To update... I was going to TRY to replace the thermostat today, but the cheapest I could find at a local parts store was $30. and I can get one here on the shop for $29.87. I was thinking $8.00 when I was thinking thermostat, then I remembered that I did not have my 95' Suburban anymore. Thats how much it cost for that one and it took me 5 minutes to replace. I have not even looked at the MB to see how difficult it will be. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and pay $30. for a thermostat.

Can anyone give me a quick description of how difficult it is to change? I am sure its not as easy as it was on my 95' Suburban with the 350.

I really think this may be part of my problem. I have been driving it to work again daily. In the morning, when I first start it, it runs fine, no matter how long, until I "move the accelerator" a bit, then it will start spluttering and missing for awhile. When I leave, its generally OK, but even after it warms up now, it will momentarily miss when it first shifts into the next gear for about 3 seconds, then it clears back out. It did this a little the first winter I had it, but stopped when spring and summer was here, but then it had that occasional stalling. Since this new thing has started and temperatures have cooled again, it has not stalled the first time, which is strange.

I am 100% now that the thermostat is bad/missing. The other evening, it had dropped to the mid 30s and on the highway, my engine temperature dropped to 55°C ! I went home and made another run into town. I had to stop back by my aunts and I did not get out- she brought grandpas meds out to me. We talked awhile and I looked down any my temperature gauge was up to about 115°C! As soon as I left, it slowly dropped back down to about 70°C on the highway. Now I am wondering- will a bad thermostat that makes it run too cool on the highway also make it run too hot when idling at a stop for an extended time? Keep in mind that auxillary fan is on the fritz.

I am still thinking there is more to the occasional misfire, other than the thermostat.... I am wondering if it may be the spark plug wires faulty? I replaced the plugs about 3500 miles ago, so they should be OK.

I may have to do some traveling for work for a couple of months starting in a couple of weeks and I would like to get this car running good again, because I do not want to drive my truck and rack up alot of miles on it.

Thanks again.