I have a 1988 300E that requires multiple attempts (8 attempts yesterday) to start. It making the "rrrrrrrrr" sound that normal cars make when starting, but instead of starting up gives a "puff of air" sound. The other problem: idling at red lights. Restarts fairly right away and then stalls again. Sometimes at the stop light, the car needs to be restarted 4-5 times. The mechanic has done the following, but the problem is getting worse: 1)new plugs, 2)new caps,distributor, rotor, 3)tune up,4) flushed fuel injectors, 5) oil change, 6)new idle valve, 7)new fuel pump relay, 8) new ignition coil. The fuel filter was changed 2 years ago. Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be the problem. brettscafe@yahoo.com

 

Get a new OVP

 

check the fuel pumps also

 

I have the same problem. somebody should post it after they fix theirs. i know its a common problem for w124. but its expensive to change parts that doesnt need to be changed. i hope we fix this problem.

 

Okay stupid question, but I am new here and to Mercedes, what is a OVP?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

OVP is 'Over-Voltage Protection' relay. It cuts power to electronic control units (KE, ABS/ASR) on a higher-than-normal voltage condition.

 

OVP is located behind the battery, its the relay w/ a fuse on top.

 

Thanks ... I am still waiting to get some shop manuals ... expensive lil critters

Kevin

 

I have something in my book here that says after the car works in over time, the hesitation and stalling on cold start up occurs. To remedy this, adjust the fuel distributor lower chamber pressure to 0.45 bar (6.5 psi) instead of 0.4 bar (5.8 psi) and these symptoms disappear. You will need a CSI fule pressure gauge to measure and adjust this fuel pressure.

I have yet to try this as I do not have a gauge..lol but mine is doing the exact same thing but not stalling. Slo/hesitation off the line and poor startin/stalling on cold start ups. If you do try it, let us know how it turns out! Cheers!