2.3 190E 8V Problems

[richbark]

I have a 1985 2.3 190E with auto transmission. The car is new to me - my first Benz. It starts hard, like the battery is low. I replaced the battery and it started fine once. Subsequent starts have been difficult. There is also a slight miss at 2000 RPM and when I put the car in gear it stalls. I know the car is running rich and that the timing has been messed with and may very well be quite off. One other strange thing.. It sounds like there is coolant swashing back and fourth inside my dash. All help will be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[richbark]

I have fixed almost all these problems.. Still starts hard, but not as hard as before, and atleast it starts every time. One other question, It seems as though if I turn the key to the on position, then off, then on ,then off, then start the car.. it starts better.
Seems like I may be building up some gas before the start by doing this. Anyone have any sugestions?

If everything is fine now, but it starts hard. How is the cranking speed? does it sound slow? If so have your starter checked - you will be amazed at how much better a car starts when the starter cranks as it should. If it is slow cranking - also check your battery cables and make sure the grounds are not corroded as this will apply lower voltage to the starter. While you are at it - put a voltmeter across your battery with the car running - it should be 13.2v - 14.2 v. It probably is but the check takes seconds to do.

[blackmercedes]

Originally posted by moedip
...If it is slow cranking - also check your battery cables and make sure the grounds are not corroded...

Check all your grounds, and CAREFULLY check the cables leading to the starter motor. I've seen frayed ground leads that were replaced only after tons of expensive parts had been swapped out.

In support of blackmercedes - I had a VW that was slow cranking and after much pain and suffering found the B+ cable to the starter from the battery was corroded underneath the covering causing high resistance to the starter. Changing the cable worked - after a battery, starter, etc etc.