hello all, i have a 1986 190e 2.3 that has recently developed several problems. it recently failed emmisions high (hc and co). i know the cat is bad and plan to replace it. i belive it went bad because of the engine not running properly. i have done a ton of searching and found it looks like i need to check the duty cycle, the fuel enrichment (it has been adjusted before by a previous owner im guessing),and the cold start injector. it is hard to start when cold, and recently i had to raise the idle using the stop bolt to make it idle high enough for the ac to run. i have also noticed that the dist. is rotated all the way to one side. im wondering if the p/o might have messed with it. does anyone have any info on checking / setting the timing? i am ready to attempt the duty cycle but there is one thing im confused on. i have this linkhttp://www.landiss.com/mixture.htm about using the x11 connector . is this the same for the 86? also any other info would be appreciated. i have always worked on the diesel mercedes and never really did much to the gas. i have been reading for the last 3 hours on this thing.

thank you

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Or it could just need replacement. If the engine runs rich, the excess fuel can damage the cat. Consider checking the O2 sensor to see if it is sending the proper voltage to the fuel computer (ECU) otherwise it will go to the very rich "limp home" mode.

The idle isn't set by the stop bolt, the idle is adjusted via the air/fuel distributor.

The position of the distributor doesn't advance or retard the timing, since that is controlled by the ignition system.

Before poking around the Bosch CIS fuel injection system, I would strongly suggest consulting the MB M102 Engine Manual.

that was my thought. i belive it is running rich, its also getting terrible fuel milage. i plan to test the o2 sensor tomorrow. it may not have been the stop bolt. i just remember it needing a higher idle in a hurry and adjusting a bolt to raise it. by chance do you have a link for the manual?

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check sencer plate for damage from engine back fire my 230e had hard cold start i have posted how to check it and fix it