz]

SLK Layoff

I bought an SLK just over a year ago that had been laid up for two years. It had the mould to prove it.

To the point, My MPG was shocking at about 14mpg and I was advised to drop a tin of REDEX in tank and fill up with SUPER unleaded. By the end of the second tank, she was doing 28-29, even with an occasional heavy right foot.

I also found a tin of Maplins switch cleaner really helpful with all the electrical faults.

So, now all sorted and runs beautifully. Just sold her last night to satisfy my ML500 addiction :O)