I have a 190e 1986 Mercedes Benz.

My problem is car will idle but the economy gauge will be sitting at 50%. I can barely touch the gas pedal and it will stall out.

This problem really varies, it started out as not being able to drive past 40 mph, as I test more the mph will get lower and lower.

I first guessed it may have been the fuel filter, bought a new one and the car drove normal for 1 day, then the speed went back down to 40mph then down to 2mph with the gas pedal pressed all the way to the floor.

Now it sits in the driveway and when I go to try to figure things out, sometimes I can press the gas pedal and it barley stays running or it will stall.

Help, I have not a clue on what to check on this car

I would start by looking for possible vacuum leaks, such as broken vacuum lines or ICV hoses (do a search). That "economy" gauge is actually a glorified vacuum gauge, and it sounds like you're only getting about half the vacuum you need. The gauge should only hit 50% when you are in mid-throttle or cruising. Too much air = too lean and won't run properly. Just my 2 cents, there are a hundred other things you could check on. Do a search.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

Ok, I will look into the hoses ASAP, little late for me to do it now.

Also disconnect the O2 sensor cable, (green wire) in the passenger footwell, (if it's the same as a 124) under the carpet and pad, and see if the problem persists. It's easy enough to check and can cause those symptoms.

P.S. Which engine does your 190E have?

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-Marty

1986 300E 220,000 miles+ transmission impossible
(Now waiting under a bridge in order to become one)

Reading your M103 duty cycle:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831799-post13.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831807-post14.html

@ A264172
I went and tired it, nothing changed.

1986 190E 2.3 4cy.

@ gmercoleza

I'm not sure where to look for the vacuum lines or ICV hoses, but I will do a search to help me locate and will working on that tomorrow.


Are there any other Idea's

Hi guys,
I'm brand new to this forum. I am trying to change the fuel filter on my 1990 300TE 4-Matic. Where the heck is it located? Dealer said spare tire well in back- no go- same for other side. HELP. thanks
Jeff

I'm not directly familiar with your engine but I suspect you have an EHA (black box on the fuel distributer with 2 prong plug connector. Probably have to remove the air cleaner housing to see it.

Un-plug it and see if the problem persists.

The EHA is the only mechanism by which computer and all of its affiliated sensors can adjust the fuel mix, so unplugging it will 'rule out' a bad sensor input causing your condition.

When the EHA is unplugged the car will have poor cold start and will not start at all if it is cold enough.

Fortunately spring has sprung in the NH.


Also, looking for vacuum leaks, check the breather hose from the top of the air cleaner to the valve cover for damage under the clamp that secures it to the valve cover. If it is cracked, some electrical tape can patch it up enough until you can get a replacement.

__________________
-Marty

1986 300E 220,000 miles+ transmission impossible
(Now waiting under a bridge in order to become one)

Reading your M103 duty cycle:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831799-post13.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831807-post14.html

Blackbox that was on the side had 3 prongs, removed and car would not start. on the other side was a cream color with 2 prongs, unplugged and car would not start.

I check for possible vacuum leaks and could not find any.

Blackbox that was on the side had 3 prongs, removed and car would not start. on the other side was a cream color with 2 prongs, unplugged and car would not start.

I check for possible vacuum leaks and could not find any.

I checked the plugs, wires and cap....

Still the same, barley touch the gas pedal and it stalls out...

You have a large vacuum leak, most likely the idle control valve hoses, but it could be the plastic housing between the fuel distributor and manifold, vacuum line to the brake booster, or the booster itself.

Check the idle control valve hoses -- the idle control valve is under the air filter housing (take the housing off -- three 10 mm nuts, one front, one rear, one on the fender side), then squeeze the hoses from the manifold to the ICV -- sliver can about half the size of a coke can. Most likely rock hard, and now loose on the nipples.

Check all the other vacuum lines as well -- most likely the rubber is all rock hard, or worse, slime. You can replace the rubber parts with 1/8" vac line from McParts, but any T or Y parts should be gotten from a dealer or indy -- the plastic crap at McParts isn't a good substitute.

If that doesn't fix it, remove the vac line to the brake booster and put a finger over the fitting -- if the vac goes up, the check valve seat or the booster is bad.

You should also inspect the ignition system -- timing must be OK, and the capr, rotor, and wires must be good. Any traces of current leakage mean new wires, they don't last forever. A bad set of plugs can also cause running problems.....

So can a tank of dead gas -- has this car been sitting a long time?

Note that a tank full of crap will plug a new filter very quickly, and a bad fuel pump relay can make it act this way as well......

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

A clogged Cat will also do this. To test it just loosen the exhaust bolts where the down pipes meet the exhaust. Loosen them to create an large exhaust leak and then try. If the engine revs fine then the Cat is clogged, if it acts the same then look into the rest of the stuff. Could be your AFM to Throttle Body Rubber Boot is cracked.

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

Hello to everyone! I have been busy lately and put the car to the side for awhile.

I have figured out what the problem was. As mctwin2kman stated, it was a clogged Cat.