Thanks for all of the input. As it turned out it was the original idle control box dated 4/84 that failed. Two resistors were smoked and 4 capacitors looked pretty swollen. Having an electrical background I thought I might replace the components myself and took the board to the major electronic parts supplier here for component identification. The older gentleman who himself was around well before the transistor was invented looked at the board for the longest time under magnification and then with the biggest smile said " that is the most beautiful circuit board I have ever seen." We both agreed on that and that we could not identify the 6 components in question and if we could I would only end up chasing more problems, it just wore out. That board is used in other more plentiful MB's and my mechanic Morrie came up with one that looked new, dated 10/94, and replaced it with all troubleshooting charges included for $250., what a nice guy and what a relief. It is magic the way this thing holds idle the way it was intended to.
At this given moment " I Love This Car."
John

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John
'02 Isuzu Axiom Canal Blue Mica "Wonder Car"
'02 Isuzu Axiom Garden Green Mica from Alaska "Sara"
'97 Ford Taurus Wagon 225,000 miles Intense Black "Batmobile"
'91 560 SEC Ice Blue Metallic "Big Benz"
'84 380 SL Astral Silver "Pretty Girl"
MBCA member
Chance favors the prepared mind.