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

[Mark E. Peneguy]

The below must have gotten lost in the transfer to 
Mercedes at okiebenz.com.  I wanted to be sure that Peter and Barry knew I 
appreciated their responses. --Mark

Peter:

Along with the other parts, I will consider the idle control valve hose 
as a possible culprit.  I found my receipt and you are correct, the idle 
control valve was replaced.  In addition to the idle control valve hose, 
I have not replaced the throttle position sensor (yet).

With regard to the smoke, the instance I reported was the one and only 
time I have seen it - since I bought the car in 1993.  I had the valve 
seals replaced, along with so much else, when I bought the car.  It has 
performed beautifully with no smoke, since.  Hopefully, that is not the 
issue, though it is something I will have taken under consideration.

Barry:

To have a pressure test on the fuel injection system couldn't hurt, I'm 
sure, particularly with the age of the engine.  Thanks for the suggestion.

With regard to the hard start, I have only noticed it when the engine is 
warm or has attained full operating temperature.  When the engine is 
cold, it seems to start with no trouble.

To all:

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate everyone's advice.  I wish I was 
as knowledgeable as you and could offer advice as you have to me. 
Everyone who has responded has been kind enough to give me one more 
thing to think about as the culprit and a direction in which I may need 
to go.

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


 > From: Peter Frederick <psfred at earthlink.net>
 >
 > Most likely you have a leaking idle control valve hose (the idle 
control valve is what was replaced).
 >
 > Smoke is likely blue, from worn out valve guide seals, you are due 
for them.  They can make starting slow on a cold engine, since oil leaks 
down into the  combustion chamber and can coat the plugs.  Not a big 
job, but not free as it takes a couple hours.  The leaking idle control 
valve hoses can also make starting slow.
 >
 > Peter



 > From: "Barry Stark" <barrystark at adelphia.net>
 >
 > Mark -
 > Before someone starts replacing parts I suggest that you have them do a
 > pressure test on the fuel injection and make sure that the pressures 
are all
 > in spec. BTW, when it doesn't start, is it only with a warm engine or 
when
 > it is cold as well?
 >
 > Barry
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