Dave Duran

hello.
well i inherited my grate grandmothers 91 190E
she hasnt ran in over 3 years got it running last week got tags and insurance and all that good stuff friday and took her for a ride.
info on the car
1991 its got the 2.3 automatic
with 176k

i plan on getting in back to mint condition and having it as a weekend car.
need some help on what to do maintenance wise never really worked on cars other then hondas so a starting point would be nice. thanks

DRACO

Change all fluids, oil/filter ( after a can of BG44K or Techron even injector cleaner, then change the oil) of course, trans, differential, radiator, brake fluid and give her a tune up, plus, cap and rotor is all you need. Clean the air filter, if brittle change it.

Check the brake pads while you are at it.

I would laso check the date code on the tires, it is a 4 digit number first two are the week it was made and the last two is the year. if more than 10 years, you should change it.

Hope this helps,

Jim

Dave Duran

did the brake fluid and oil; got new tires already new battery to.
i attempted to find a air filter but i cant seem to find one.
ill look in to getting some BG44K i normally use seafoam or would the BG44K be better?
any good sites to order parts from?

DRACO

Oh damn, I am so dislexic, sorry, my old fat fingers.

Yes, BG44K is much stronger than anything out there including seafoam, it is like techron on steriods. I used it on my old 911, it really cleaned out the 27 year old injection system. Felt more powerfull too. CAVEAT: Follow Directions to the letter, if you add too much BG44K to Gas ratio, your rubber lines and components will break down, yes, it cleans too well.

Go to their website and they will show you where they are. I found mine at ny local Shell Station, but I had to ask the mechanic, counter person will not have a clue, they do not like to sell directly to the public, their little secret to keep the repair jobs.

Jim

As far as the air filter, eBay has it for less than $20 or so. Just make sure you get it from a good rep Seller. I just bought a belt tensioner for $36, most stores wanted $135 for the same damn thing

Dave Duran

well update; im pretty sure my brake booster/ master is done and tips to pin point

DRACO

Why would you think that? Is your pedal soft? Did you recently bleed your brakes?

Dave Duran

yes i have; if i remove the vac line to the brake booster and plug it up it bakes the pedal stiff but still wont really brake well; when its plunged it is just butter, if im lucky i guess it will some how work for about 2 seconds and brake normally but then followed right away by the soft pedal. and real quick off topic can i fit P225/50R16 on stock suspension?

DRACO

Ah Ok, then you have air in the ABS system like I did.

Take her onto a gravel road and slam on the brakes several times to activate the ABS system to force the trapped air down to the calipers then re-bleed. Follow MBZ manual and never ever allow the fluid to go low, just fill after every other pump, closing the lid after every top off and release slowly after pump to insure no air down to the ABS system. Our year is DOT 4 brake fluid, per filler cap.

I got the bleeder kit at pepboys for $9.00, it actually worked great the valve fitment was perfect and did not let air back into the calipers. Because you have to use pin funnel they provide, you have to push it into the value so when you turn 1/4 turn the valve has enough pressure not to leak.

You definitely need a helper to pump, but remember to tell them not to release to quickly

As far as tires go, I personally go on my other cars +1 or -1 size. But to be certain I would go to Americas Tires/ Discount Tires and talk to them, they will know what will fit and function properly.

Dave Duran

the ABS light has been on since i got the car; would that have a affect

DRACO

Oh my, that bit of info would have helped. There is a fault in the ABS circuit or battery is too low to power up the ABS system, like it was in my case and yes that could contribute but most likely air in the ABS system so do as I recommended above and bleed again.

Check the battery, go to an autozone or oriely's and have them test it. If you have AAA service have them come out to check the entire charging system. Does she crank slowly when you start her?

Dave Duran

shes got a brand new battery as of last week; my radio has a volt meter its reads from 12.5 up to 13.8 ant any given time. just got back from doing that brakes still feel the same

DRACO

You did the gravel trick, slow pedal return and the ABS light is still on?

If new battery then ABS system is faulty, maybe via the MC. was it firm prior to bleeding or soft since you bought it?

Dave Duran

yeah its still soft and no it was fine up till sunday. the brake comes in and out ill hit it one might not work try in again might work but u have to get the pedal pretty far down

DRACO

is ABS light on?

OKay, let's do test, with the car off, pump it 5 times and holld then turn on the car. if the pedal drops then your sytem is good and you have air in the system still.

On the gravel trick, did the ABS engage or just brake, if just braked, you must make sure you get the ABS activation which will force the air down.

Dave Duran

yes the light is on
i pumped 5 times and held it the pedal dropped even before i got to start the car.

DRACO

Oh my, that means MC is a goner, sorry to write that.

Dave Duran

That's what I was thinking any ways to find out if its just the MC or the brake booster

DRACO

I think it is the MC but I would take it to a shop and see what they say to confirm. Just becareful driving her

Dave Duran

got a new MC and rear calipers took about an hr and a half to bleed every thing till no more air was in there; she stops on a dime now!
but till got that ABS light on

DRACO

New MC? Congrats. Have you tried pulling the negative side battery to reset the ECU?

Dave Duran

well new to me it was re manufactured came out to 160 not to bad; and pulling the negative wire to the battery>?

DRACO

Pull the negative side of the battery terminal off wait 10 minutes and reconnect to reset the ECU.

Dave Duran

Been some time since I last posted on here to much going on.
But well the auto trany went (I put brand new fluid in it?) Oh well
She's currently at a buddys shop getting a swap! Rebuilt 2.3 with only
10k since rebuild and a 5 speed trany! Should have her back by the end of next week
Also I picked up a set of 17 inch mono blocks; hope to have them on soon
And by any chance anyone know where I can pick up a roof rack for her?
Thanks