No more SLUGGISHNESS on 90 300TE!

[Glick]

FIXED IT! No more sluggishness!!!
For me, it was the fuel distributor.
I have replaced the following items; the fuel pumps, O2 sensor, fuel filter, idle control valve, eha, vacuum hoses (now, no vacuum leaks, tested with a smoker) spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor and have performed the following services; checked fuel tank filter, cleaned injection system with high pressure (80 psi) injection cleaner machine, checked and cleaned small filter in fuel distributor.
Here was the process I performed in the following order. Replaced 1. plugs & wires 2. cap & rotor 3. cleaned injection system 4. replaced suspect vacuum boots and hoses 5. O2 sensor 6. replaced fuel filter 7. replaced idle control valve (this fixed it dying when coming to stop 8. cleaned filter at fuel distributor 9. replaced fuel pumps and checked screen in fuel tank 10. replaced eha and finally the item that fixed it, 11. replaced the fuel distributor.
Throughout this process I had a friend at a Benz repair center use their computer to set the fuel mixture (?) through the hole in the air cleaner with not much change in performance. I'm sure I've left out some minor steps as this took several months. Now the car idles smooth and everytime you press the gas, it goes. Believe me, I've tried to get it to mess up but it just goes. Although I have to admit, I keep expecting the sluggishness. I hope this helps and if you have any questions, I'll try to help.

[ako]

Glick,

Thanks for posting what cured your problem. We have the same car (124 Wagon). And I wanted to know how often does the hydraulic fluid need to be changed? My fluid hasn't been changed in 39K miles. The h. fluid in the reservoir in the engine compartment is black. Is that normal? If my fluid needs to be changed, can you give me a step by step procedure to do it? I do not have the repair manual. But I do have the repair manual for the W123. And the procedures are vague.

Appreciate any help.

R.V.
--------------------------------
1992 300 TE Wagon (m103 engine) 114K miles

Glick

Can you be a little more precise about what a "Fuel Distributor" is. In the UK we use slightly different terms, I have checked a few on-line shops and they don't know what I am talking about!!!

Thanks in advance

Bruce

[engatwork]

2pt - do a search on it and you should find all kinds of information on here.

ako - to change the fluid disconnect the return line that comes in near the top of the hyd reservoir. Slip a plastic hose over the end of this return line and run it down into a container sitting on the ground. Start the car and keep replinishing the fluid as it is sucked out of the reservoir. When it is pretty clear from the return line it will be changed. Also, if it is like the W123 it will have a screen in the top of the reservoir that will either need to be cleaned or replaced. Not quite certain but I believe you are supposed to raise/lower the rear of the car while changing to get it to "change" at the struts.

[ako]

Originally posted by engatwork

ako - to change the fluid disconnect the return line that comes in near the top of the hyd reservoir. Slip a plastic hose over the end of this return line and run it down into a container sitting on the ground. Start the car and keep replinishing the fluid as it is sucked out of the reservoir. When it is pretty clear from the return line it will be changed. Also, if it is like the W123 it will have a screen in the top of the reservoir that will either need to be cleaned or replaced. Not quite certain but I believe you are supposed to raise/lower the rear of the car while changing to get it to "change" at the struts. [/B]

Jim,

1. In addition to the filter in the reservoir, Is there also a filter in the rear suspension that needs to be changed?

2. Someone told me that the hyd fluid is actually Bilstein hyd suspension oil that is marketed as Febi (dark blue bottle). Can you confirm?

As usual, Thanks for all your input. Been learning a lot from knowledgeable guys like you.

RV
--------------------
1992 300 TE Wagon (m103) 114K miles

[engatwork]

The only filter I know about is the one at the reservoir.
The fluid is Febi/Bilstein as shown.

[Glick]

In answer to twopointsix, the fuel distributor is the big thing under the air clear where all the fuel injection lines attach and the air cleaner sits on. Out of curiousity, I would like to know what they call it where your from. For all I know somebody fed me a line.

Thanks.

[Glick]

Boy, do I know hydraulic suspension now. I just replaced every single part with the exception of the lines and the hydraulic control valve in the back. There is no other filter except in the reservoir. When replacing fluid, you need to disconnect the rod at the back held on with a 10mm nut and move it down to lower suspension to change whats in the accumulators then back up once clean and reattach. I would have someone there to replenish the fluid cause it does move somewhat quickley. Hope this helps!

[ymsin]

I think it may also be called the fuel divider.

[BlackBeauty]

YMSIM sir, which part Malaysia are you located?

[ymsin]

BB - on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Thats where you'd find us driving in our Benzes.

Just a note on the fuel divider if you're wondering whether its the faulty part: as the part is fairly costly, it would be better if you try to get one thats functioning well (used, that is) and try it out to mark the improved performance, if any. Otherwise, its money spent unwisely.

Found it! Looking in the index of my Haynes manual I could not see any mention of it, however on looking through the text there is plenty mention!

Thanks for all your thoughts anyway!

Bruce

[BlackBeauty]

ymsim, is there an MB club up in KL? I'm south of you but up in KL very often.

[ako]

Originally posted by Glick
Boy, do I know hydraulic suspension now. I just replaced every single part with the exception of the lines and the hydraulic control valve in the back. There is no other filter except in the reservoir. When replacing fluid, you need to disconnect the rod at the back held on with a 10mm nut and move it down to lower suspension to change whats in the accumulators then back up once clean and reattach. I would have someone there to replenish the fluid cause it does move somewhat quickley. Hope this helps!

Thanks Glick,

I'm a little confused about the hydraulic fluid system capacity. My manual says 2.0 l (2.1 US qt.). MB E-class Owner's Bible says 3.5 l (3.7 US qt.) To fully evacuate the fluid and replenish with new hydraulic fluid, what is the total capacity that I need?

TIA R.V.
------------------------
'92 300 TE (m103) 114K miles

[Glick]

Sorry for the delay, I used just short of three bottles.