are "italian tuneups" recommended for gas-engined cars, specifically, for my M103-engined 190e2.6?

in the winter (like now), after warming it up sufficiently, i rev the engine higher than usual on my limited 10km drive to the train station, to help clear out any corrosive condensates that may have collected in the exhaust system.

as for preventing carbon buildup, does anyone know from experience how often one has to make that banzai run, and for how long? (i must be looking for an excuse here to do this)

All newer cars use O2 sensor feedback systems to keep fuel mixtures at ideal-LAMDA, so running the engine harder doesn't make much difference on carbon build-up. In colder weather having the "correct" thermostat so that the engine gets to operating temp is the most important item, & flushing the cooling system is important.

I agree with MB DOC on this matter. Gasoline engines don't need to be run hard like that to keep them cleaned out. Diesels on the other hand, always benefit from a little Autobahn driving. I usually drive any of the cars around 80mph on an extended freeway run, and of course, the gasoline engined ones are cetainly more lazy then the diesel. However, driving the 6.9 well into the triple digit zone is quite fun (traffic permitting--meaning NO traffic).

------------------
Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8

Does this apply for the older gasoline enjines too? I have a '69 280sl with about 37k miles on it since new. No overhauls.

Kevin

Kevin,

Yes, definitely clean out that M130 motor. Those old 2.8s are known for fouling plugs, especially if you store it in the winter and only start it up once in a while and let it idle. While this procedure is fine, I strongly recommend revving it once the engine has warmed up a little to keep the plugs from fouling. But on the open road, give it all you got!

------------------
Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8

To answer a customer question..

Old thread great data..

"Sandy", an "italian tuneup" will not help a 2006 C230..




Have a great day

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