I have an ’88 260E with 92k miles

I've read the SSS thread and others. changed the Idle Control Valve, Fuel Filter(which was fairly dirty).

I just noticed that the stalling and sputtering seems to be related to the A/C compressor. I'll start up with the A/C on and the car will barely run, pull over turn the key off and restart (the A/C compressor doesn't restart) and the car runs flawlessly. The A/C compressor won’t engage until the car ignition is turned off and back on. The Car will then run badly again until the ignition is turned off and back on.

PS the A/C works when engaged.

I guess I don't know the secret handshake, I've posted several threads over 6-8 months asking for help and have gotten 1 response. I've searched and read lots of post and I cannot find a correlation between the A/C and the problem I'm having.

I'll just continue to lurk and with any luck some anointed one will ask the right question.

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88 260E 92K
90 300E 143K
97 Suburban 2500 154K
98 Chevy 3500 155K
65 John Deere 3020 ?

Having digested 1000's of posts here over the years, I've learned the following:

MBs from your era are equipped with what's known as the M103 motor. Many had a small elect. resistor that provided an additional 50-75 rpm(approx) with a/c on. Also, there was a speed sensor on the back of the a/c compressors fitted to cars of this era that when faulty required the ignition cycling you're employing. Make sure your serpentine belt is snug as well - just a side item.

I do not recall the name of the idle boost resistor(my words) but perhaps with this you'll be better equipped to do more useful searching.

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Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

If you don't use the a/c, how does it run then? still stall?

I had a 89 300SE beat my ass for a week before finally fixing its stalling out and crank and no start problem. probabaly a different issue than yours but I'l try to offer any insight.

Whats your lambda currently set at?

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Thanks guys,

The car runs perfect with the A/C off. When the car runs badly with the A/C on I can pull over turn off the ignition and restart the car the A/C does not engage and the car runs perfect again. I can let it sit for a minute and restart with the A/C on it will run fine.



I replaced the Idle Control valve and the hoses for it. Looked at the fuses on the OVP Relay.

I have a '90 300e that is running perfect, it uses the same OVP Relay as the 260E does, tomorrow I plan to take the OVP out of the 300 and install it in the 260 and see if that's the clupret.

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88 260E 92K
90 300E 143K
97 Suburban 2500 154K
98 Chevy 3500 155K
65 John Deere 3020 ?

I have not learned how or tested "Lambda". I'll educate myself on that.

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88 260E 92K
90 300E 143K
97 Suburban 2500 154K
98 Chevy 3500 155K
65 John Deere 3020 ?

Check for vacuum leaks, give the AFM a thourough cleaning with Carb Cleaner, and check your plugs, wires, cap and rotor. I would even venture to guess that some healthy doses of fuel injector cleaner would also help. See it seems your idle is just not raising high enough to smooth out the engine when AC is engaged. Could be a weaker spark, clogging up injectors or just plain dirty AFM and intake. So check some things and hopefully you will get it worked out.

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....