New to forum! Just "inherited" a 190e, and it doesnt start... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

itsdave · #1 03-26-2007, 05:29 PM

Hey everyone!

Im Dave, im 22, in college, and broke as a joke! But enough about me...

I recently (today) received from a friend, who unfortunately lost his license in a DUI, a not at all new, and poor taken care of "baby benz" (as I’ve heard to some people refer to it). Anyway its a 1990 190e 2.8 v6. It used to drive fine, until he parked for about 4 or 5 months with no one using it at all. Now it doesn’t start.

What I do know about the car, it has 140,000 miles on it, and I'll assume that during the last 40,000 or so it hasn’t received any maintenance. So I know a full tune up is on the order. After a snowstorm it had some minor flooding, carpet smells awful... but I don’t think water was any higher than then 1/2 way up the wheel. The battery is dead, so I tried to give it a boost. The engine turns over, and I if keep holding the ignition on it seems to start working under its own energy. But as soon as I let go of the key it dies.
I don’t want to take it to a shop around me, because they're all very shady, so unless I can get this pile to start and drive for about 70 miles to get to my shop back home, I'm gonna have to drive my mechanic out here. Is there anything you guys can tell me that I can look at/change myself to get it to start? I’m fairly handy in general, and somewhat well read on the workings of a car, but pretty inexperienced so if you guys can point me in the right direction I'd be very grateful

On a side note, the cars suspension is also pretty shot, obviously If I cant get it to run the suspension is the least of my worries, but if it does fire up again I will want to get stiffened up and back to somewhat normal because at 60 that car would float like a sailboat in choppy water. Can someone tell me an estimate of how much including labor that would run me? If it’s too much I wont take the car, so any input would again be very much appreciated!

So thanks in advance, if I get this running Ill definitely start frequenting this board. I’m kinda falling for the car's lines and if it proves to be reliable I might even consider restoring it back into shape...

A264172 · #2 03-26-2007, 05:36 PM

I think you won't know much till you get it a good battery, or have someone keep the revs up on the jumper car while you try and start it.

okc329 · #3 03-26-2007, 06:19 PM

I don't think that car can have a V6. Has to be an in-line block configuration.

itsdave · #4 03-26-2007, 06:45 PM

err, yeah thats what i meant... and its 2.6 not 2.8

Eagleboyrox · #5 03-27-2007, 01:26 AM

I have an 89 190e 2.6 and I had the same problem when my car sat for a while. Turned out the cold start valve was gummed up. Put a fresh battery in it so you can crank it over and when you try to start it, hold the gas pedal to the floor for about 5 seconds while cranking it and then let off. When you let off the gas while cranking, see if it tries to start. My problem was due to my gf putting regular gas in the car instead of super. Changed the valve and it starts fine now.

itsdave · #6 03-27-2007, 08:46 PM

Yeah my buddy who owned the care before me did the same thing, would suggest i used a FI cleaner additive to get it working better? Can i clean it out by hand?

itsdave · #7 03-27-2007, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleboyrox

I have an 89 190e 2.6 and I had the same problem when my car sat for a while. Turned out the cold start valve was gummed up. Put a fresh battery in it so you can crank it over and when you try to start it, hold the gas pedal to the floor for about 5 seconds while cranking it and then let off. When you let off the gas while cranking, see if it tries to start. My problem was due to my gf putting regular gas in the car instead of super. Changed the valve and it starts fine now.

I had a few Q's about what your car was doing before you fixed the problem...

Did it run when you had the key all the way down to ignition and then just die when you let go? Thats what mine is doing, making me thing it may be an electrical issue.

Its a little odd, althought I'm not very mechanically experienced so maybe it isnt so odd, but the tach needle drops down to zero as soon the engine starts to move on its own (well with they key all the way down). When i give it gas it responds altough pretty roughly and as soon I let go of the key it just shuts down, no choking, fighting or anything of that sort.

Well, thanks for the help thus far

Eagleboyrox · #8 03-27-2007, 11:08 PM

Well, what I would try just out of curiosity since the car was sitting a while is try some dry gas. Maybe the tank got condensation in it while sitting or had some water in the gas? As for it being electrical, I wouldn't even know where to begin to start if it's an electrical problem, sorry I can't be of more help.

itsdave · #9 03-28-2007, 12:49 AM

What do you mean by dry gas, just as more gas to the tank?

Parrot of Doom · #10 03-28-2007, 07:51 AM

I'd check the leads, plugs, and distributor cap for moisture. I'd also replace the battery.

A264172 · #11 03-28-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsdave

What do you mean by dry gas, just as more gas to the tank?

Dry gas is a product like STP or other brand that helps over come fuel line condensation... costs about 1-2 dollars per bottle at an auto parts store or gas station.

Ferdman · #12 03-28-2007, 10:17 AM

Dave, dry gas will dry up any residual moisture/water that accumulated in the tank while the car sat parked for 4 or 5 months. The gas tank probably wasn't full as is recommended when storing a car for extended periods. Using Stabil is also a good idea for short-term storage. From your description of the floating ride this 190E likely needs new shocks/struts ... buy Bilsteins to restore the original ride quality. Of course, the car may need many other components if it's been neglected for years. Best to have a knowledgeable tech evaluate the car's overall condition before throwing money at the more obvious problems. It could be a real money pit.