[Zagadka]

OK, my car ('84 Mercedes 190e) has been kinda on its last legs (axles?) for a while (windows not working, dashboard lights dead, air conditioner dead, radio dead, etc)... I think it has met its end now.

This has happened about half a dozen times. Usually, at lower speeds (as when turning) or while resting at a stop light, it simply... turns off. The electrical system is fine, headlights and flashers work (thank god). Engine won't crank at all. No click, just dead. After 10-15 minutes, it'll finally jump again... and in most cases, die again 200m down the road. I'm terrified to drive in it and I can't afford a new car.

Any ideas? My theory revolves around the transmission or some shit, since it happens in lower gears, but I don't feel like dying while finding out what happens at high speed.

[Ter]

Zag, the symptoms you describe are all electrical.
Your battery or more likely the fusebox need checking.


Ter

[Zagadka]

The battery has been thoroughly checked, I had a big electrical problem (unrelated) a few months back. Just swapped out the fuse. I'd agree about the electrical, but everything other than the engine works.

[Ter]

I didn't get it that the engine also died. It is a petrol engine and not a diesel, right ?
It could still be electrical. Go to a specialised electric work shop like Lucas or so.
Write down all the symptoms first. A good engineer/mechanic might diagnose the problem just by looking at that list.

In view of a problem I had long ago, you should check the fuel pump and if that one is OK, the fuel tank to see if it is not "pushed in " by hitting something.

I used to own a Merc 190, it was the older model with the rounded corners.
I still miss it.


Ter

[Thunderhawk]

If it stutters it might be a spark plug issue. That it just dies sounds like its electrical problem. It might be a blockage in the fuel line or in the air intake which then gets looser at higher speeds - but thats very unlikely.

[killim]

It sounds like an electric problem. Did the last electric problem damage some important parts? Have you checked already all cables, contacts etc.? Have you access to a voltmeter or other diagnostic gear?

You need more information on the problem. Given the current symptoms you can only assess that it should be something with the electric system. But if it can be really everything. I am am not aware of specific weaknesses in that car. If you have some knowledge you can however service all electric parts you feel competent with. Check the spark plugs, the cables, the contacts, measure volt and ampere, the electric dynamo, the motor control unit, the ignition system etc.

There may be some mercedes do-it-your-self forums in the internet.

[Ter]

If you want to do the effort:

- unfasten the electrodes to your battery and pour hot water on the terminals. Check for copper salts (greenish) that make for bad contacts. Clean the clamps with sand paper if necessary.

- unscrew a sparking plug, hold it against the engine with something that is isolated and let the starter engine turn. If you see a neat spark, that excludes the whole ignition system from your problem.

I have just re-read the symptoms as you described them in your first post and my mind goes back to the fuel pump. It sounds as if the engine gets starved of fuel at some stage.


Let us know if you found something.


Ter