Car sputters and dies when accelerator pushed.

10

Asked by James Jun 12, 2012 at 04:21 PM about the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

81 280e sputters and dies when accelerator is pushed. I just replaced fuel pump and filter thinking this was the
problem but it continues to occur. Any ideas before I drop more money.

2 Answers

4,425

In 1981 this car should have an oxygen sensor,the o2 sensor controls what is called a frequency valve which bleeds pressures from the lower to the upper chambers on the fuel distributor,this is constantly leaning and richening the mixtures for the best running.This is controlled by a relay possibly labeled an oxygen sensor power supply relay,poor grounds can keep the valve from functioning properly.The biggest issue with the old Bosch K jetronic systems was contaminated fuel( rust ) which will get very expensive very quickly .If the fuel system has been compromised by water you basically need to start at the fuel tank and replace every single component that has had fuel in it,this was one of the downfalls of this injection system.You have to have a supply of good fresh CLEAN fuel,there is a device called a warmup regulator that is about the size of a bar of soap this will have two fuel lines on the top of it and a couple of vacuum lines as well as one electrical plug.one of these lines has a screen inside of it that is inside the holes in the warmup regulator,if the screen is plugged with contaminates stop and check your bank account because it's going to get expensive,you need to find a shop that specializes in older Benzes ,as this is a tricky system to fix if you are not familiar with it,lots of little tricks to make it run sweet.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I got an o2 sensor but am not sure where its located on engine. Is it on the left top of the engine from the front or on the exhaust pipe on the bottom of the engine. I found what looks like the new one they gave me at the parts store but its rusted on and I'm having trouble getting it off so before I go any further with it I want to make sure. I can't find any pics or diagrams on line showing its location. I can't find any vacuum leaks and don't have any testing equipment nor the money right now for a shop after dropping so much already. I do think its the o2 sensor though.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

280

Looking for a Used 280 in your area?

CarGurus has thousands of nationwide listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mick Stewart
    Reputation
    180
  • #2
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    80
  • #3
    bobkat
    Reputation
    70
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
4 Great Deals out of 120 listings starting at $13,987

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.