Hello,
I have a 1989 240 DL that is currently giving me a real hard time. The car was parked for the last 4 years and I thought i'd start driving it again. Prior to start up, I changed the oil, battery and added fuel cleaner/additive. The car worked great for about a week problem free, then, it would not idle and constantly stall while in gear and smell very rich. Another issue it was having is that I would give it gas while driving and the car would not accelerate, almost like it was plugged. Then, like a switch was flipped, the car would all of a sudden take off problem free, then would return 5 minutes down the road. I changed the MAS (twice thinking first one was defective), the hot air return hose and air filter. This seemed to work for an hour, then problems returned.. I then changed the cap, plugs and kick down cable and changed the transmission fluid. The car is working better now, but still not great, at least I can make it to point B if I drive it as a manual (neutral at stop signs and lights).... When I start the car in the mornings I have to give it gas or it will stall, then it wont restart for around 5 minutes. While driving i have to put the car in neutral and tap the gas so it will not stall at every intersection... Once the car is warm it tends to idle on its own in neutral, but very rough (car rocks and chugs), the exhaust also smells very rich (gasy)... Both fuel pumps were changed about 7 years ago and MAS when I had a similar problem.

Yesterday I had all 3 fan belts changed and adjusted the idle cable one turn, this didn't help... Now, my car windows are fogging up and I am smelling coolant when I turn off the car. The overflow is full and some pressure is built up when I loosen the overflow cap. The heat still feels warm, but it is -20 C outside so not sure how warm the heat coming out really is... Not sure what this new problem is about....

I am out of ideas.... If anyone has any other ideas it would be very much appreciated.
Thanks for your time!
Greg

 

what about your Fuel filter? change it, it's a pain but worth it if it has been sitting for years. Takes about 1.5 hours.

 

I'd be checking the fuel pressure, and going from there based on data, rather than replacing probably OK parts at random.

 

Thanks, I will try this and get back to you!