1985 190E 2.3 coming back to life

I just bought a nice 1985 190E that had been (improperly) stored for 7 years. It reportedly has a blown head gasket though no water in oil or vice versa. I could use some help to see if I have forgotten some items to service. I thought I would change (flush) the brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, filters, clean up all the fuse contacts (there is no fusebox cover) and replace the porcelain fuses with glass type. I'll inspect and replace any rubber hoses or belts that are showing age or wear. Then I figure I'll need to drain the gas tank, install a filter before the fuel pump (is it outside the tank?) and flush the fuel line with several gallons of fresh gas or lacquer thinner. Should I buy one of those flush the fuel rail and injector kits? Am I forgetting anything important? Should I drain and change fluid and filter in automatic trans?

Thanks for any help.

Bill Buttermore

1985 190E 109K
1988 Caravan 223K
1989 Crown Vic Police 196K
1989 Toyota Camry 233K

[Gilly]

Sounds like you have most of the bases covered. I don't know if I'd do the trans oil (or alot of the other stuff) or not. One thing is to check the tires for "dry rot" or "checking" of the rubber. Be sure to air the spare tire up, it's probably flat by now. Also the belt or belts (I can't remember if a 85 was serpentine, or V-Belts, may still be V-belts in 85. You should try finding out when the last actual "maintenance service" was done, you also didn't stae how many miles the car has on it, so makes it tough to recommend too much. You may be going a little overboard with the flushing out the fuel lines. Maybe a new fuel filter, it is under the car back by the rear axle "under" (over, actually) a black plastic cover. I would highly recommend buying the fusebox lid, don't wanna drive it around too much with the lid missing, you could short out the whole box when it rains heavily. You wanna be careful about the head gasket. It is possible that the head gasket leak runs from coolant passage to combustion chamber, I've seen these fill a combustion chamber with coolant overnight and cause a hydro-lock with associated bendage of the affected cylinders conrod. If you ain't actually bought it yet, you may be wise to make sure this hasn't happened already. It'll probably also need a wiper insert, I think the 85 also has the tiny little blade at the base of the arm, neat little early 190 details you should endeavor to preserve. You may need to order this stuff, but it'll be worth it. Also in regards to the fuel system, get out what you can, fill it with fresh gas and a couple bottles of techron, change the fuel filter, that should do fine. I am unsure what you mean by "glass" fuses, I have only seen the ceramic type......Gilly

[Gilly]

Oh, I see now where it says 109K on it for miles. Yes, the trans oils should have been done at the 90K service. If it has been "out of the service loop" for awhile before being put in storage, then I'd recommend going ahead on doing the trans oil and filter, and may as well check the spark plugs (original Bosch Super only, none of this platinum crap), should be .032" gap, if it's over .040, replace them, no regapping. You may also find on a 85 with 109K on it that the valve stem seals are either worn out or dried out and not sealing very well, so it may need valve stem seals, not too bad of a job. Wouldn't doubt that the A/C system has a few dried up seals, so if you like A/C, you may need some attention there as well. Don't forget to look the brakes over a little too. Make sure the parking brake cables aren't all rusted up, and check the brake hoses over for signs of dry-rot and cracking.

Thanks Gilly, for the help. I did buy it--for $500! I'll put it up on the stands tomorrow and change out the fuel filter and if possible without dropping it, drain the gas tank of the varnish smelling stuff inside. When I popped the tank cap, it was still holding a good bit of pressure (a good sign I guess).

I'll pull the plugs, disconnect the fuel pump and coil and see if it turns over without a gush of coolant or nasty noises.

Where do you get the fuel system additive you referred to?

And, is there an on-line salvage yard specializing in MB for the stuff like plastic seat hinge covers, fusebox covers, etc.?

[Ashman]

Well you could try the partsshop here first. They should have all the parts you need, at an exceptionally good price. And there is now free shipping promotion going on, so you should definately check it out.

Click partsshop link above or fastlane link above to do a partssearch. They are two seperate partsshops on this site, so check both, and order from here. It helps support this site.

Alon

[Gilly]

In regards to Techron, it is produced by Chevron, so if there is a Chevron station near you you could try there first. We sell it at the dealership I work at under the BMW label (BMW fuel additive, same stuff). Otherwise I don't know who else carries it. The seat trim you're probably better off buying new, probably ditto on the fusebox lid. You could try "partsshop here first" if you want to, I don't care, what are they going to do FIRE ME!!!!??? Fuse box lid it a hell of a pain to install, just so ya know. It's probably missing for this reason. Sure it ain't in the trunk? Don't know why you think you may drop the tank, it's in the trunk also, you pulling it out? I wouldn't bother, just drain it by removing the supply hose off underneath. How full of gas is it? Maybe you can just dilute it if there is less than a 1/4 tank or so. If there was pressure in the tank it's usually an indication of low fuel level. In regards to where you buy your stuff, there is something to be said for at least occasionally supporting your local MB dealer. Everyone thinks the dealers prices are so high, not realizing how much has to be invested in the dealership in terms of training and tools and so forth to keep the dealership current all the new stuff. Just food for thought for ya there.....Gilly