W124 misfire

[PeteSamm]

My 1989 260e has just let me down for the first time ever. From cold she starts fine but when warm she stalls or misfires at idle and won't pick up... it's like she's only running on 4 pots. I had a suspect plug lead so that has been changed, along with the spark plugs but she still has the problem when warmed up. I've had various people suggesting coil problems, bad fuel, worn injectors etc etc but all of these suggestions don't explain that, when running, she's fine. It's only on idle that the problem exists.... Anyone had similar experiences and found a simple solution??

 

[bundy]

260 missfire

hi the first thing i would look at is the distributor cap..
on your model these are a known cause of missfires when hot.
it seems they become porous with age so hold moisture. when she warms up moisture condenses & results in a miss or worse.
hope this helps.
regards

 

[Mikesmerc]

I agree with Bundy but would also change the rotor.
Mike

 

[dave hobbs]

Spray WD40 in distributor and cap clean contacts in cap whilst off. As Bundy says they collect moisture this will prevent moisture/condensation. This sorted my problem.

Regards

Dave Hobbs

 

[LNM]

with a ball ended allen key. PITFA to get at the bottom ones with a straight one.

 

[PeteSamm]

Thanks for the pointers guys.... Unfortunately I need the car for this coming weekend so time has got the better of me. I've had to take it to the local MB dealer. They also suggested the Distributor cap as their first check but after a test drive they also suspect that it could be a dribbling injector. I'll let you know the outcome........

 

[PeteSamm]

Just heard from the squealership!!!! It's the injectors... at least, for £400++, it had better solve the problem.

 

[Spike]

Just heard from the squealership!!!! It's the injectors... at least, for £400++, it had better solve the problem.

Yeah right!

What a complete surprise that the prescribed fix just so happens to be the most exbenzive option.....

 

[sooper coop]

the only reason I know this a friends twin cam 4 cylinder did the same.

Mechanic says treat it with Injector Cleaner.

STP do some for £7 a bottle, lob the whole bottle in and add 50 litres of good gas, it might do it.

 

[pascal]

That worked for me also. Don't know tha name of it.

Also discussed at http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=9517&highlight=tank

 

[bundy]

missfire

yeah right !! i wonder if the cap & rotor were also changed???? dribbling injectors!!! unlikly the cause but hey its only money.
stay lucky

 

[PeteSamm]

Yup... cap changed too!!

As suspected, they did change the Distributor cap too.... Bafty Crastards!!!!
But then.... I did take it on a 150 mile run on Saturday without a glitch and I will be taking my 5 year old Grandson on his first trip to Santa Pod tomorrow ( about 250 mile round trip) and I won't be worrrying about getting there... Not a small price to pay but after 16 years it is the first time I've had the old girl let me down and she did do it close to home so I shouldn't really complain too much. As said above.. it is only money..

Thanks to all for the suggestions though... maybe someone else will benefit from it...