I would greatly appreciate any help to remedy a stubborn stalling problem on my '87 190E 2.3/8V, 5spd, 115K mi.

Symptoms:
1)Stalling while idling perfectly smoothly (without any warning of imminent stall).
2)Stalling during clutch-in coasting, sometimes combined with a fluctuating RPM drop.
3)Absolutely no fouling or misfiring.

Restarting:
Half of the time it restarts and idles normally with no throttle necessary. The other half it will need throttle to restart and some throttle to hold idle (for up to 45 seconds), then will idle fine again.

Frequency and conditions:
1)Intermittant and unpredictable, however, maybe once every 30 stops if I averaged it.
2)Perhaps more frequently before reaching operating temperature (but I'm not certain). Ditto for ambient temps below 55 degrees.

What's been done so far:
1)Plugs, cap, rotor, fuel and air filter (about 10 month before problem started).
2)O2 Sensor, Idle air valve and Electrohydraulic actuator as attempts to
fix the problem.

This is getting expensive, but I'm determined to fix this myself!

Other note: The thermostat may be going as the operating temperature only gets to 80 degrees-C on the dash gauge during the cooler weather. This shouldn't be the problem during warming-up conditions, should it?

A minor SECOND PROBLEM: Is it likely for the output flange nut on my 5spd trans to have loosened, to cause a "creek" noise from the splined flange while torqueing the driveshaft forward/backwards (in gear). The noise appears to eminate ahead of the flex coupling, but [hopefully] not inside trans. The dollar concern is the special deep socket thats needed to torque the nut.

As I said, I'm committed (or should be?).
Thank you.

Gregg

O.K. The fuel pump relay will do exactly as you have explained. The overvoltage relay will also cause problems by turning off the power supply to the ECU. The temp sensor on the head is reponsible for about 25% of fuel mixture but I dont suspect it though it could be the problem. These are easy to check.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

The thermostat sounds like it is ok, there are at least two different thermostats made for the 190, one opens around 80 and the other around 70 or something, As long as it heats up to 80 and does not overheat, you're ok. When my thermo went out, it wouldnt even heat up to 80 on a cold day. 80=good. The stalling and not starting without throttle sounds like two problems. My fuel pump relay went out and it occassionally wouldnt start, and then sometimes stalled. The RPM's dropping, however, I have not been able to cure, yet. The car no longer stalls, but my RPMS almost always drop to a near die and the car shakes, then comes back. This happens usually when coming to a stop light and depressing the clutch after I have downshifted. My MB tech isn't sure, yet. Any clues anyone? Idle control stabilizer?

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Chris Baldwin
H20mobius@aol.com
190E 2.3 8 valve 78k

A common & somewhat expensive repair on yours and other simular Benzes. Sounds like the "airflow sensor" has an intermittant open circuit. This will cause the car to die durning deceleration!! Have it tested by an Expert technician! Good luck.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS M.B. TECH

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gregg:
[B]I would greatly appreciate any help to remedy a stubborn stalling problem on my '87 190E 2.3/8V, 5spd, 115K mi.

My car 1985 190-E Gas died when I turned left.
I am serious I tested in a parking lot. I took the gas gauge out of the gas tank and I saw that the tank was rusty. I removed the tank and the tank filter was clogged I replaced this, flush tank with water rinsed with kerosene. Hasn't stop since after serveral test. Add solution to gas to remove water.

I agree with Benzmac -- it's probably the fuel pump relay. I had an '84 190E that experienced the same symptoms you describe. I took it to the local MBZ dealer/shop; one test drive by the tech and he nailed it (as did you Benzmac) -- new relay (and $125.00 later) and I was on my way. Apparently the original relay is not hermetically sealed. Water vapor gets in them and corrodes the contacts/components. The replacement unit corrected this problem.

Hope this helps.

Brian

PS - the '84 had full AMG body, wheel, exhaust, and suspension package -- it was "sweet". Imagine how I felt when stalled at a light