thanks for your guidance. this will take me quite awhile but i will get back with you and report results when its done. once again, i wasn't checking it right!

voltage at o2 sensor with male lead grounded was 40 mv, not 450 mv. replaced o2 sensor. problem solved! now i can adjust fuel mixture to approx 50% duty cycle and the engine appears to function properly. i am taking it on a trip tomorrow so will give it the "acid test". thanks to each of you for the excellent directions. you have helped me thru a lot of problems. i inherited the car from a son who neglected it in its later years and i never knew it could run so good. thanks again for taking the time to help me!

Correction! o2 sensor voltage was 040mv at female connector with male connector grounded. thats when i changed the o2 sensor.

Did you use original MB O2 sensor, or you rigg something up?

i installed a MB dealer o2 sensor. had to get it fixed before my trip, so i paid a higher price. my gas mileage almost doubled! i didn,t know the car could run so goood. now my ac isn't working. more on that after i have time to check some things. thanks again for all your help!

ac problem was low on freon. hope it was just from a long winter. on to less serious issues like squeeky shocks, trip meter reset while driving, trunk lock doesn't unlock doors, fresh air thru center vent all the time, ect. THANKS TO EVERYONE!:D