Hello from Malta

[Roger Camilleri]

I have just purchased a forgotten in a garage Mercedes SL280 year 1981 since 2007, I will receive the car tomorrow as yet I have only seen pictures, the owners opinion is that the car is still sound and solid I'm hoping that this will be the case knowing how rusty these cars can get. When parked in the garage in 2007 the car was in perfect running order and after that the owner use to start the engine ever now and again but since 5 years ago he didn't so when he tried starting it now it didn't go. He said its a petrol issue as this is old now. I am new to Mercedes and would appreciate help from you guys. The first this i like to do before I start cleaning is start the engine, what is you opinion to what I should do to get to this other than the obvious.

• Empty fuel tank (Not sure if i should remove and clean)
• Check if pump is working
• Clean the tiny filter at the K Jetronic
• New fuel in and run the pump to clear the pipe runs
• Change fuel filer

AND CRANK IT

 

[Roger Camilleri]

I have just purchased a forgotten in a garage Mercedes SL280 year 1981 since 2007, I will receive the car tomorrow as yet I have only seen pictures, the owners opinion is that the car is still sound and solid I'm hoping that this will be the case knowing how rusty these cars can get. When parked in the garage in 2007 the car was in perfect running order and after that the owner use to start the engine ever now and again but since 5 years ago he didn't so when he tried starting it now it didn't go. He said its a petrol issue as this is old now. I am new to Mercedes and would appreciate help from you guys. The first this i like to do before I start cleaning is start the engine, what is you opinion to what I should do to get to this other than the obvious.

• Empty fuel tank (Not sure if i should remove and clean)
• Check if pump is working
• Clean the tiny filter at the K Jetronic
• New fuel in and run the pump to clear the pipe runs
• Change fuel filer

AND CRANK IT

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  Merc sl280 pic 3 (002).jpg

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

 

[peterws1957]

Welcome Roger - great car and colour, you don't often see them in that blue. Think I'd be changing the oil and filter and the plugs before attempting to start. Hope it's not Jetronic that's causing the none starting issue.

 

[A.J.]

Hi Roger, welcome to the forum

 

[davemercedes]

Hello and welcome, Roger. Looking at your photo there's a need for cleaning obviously, but otherwise it only looks like surface rust so it should clean up beautifully!

I think your action plan is about right but I would also change the oil and filters as peterws1957 suggests - after 5 years it will be like condensed syrup and when the engine fires up you don't want 5 year old gunge slopping round inside the oilways!

Fingers crossed everything works out okay and quickly, then once you've spent time on detailing you'll have a true classic! I remember seeing a lot of old cars in very good condition in Malta - and soon you'll have one of them!

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome, Roger.

 

[umblecumbuz]

On Gozo, there is a man who has three of these, and they are all running.
Whereabouts on Malta are you?

 

[Flyinspanner]

Missed going to Malta this year, (cancelled due Covid) but I’ve just booked a week in May 21, .... and 3 weeks in Sept/Oct 21.

let’s hope it all goes well in between

Hopefully you don’t find too much rust - the bottom of the bulkhead seems to be a problem on those SLs.
The Battery may well past its best hope it’s up & running soon.

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome, lovely looking car especially in blue. I have a car that's not been started in 30 odd years, we just put fuel in the bone dry tank and cranked the fuel through and got it started with the aid of easy start. There were a few fuel leaks from the injection system to say the least Now I'm not suggesting you should try this approach unless you have help and fire extinguishers at hand

 

[Roger Camilleri]

Hello and welcome, Roger. Looking at your photo there's a need for cleaning obviously, but otherwise it only looks like surface rust so it should clean up beautifully!

I think your action plan is about right but I would also change the oil and filters as peterws1957 suggests - after 5 years it will be like condensed syrup and when the engine fires up you don't want 5 year old gunge slopping round inside the oilways!

Fingers crossed everything works out okay and quickly, then once you've spent time on detailing you'll have a true classic! I remember seeing a lot of old cars in very good condition in Malta - and soon you'll have one of them!

Thanks for your message I’ll definitely change the oil plugs etc makes sense. Thanks much appreciated

 

[Roger Camilleri]

On Gozo, there is a man who has three of these, and they are all running.
Whereabouts on Malta are you?

Quiet a few around and most of them are in good condition, I live in Sliema close to the sea, it’s a very nice place to visit in summer, lots of restaurants, cafes and a nice promenade

 

[Roger Camilleri]

Missed going to Malta this year, (cancelled due Covid) but I’ve just booked a week in May 21, .... and 3 weeks in Sept/Oct 21.

let’s hope it all goes well in between

Hopefully you don’t find too much rust - the bottom of the bulkhead seems to be a problem on those SLs.
The Battery may well past its best hope it’s up & running soon.

Will definitely let you know how it goes, hope by May all will be over so you can enjoy the holiday

 

[davemercedes]

Because of age-related health issues, we've gone on cruises over tha last few years (very lazy being waited on hand and foot!) and only once had a short stopover in Malta - just long enough for a coach trip (although SWMBO bought a nice set of table napkins in a five minute stop next to a market! But talk of Sliema amd Gozo (that made me remember Xerri's Grotto - a huge space discovered under a house) is setting me off...

- So I've suggested to SWMBO where we should go in the summer...
- if we get there I'll keep my eyes peeled for a smart looking SL280!

 

[umblecumbuz]

Quiet a few around and most of them are in good condition, I live in Sliema close to the sea, it’s a very nice place to visit in summer, lots of restaurants, cafes and a nice promenade

For an evening out, Sliema's a good place to aim for, but otherwise not for me - too crowded, and never anywhere to park.
I'm in Nadur - quiet, and with Ramla Bay, Comino and Cirkawwa in view. Beautiful at night - once Covid allows sensible travel again.

 

[Flyinspanner]

I’m looking forward to the stay in Sept/Oct ...... it seems I’ve accidentally booked when the Grand Prix will be on again ..... shhhhh, I’ve not mentioned it yet

 

[Dean Fletcher]

Hello and welcome

 

[davemercedes]

I’m looking forward to the stay in Sept/Oct ...... it seems I’ve accidentally booked when the Grand Prix will be on again ..... shhhhh, I’ve not mentioned it yet

Your secret is safe with us!

Blimey, another "shiver" memory... we were there quite a few years ago on the night before it was due to start. We were able to drive all over the route and sort of get the feel of the course. Good fun! Most of the normal road signs were still there so we could follow our way out and happily the local plod pointed traffic directions but took no notice of speed whatsoever!

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome

 

[Srdl]

Because of age-related health issues, we've gone on cruises over tha last few years (very lazy being waited on hand and foot!) and only once had a short stopover in Malta

Combine the two - we did an Adriatic Cruise from Malta a couple of years ago and added on two nights in Valetta beforehand and a further five nights on Malta afterwards. Very enjoyable way to see the Island.

PS - Welcome Roger - sorry I can't add anything technical to your query!