Just got back with new purchase... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mplafleur · #1 04-28-2002, 02:23 PM

I thought it was supposed to be warm in Texas! When I got to Dallas, it was 56 degrees and starting to rain.

I looked the car over ('87 190D 2.5) and bought it. Mechanically, it looked like it had about 80k miles on it. The odo showed 83k. I guess I believe it. It handles better and it rides smoother than my current 190E. I guess I've let the Michigan roads get the better of the 190E. It's also much quieter than I expected, even with a disintegrated hood pad. It has very good acceleration and I had it up to 90 today with lots left over.

The PO met me at the airport with the car, so I could not observe a cold start. I did however, the next morning in Memphis. No glow plug light, and hard to start. I don't think the system is working. I located the fuse yesterday and it's ok. I'm guessing the relay is bad. Maybe that's why he wanted to sell it.

I was looking for the relay; screwed into the block, but can't find it. Is it not like my old 300D? I noticed the glow plugs are not the same and there aren't any big shorting bars between the plugs. I also noticed that a new relay is quite expensive now. I was expected $30 or so...

The dash is in good shape and the tan interior is a little dirty. It is also pulled away from one of the rear windows and the light/sunroof cluster on the cieling. What should I use the glue it back?

I drove from Dallas to Michigan on three tanks of fuel, getting 35 mpg on the first and 37 mpg on the second. Still got lots left in the tank yet.

Got home at 4:30 this morning after the 1300 mile drive. Here's a picture during a rest stop on Mud Island at Memphis, Tennesee.

mplafleur · #2 04-28-2002, 02:36 PM

Here's the picture. It didn't attach.

#3 04-28-2002, 02:36 PM

You didn't say what model this is--190D?

No glow-plug light more likely means a bad glow plug, rather than a relay. Check the glow plugs before you buy the relay. If the glow plugs are good, then check the relay. You can check output from the relay with a Volt-Ohm-Meter.

mplafleur · #4 04-28-2002, 02:44 PM

Yep, It's an '87 190D 2.5.

I've got the car here at work. I'll look at it right now.

mplafleur · #5 04-28-2002, 02:58 PM

Didn't time it, but I had voltage (~11.2v) at the plugs for about 30 seconds until I heard the relay open inside the big box mounted on the fender well. I didn't check all the plugs. I guess these aren't in series, so I'll check them all. Why wouldn't the light work? Or could it just be burnt out?

silverfishk8 · #6 04-28-2002, 04:14 PM

That is one great looking car! Enjoy it and the envious looks you get from other drivers.

mplafleur · #7 04-28-2002, 04:37 PM

The best thing is... I got to keep the Texas plates!

JimSmith · #8 04-28-2002, 05:03 PM

mplafleur,

The glow plug light failing to light up is an indication there is something amiss, usually a glow plug. On my 1982 240D if it fails to light the first time I cycle the key, I try again. If it lights up the second try, it usually means a single glow plug is gone. If it fails to light the second time it usually means more than one glow plug is not working. I am not sure if this carries over to the 190D or not. Good luck with the car, it looks great. Jim

#9 04-28-2002, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mplafleur
Didn't time it, but I had voltage (~11.2v) at the plugs for about 30 seconds until I heard the relay open inside the big box mounted on the fender well. I didn't check all the plugs. I guess these aren't in series, so I'll check them all. Why wouldn't the light work? Or could it just be burnt out?

The light is designed as a warning signal--no light means there's problems in the system--usually a bad glow plug.

I'm not totally sure what the 190D system is--you might want to check an engine/electical manual. Sometimes the signals are slightly different.

#10 04-28-2002, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mplafleur
Didn't time it, but I had voltage (~11.2v) at the plugs for about 30 seconds until I heard the relay open inside the big box mounted on the fender well.

That sounds like the relay is working correctly. Most likely a bad glow plug (or two).

mplafleur · #11 04-28-2002, 06:19 PM

Possibly 1 or more. They each are getting voltage. I noticed widely different voltages at the plugs. (11.1 - 11.9v)If I know battery voltage and the voltage at each glow plug, I can calculate current by the voltage drop. Well, no.... I don't know the resistance. If I remove the wire and measure, can the resistance of the plug to ground be an indication of good or bad plugs? I could measure the current of each if I can get my curent probe around the wire. The probe is pretty big.

#12 04-28-2002, 06:44 PM

I'm not too familiar with the 190D. But I think there's a plug at the relay, leading to the glow plugs. You should be able to pull that plug and measure resistance for each plug. They should be nearly identical. If one of those is measuring infinite resistance, you have a bad glow plug.

unkl300d · #13 04-29-2002, 09:30 PM

Ask the diesel doctor>

i BELIEVE HIS NAME IS MARSHALL BOOTH

if you do a search on yahoo or even this site, you may come up with his info.

he as many 190d cars.

NICE CAR you bought!!!!

mplafleur · #14 04-30-2002, 08:05 AM

I measured the resistance of the plugs.

2 measured .9 ohms
1 measured 250 ohms
1 measured 800 ohms
1 measured 17k ohms

I am having my brother send me 3 new glow plugs. With only two out of 5 working, no wonder it is hard to start.

unkl300d,

Thanks for the name. I will make note of it for future reference.

unkl300d · #15 05-01-2002, 12:52 AM

August M. Booth
Ph.D.
Marshall

ambooth@email.msn.com

mbooth+@pitt.edu

www.dhc.net/~pmhack/mercedes/mbooth.htm