My electronic idle speed control(idle speed air valve) does not seem to be working-i.e. no increase in idle speed in cold start up- thus stalls, also no idle speed increase when using A/C. Is ther any way to clean it? Really tough to get to. Service manual has way to check it, but can't get to valve. Does anyone know of good mech. in Ct area? Thanks, Dave--1985, 60k. Great fun car.

Can't someone help me???

Short of following the manual's directions for testing the unit, or removing the unit for cleaning or replacement, you might try putting some fuel system cleaning agent in a tank full of gas and running it through. This might clean it up.

I had a variety of problems that were mitigated after running a tank with fuel system cleaner added. Many people on this forum recommend a cleaner with Techron. Give it a try before you plunge into removal of the thing!

If you use Techron, the recommended procedure is to change oil and filter after you use up the doctored tank of fuel.

By the way, one of the best things we have found to spruce up 16V performance is to remove the ignition reference resistor R16--gives you about 6 degrees more ignition advance. Just listen for any pinging under load! Also replacing the center muffler with a small glasspack muffler results in a nice exhaust tone without adding ticket-gathering noise. Also I found adding a Jacobs Pro Street Ignition and wires made for better starting, smoother idling, and around 8% more horsepower--your experience may vary.

Good luck

Tom Elerding

Waldo6033,

I had a 1986 190E 2.3-16 with over 200k miles, that is now my son's. It is also a Euro model, and at about 60,000 miles the "idle motor" died and my car did a lot of the things you say yours does. I had the dealer change it out as I was intimidated by the task at the time. I have not had an idle speed problem since.

I have read here that you can clean these things and they go back in fine. I will try to clean this one if it acts up again. The original one was slightly smaller and a little different in the details of the shapes on each end.

I have been lucky so far as mine has needed relatively little other than regular maintenance which I have done myself. So, I am not familiar with a good CT mechanic with experience on these cars. If someone knows one, I would also be interested. Mine, make that my son's, needs some head work now and I would prefer to give it to a shop where this one is not the first such machine they see. Hope this helps, Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

Tom-Jim-Thanks for input. Have tried Techron-no help. From maintance manual, it shows only air passing thru control valve, so can't see how Tecronwould really help. Also, my car is a Euro so has spark setting dial and have it set at one. And Jim, think the valve you had installed was for US model-they are different from Eoro valves. Wish I knew how to clean the thing without taking it out. Any ideas? Dave

Dave,

I have read the gadget is really a motor driven valve, that rotates and when some ports pass each other, the air actually flows, and when they are not lined up it does not flow any air. The speed of rotation controls the airflow and thereby the speed of the engine. I am not entirely sure about all this but the "idle motor" as it is called, should be something you can do a search on and get some additional info on.

I have read here that if you take it out and try to turn the inner drum or whatever it is with your finger, or something you can push against the drum with through the port, you can free it up. Cleaning after that is done by partially filling it with a solvent/cleaner or gas, and vigorously shaking it, then draining. After a few times it should get easier to turn. I am not sure if you should not spray some lubricant in there when you are done or not. But the idea is crud builds up in there and impedes the ability of the motor to control speed, or make it rotate at all.

You can check it by wiring it back up and turning the ignition on and it should start rotating.

That is about all I can remember reading off the top of my head. I am sure if you do a search you will find some of the threads I read and get more detailed and specific information. I think these "idle motors" were used on quite a few models.

Good Luck, Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)