85 500 SEL greymkt Tune Up / stalling / no heat
 

My parents own an '85 500SEL grey market (not a standard US model). The engine idles poorly, stalls frequently, and recently heater has stopped delivering heat shortly after engine reaches operating temperature. After reading other posts, I'm suspecting a vacuum leak may be at the root of all/some of these problems. Service records from previous owner indicate that stalling/rough idle was a problem for them as well.

I'm a diesel fanatic ('66 200d, '79 300d)-- I hate all the electronic stuff on this car, but would like to do what I can to improve this car with the basic equipment I have: my brain, common sense, Fluke digital multimeter, timing light, (no vacuum equipment).

I'll start with new spark plugs and wires--what parts are recommended? Don't want to buy MB dealer parts unless absolutely necessary.

What do I check after replacing plugs and wires?

I'm trying to keep parts cash outlay for this project to $100.00 or less. (diesel tightwad)

Thanks.

Your heat may well just be the monovalve. If you hit the buttons does it came on again then disapper if it does replace the monovlave. This is a $30 fix. You can also just pull it and check if there is a hole in the rubber that is your problem. On rough idle. You can throw huge amounts of money at it and still not fix it. I would recommend taking it to a good local shop and have them scope it and stick it on the gas analyzer. They can at least tell you where to start.
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