[MBZ] '88 126 Hesitation Problems and Intermittent Hard Start

[Russ Williams]

Mark

If you want to drive to B.R. take it to Wedge Keys on the Airline.
The Head MB Mech is a friend of mine.
Tell Wedge that I sent you.

Russ W.
Gonzales

Mark E. Peneguy wrote:

>Friends:
>
>Recently, I started having a problem with hesitation when I accelerate 
>from a dead stop.  Once the car is in motion, everything is smooth, as 
>it should be.
>
>I don't have a clue as to what may be causing the problem.  I have had a 
>few things worked on lately, including a tune-up, with new spark plug 
>wires and distributor, cap and rotor, etc., which seems to rule out 
>those things as the issues.
>
>The only thing that I know made a difference in the idle, and I assumed 
>might be part of the hesitation problem, as the hesitation showed up not 
>too long afterwards, was a part (wish I could identify it for you) that 
>reduced the idle from 1,000 to 1,100 rpm at idle in park, to 550-600 rpm 
>at idle in park.  This part plugs in just under the air cleaner housing 
>in the front, top part of the engine, if that helps identify what it 
>might be.  The engine idles smoothly when in park, neutral or in gear 
>(runs about 450 rpm in gear at a stop and there is no "tremble").
>
>My second problem is an intermittent hard starting problem (the starter 
>was replaced not too long ago and the problem just manifested itself). 
>Sometimes, I turn the key and it starts right up, like it always used 
>to.  Now, though, if it doesn't start immediately, I turn the key and it 
>cranks for a few seconds before it finally starts.  The last time that 
>happened, I saw smoke come out from the rear of the car (couldn't tell 
>what color, due to the ambient light).  That was the first time I've 
>ever noticed smoke come from the tailpipe in the 13 years I've owned the 
>car.
>
>My trusted mechanic closed shop and is leaving the N.O. area since 
>Katrina.  So, I will be trying out a new mechanic to have this resolved 
>(wish I was mechanically inclined!).  I would like to have an idea of 
>what I may be looking at before I go to a new guy.
>
>Any thoughts any of you may have shall be greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Mark
>  
>