Well,

This is another long story about a revival of a 1986 190E 2.3-16, US model with a 5 speed, and it is nearing being ready to register an put back on the road. It still has a few quirks to address though.

First is the blinkers don't work, yet the 4 way flashers work fine. So, I figured it must be the relay and went to remove it to check it out. Well, the location of the fuse box which also houses this relay all the way in the back, requires as I see it, that the fuse box cover come off. I have tried for an hour or more to coax the cover off, but cannot figure out how to remove it without getting really physical. It is 21 years or more old now, so I don't want to break it. Anyone ever take this thing off? I can tell there is rodent debris back there too, so I would really like to get the cover off and vacuum the crud out (mostly old acorns and some fuzzy stuff from a nest, it appears).

This car has been sitting after the head gasket was blown due to overheating, for quite some time now. My sons and I took the head off, had it refurbished by a local shop that does MB work and did the machining work on our Euro 2.3-16, and replaced it. Got the head back on and was eager to turn the engine over for some reason, and forgot to put the chain tensioner back in. Well that resulted in the chain slipping, bent valves and and doing the whole job again. Now it all back and running like a top. Starts and is really strong from about 2800 rpm to about 5800 rpm.

Still have an issue with the brakes, which feel numb and slightly less than fully effective. So, they will be coming apart. The ABS light is also on all the time, so I think there is an issue with the calipers/sensors. I checked the OVP relay which was not working right as the cold start valve was not working. I tightened the fuse connection and put it back, and all was fine, except the ABS light is still on all the time.

Any suggestions about the fuse box cover, or checking the ABS sensors would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)