My 1985 280te ran like a top...yesterday
 

but today it runs like it has bad gas. It idles and accelerates rough but runs fine at 60 to 65. In the past it would run rough for 30 40 seconds when it was started cold but that would pass. When i first noticed it this morning it seemed to cycle from rough to a few seconds of running smooth then back to rough. Very recent cap, rotor, wires, fuel pump/filter and the plugs are not fouled. What might be going on?

Anyone know where the ovp relay is on a euro w123?

I just read last night that the OVP relay is supposed to be under the glovebox on the right wall of the footwell. See: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/232989-ac-tach-fixed-85-300td.html

How many miles on your 280TE? I have a friend who'd like to buy a real good one.

It sounds like a vaccum line may have disconnected.

Does your instrument cluster have the famous 'economy' gauge?

If so, it's vacuum operated and will sometimes act differently than you are used to if you have a vacuum leak, depending on where the leak is and how bad.

But I agree, without looking at it, my WAG is vacuum leak.


-tp

POS
My car has 148k on it. Originally imported by Eddie Bud Meyer who was a local MB/hot rod legend. Are there any photos of your wagon?

check the vacuum line from the WUR. Without that your car will run like crap.

Pardon my lack of knowledge but where is the WUR on this engine?

Nice provenance! I just got my wagon two weeks ago, and I've spent a buttpile of time cleaning it up. Now it's ready for motor mounts, a steering adjustment, and tie rods (interior is after mechanical). I also have an '82 300D, and I've been searching for a 280TE for about nine months - the highway crusing ability is fantastic, not to mention it's fun to drive a w123 that can haul ass.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...E/IMG_2110.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...E/IMG_2112.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h1...E/IMG_2056.jpg

POS,
Great looking wagon! I share the paint color but mine has a black leather int.

I'm curious how you will repair the wood on the glove box door.

Is that the car from Austin?

Black leather would be nice. As far as the wood repair, I always use 3M Super Trim Adhesive - it's the best stuff out there. As a matter of fact, I already fixed it last weekend - those pics are two weeks old.

And yes, it is the Austin wagon, but I've decided that rather than sell the 300D to fund the work necessary to the wagon, I'm selling the wagon to my best friend who's also into MBs. He's a great tinkerer and loves to make things perfect; so he's going to "restore" it to a high quality and use it as a toy - he'll take even better care of it than I can.

I still want a 280TE wagon, but the one I want should be low miles, perfect condition, excellent quality all the way around. For that one, I'll sell my 300D, so I guess my search for the perfect 280TE continues...

Rough running 280TE
 

Vacuum leaks as suggested in your other post replys will make car idle too high, not run rough. Are the plugs showing burning too lean? You mention not fouled. If so after checked from drive, should check Control & System Pressure in FI System. Could still be a electrical weakness with ignition system, even thou replaced main parts