'91 300TE -Taking bets on Rich Fuel condition

[Rusty Boltz]

300TE in South Texas w/ 87K miles and severe fuel delivery issues. My prime candidates are O2 sensor, OVP, Idle control valve, EHA, or fuel distributor (possibly plunger sticking). History of car prior to my purchase a week ago: brought to dealership for engine stall and die when acclerating from a stop, next complaint smoking on acceleration, again stalling, smoking and poor gas milage. These same complaints were repeated 6 or 7 times when car was taken to dealer for service. I know this because I insisted on having the service records when I bought the car from the dealership as a "great example of MB durability". The last service entry was in March when the dealership sent the car through the shop for used car evaluation and prep.

I purchased it about a week ago. There is no indication that the original problem was fixed and I see all the same symptoms including black smoke and milage ranging from 9.5 to 12.1 mpg.

Would you care to bet (vote) on the actual cause of the problem? You see my favorites above. Perhaps you can think of another possibility. It is hard for me to believe that our MB dealer had the car in so many times over the course of a few months without solving this if it is fairly simple. At $70 per hour they should have even solved it if it has more than one cause.

I have an appointment at Corpus Christi German Motors on Wednesday and will share the results of their diagnosis. I am new to the MB community and am still waiting on my W124 CD to arrive. See how good you are and vote on your favorite solution. I can't wait to fully understand my Jetronic System before putting this car into daily service and with the record that Ed Hicks Mercedes-Benz service department has with the car, I prefer to take it to strangers and give them a chance.

Bob Murry
Former Volvo Owner
91 300TE
92 Miata for autocross
Grand Caravan for trips