230 E auto 1991

[Ian ch]

My very reliable 230e has recently been overheating so the local garage replaced the radiator ,fan and relevent switches. It no longer overheats but,about the same time the engine started to stall when idling, and now can only be driven by keeping the engine going by use of the accelerator pedal. The engine speed drops to about 7500 then dies My local garage does not seem tobe able to cure the trouble.. Having just spent a fortune on the overheating problems I would appreciate some advice before going to another garage Ps the car has done 120000 miles

 

[Stevie A]

Try doing a forum search for stalling and your car type and you might get some clues. Probably something simple if engine is running ok otherwise.

 

[Ian ch]

Steve A. Thanks for reply,but I can't find anything for a 230e 1991 relating to stalling. I have found a item for 230ce but the idle adjustment screw does not seem to be on my model. Also occasionally the engine has mild surges when driving normally. Thanks Ianch

 

[franksm]

Ianch, I wonder is it the OVP (over-voltage-protection relay) - but then again if it were faulty, you'd see errors displayed by the ABS system's indicator. Anyway, OVP has a lot to do with the idle control.

Other things might be:
- a vacuum leak somewhere (are the two vacuum pipes at the front of the cylinder head still attached properly)
- microswitch on the end of the throttle-cable-lever - is it connected and "clicking" when you throttle on/off ?
- idle-air-valve (think it's in between #3 and #4 runner on the in take manifold) - all connected up okay ?

 

[Ian ch]

franksm, thanks for your reply, I have checked the vacuum pipes ,allattached ok. The microswitch does click,but I am unable to find the 'idle air valve'.This I can't find . As you have no doubt gathered this is all new to me,so any help and guidance is appreciated ,so that I can keep this otherwise lovely car on the road without too much more cost. Ianch

 

[franksm]

The idle air control valve, or idle speed actuator as some call it, is shown here for the M102 engine with KE-jetronic:

http://tinyurl.com/352b52

item #113 - it's in between #3 and #4 runner on the intake manifold, sitting in a hefty rubber bung. I guess just make sure it is all connected up - it has an electrical connection and some air-pipes.

I recommend the Owners Workshop Manual by Motorbooks, even if you have the Haynes manual, the Motorbooks version is top-notch - has a lot of things the Haynes doesn't (eg. how to troubleshoot various sensors and valves)

http://tinyurl.com/3bm8lr

 

[Ian ch]

franksm. Many thanks for your diags. etc. I will now try to find the elusive valve I'll let you know in due course how I get on. Ianch