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#1
05-07-2023, 10:48 PM
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Looking at 1984 Mercedes 380 SL Roadster
May be looking at one this week. Owner says 138k miles, ran fine in 2018 when parked but now running crappy with the old fuel. Anything to look out for with these cars? Pitfalls, etc?
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Will Rivera '69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears '64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears '69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project |
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#2
05-08-2023, 02:36 AM
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Walk away...money pit!
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“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” ― Calvin Coolidge |
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#3
05-08-2023, 03:58 AM
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This YouTube channel is a decent place to get some tips on high end foreign cars and what to expect when owning them.
He doesn't go back as far as 1984 in this video, but I have heard him warn that certain cars are way more costly to keep serviced than they are worth. https://youtu.be/JDJQa0VGMho?t=60 A couple more videos that may be more insightful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGKa6QqGKbU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaW_ALQ7ZZo |
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#4
05-08-2023, 07:45 AM
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That engine is known for timing chain problems, as they were a single row design. Usually noted by extreme rattle on start up. The fix is a double row chain and gears, requiring engine removal! Injectors, elec. fuel pumps and relays are other common failure points.
Floor pan rust is another concern, due to firewall leaks and around the folding top cover. Look under the jump seat if it has one. If A/C is shot, forget about getting some of the parts it might need, especially servos. With that said, I'm restoring a 1982 380 for a customer, so that's why I am familiar with some of the issues they had. |
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#5
05-08-2023, 08:22 AM
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Thanks for the pointers. I saw in a video that the 1984 is the first year for the double timing chain.
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Will Rivera '69 Firebird 400/461, 290+ E D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears '64 LeMans 400/461, #16 Heads, HR 230/236, TKO600, 9inch Rear, 3.89 gears '69 LeMans Vert, 350, #47 heads: Non-running project |
| The Following User Says Thank You to grivera For This Useful Post: | ||
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#6
05-08-2023, 09:22 AM
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I have a 1984 280SL (OHC 6) that I am pulling parts from. If you get the 380 and need parts, I might have something you can use.
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| The Following User Says Thank You to 400 4spd. For This Useful Post: | ||
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