The straw that broke this camel's back... leaking EHA...
 

Hello everyone...
I'm looking for a bit of advice from those who are more experienced in these matters.
For some time now, I have been slowly preparing my wife's '86 300E for sale to a new home. It's been a very painful process, both financially and emotionally. My wife inherited the car from her grandmother, so the decision to get rid of it didn't come easily. However, we can no longer afford to maintain it as a third vehicle.
Over the last year, the following work has been done:
-Replaced serpentine belt
-Replaced alternator
-Replaced battery
-Replaced cat-back exhaust system
-Replaced radiator & thermostat housing
-Replaced Cap, rotor, wires, and plugs
-Replaced wiper/turn signal combo switch
-Replaced fuel filter
-Replaced windsheild washer fluid pumps
Most recently, I decided to adjust the EHA valve (per instructions on this site) in an attempt to cure a persistent warm-starting issue. Following several attempts, I cannot get the engine to run properly - it is very rough below 3K RPM; undriveable. Furthermore, I've noticed that the EHA now leaks gasoline. As you probably know, the EHA is roughly a $200 part...
My wife is pretty unhappy at this point, since from her perspective, the car worked until I fiddled with it.. now it can't be driven.
So, I have to make a decision... should I attempt to replace the EHA in the hope that it will fix the problem, or should I sell the car as is - not running?
What should I expect to sell the car for in either condition? FWIW, I'd rate the overall condition FAIR... paint is faded; a few dents here and there. Engine has a main seal leak, and probably needs new valve-stem seals. AC does not work; power locks, some power windows, and some power seat adjustments do not work.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Mika

Did you reset mixture after you adjusted the EHA?

not to be the bearer of bad news...but in the condition you describe, this car is not worth very much money.

A/C is a big issue if you are not a DIY'er.

How do I reset the mixture?
Furthermore, is there some objective way to adjust the EHA from scratch? I have really no idea what position to set the screw was originally set to, since I've been fiddling with it for quite a while...
I appreciate all the help!
Mika

From the list of recent repairs i don't see why you're unhappy with the maintenance. For a nearly 20 year old car those things are cheap issues compared to a transmission or major engine problem. I would strongly suggest that you replace the EHA (or at least pay someone to fix the rough running issue) as you will not get very much money on a non-running car with a list of broken/maintenance items yet to be attended to.

I agree with Lee. Trying to sell a car with non-function A/C in the summer is going to be tough. You'll likely have to sell it for way off whatever book your year/model brings. The poor running condition isn't going to help either.

IIRC there are 2 little rubber o-rings where the 2 bolts you remove to get to the EHA adjustment thing are, they can fall off when you remove the bolts as they are not held on by anything other than the bolts you removed (although they tend to stick where they are). I would make sure those are in place and in good shape, they may be where it is leaking. You could probably get a used EHA for cheap from someone parting out a car.

I actually replaced those O-rings, because I thought they might be leaking... no luck. Gas seeps out from several of the holes in the plastic housing :-(
Mika

If I were to buy a new EHA, would it need adjustment? Is this a part that comes pre-set from the factory, or is it 'tuned' to each car?
Mika

$1k or less not running. Maybe $1,500-$2k if it runs, provided it isn't rusted out.

Thanks for the estimate. That's about what I was figuring...
Mika

I say replace that EHA and drive it until the tranny blows. Then part it out.

I tried replacing the o-rings on the EHA and it made no difference. Others have reported the same things. You need a new one. Order it and we can go from there getting the thing to run properly.

Is a new EHA a plug 'n play part? Will I have to fiddle with it to get the car runing, or can I just install a new one and be done with it?
Mika

Plug and play. Then adjust mixture.

http://www.landiss.com/mixture.htm

Where are you located?

1000 posts for me.... :cool: