300E'89 Aiir flow control valve? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gunawan · #1 10-09-2002, 02:32 PM

Hi everyone,
I just join as a member on this site. I have a problem with my 300E with 103 engine. It is an asian model ( might be similar to european model), right hand side steering,and have manual transmission.

The simptoms are:
1. The car starts ok when cold (in the morning). When its warm the idle seems to drop, and often the engine died during a turn, or when the a/c on or the lights on. And if I start it again the engine is on and running, but the idle rpm is low.
2. When stops and idling the engine sometimes got almost dead but then the rpm suddenly jumps for a moment (maybe the control kicks in late)
3. A/c idle up is not working when the sickness come.
4. When driving on low speed and want to increase, the power sometime hesitant.

The mechanic said it is the Air flow control that is faulty, and then whole assy cost $500. I want to know for sure if it was the faulty part before I pay that much money for this old car.

By the way :
1. I checked the OVP and it looks clean, smels normal (nothing burnt)
2. ABS light not on.
3. Changed spark plug, ignition coil, rotor, distributor, spark cables.
4. Changed fuel filter.
5. Changed one of the fuel pump (it was leaking before)
6. Changed the small filter/strainer on the fuel dish housing.
7. New battery.
8. Alternator assumed good because of sufficient charging of battery.

Can anyone help me?
Is the mechanic said the truth?
Is it maybe the O2 sensor, and where is it? (we dont use catalytic conv. in Indonesia).
Can I replace parts of the Air flow valve control, and not the whole assy?
Thank you much and pardon my English.
Bye.

Holson Adi · #2 10-09-2002, 03:00 PM

Apa kabar?

Anyway Welcome "Selamat Datang" to Mercedesshop. I have a mint W124 230E in Indonesia that my dad apprently crashed

But I hope you get the problem sorted. Where do you take your car to?

I used to take it to Pt. Mercindo Perkasa I think or something like that..

Good luck,

-Holson-

and sorrry that I can't be of much help (especially when it comes to gas engines) but someone will help you out soon.

Mick J · #3 10-09-2002, 03:25 PM

Try cleaning the idle speed control air valve - it is cylindrical, about 50mm long and has two hoses connected to it. Sometimes they seize up inside with the accumulation of dirt.

Gunawan · #4 10-10-2002, 12:13 PM

Holson,
"kabar baik" thankyou. I cannot believe I meet somebody who speaks Indonesian in this site. Anyway I took my car to "PRO motor", and they suggest that I changed the Air flow control valve. But I have a hunch that the trouble is very minor on this car.

Mick J,
Thankyou for replying. How can I find the Idle speed control air valve. How can I clean the Idle valve control? Can I clean it with squirting some carb cleaner into it. I will do this during the week-end since I'm just a DIY-er.

gidpor · #5 10-10-2002, 12:42 PM

The valve is underneath the air filter assembly.remove that and the valve is looking right at you - in front of the fuel distributer and such.
It is held in place by a large black rubber "ring".
It has a 2 wire electrical connection in front and two black hoses in the back.Undo the bolts, remove the hoses and the connector and pull the valve out. Remember it's right and left position ! If the hoses look dried out it is very good to replace those ( a pain of a job). Anyhow - soak the idle control valve with carb. cleaner , shake it well and empty. repeat . Before you put it back, squirt a bit of WD40 into it - This helps keep the valve lubricated.
Enjoy.

Gunawan · #6 10-13-2002, 11:01 AM

Guys, I did what gidpor told me to do. The Idle air control valve is not really that dirty, but I did what gidpor said. But the car still having the same problem. Anymore ideas? Is it possible the air mass sensor or air flow sensor in 103 engine that is faulty?