[MBZ] '88 126 Hesitation Problems and Intermittent Hard Start

[Mark E. Peneguy]

Friends:

Recently, I started having a problem with hesitation when I accelerate 
from a dead stop.  Once the car is in motion, everything is smooth, as 
it should be.

I don't have a clue as to what may be causing the problem.  I have had a 
few things worked on lately, including a tune-up, with new spark plug 
wires and distributor, cap and rotor, etc., which seems to rule out 
those things as the issues.

The only thing that I know made a difference in the idle, and I assumed 
might be part of the hesitation problem, as the hesitation showed up not 
too long afterwards, was a part (wish I could identify it for you) that 
reduced the idle from 1,000 to 1,100 rpm at idle in park, to 550-600 rpm 
at idle in park.  This part plugs in just under the air cleaner housing 
in the front, top part of the engine, if that helps identify what it 
might be.  The engine idles smoothly when in park, neutral or in gear 
(runs about 450 rpm in gear at a stop and there is no "tremble").

My second problem is an intermittent hard starting problem (the starter 
was replaced not too long ago and the problem just manifested itself). 
Sometimes, I turn the key and it starts right up, like it always used 
to.  Now, though, if it doesn't start immediately, I turn the key and it 
cranks for a few seconds before it finally starts.  The last time that 
happened, I saw smoke come out from the rear of the car (couldn't tell 
what color, due to the ambient light).  That was the first time I've 
ever noticed smoke come from the tailpipe in the 13 years I've owned the 
car.

My trusted mechanic closed shop and is leaving the N.O. area since 
Katrina.  So, I will be trying out a new mechanic to have this resolved 
(wish I was mechanically inclined!).  I would like to have an idea of 
what I may be looking at before I go to a new guy.

Any thoughts any of you may have shall be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Mark
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__________________
Mark E. Peneguy
1988 420SEL 212k
New Orleans
peneguymbz at cox.net