92' 240 starting trouble

[Dauer]

My 92' 240 has been idling very erratically, fluctuating from 650-1500 rpm. Lately when I shut it off from a fast idle it won't start. For example yesterday it sat for 6 hr before I could start it again after shut off. When it did start there was a strong smell of fuel and smoke, which leads me to believe the motor is running very rich. Now I don't know if it's getting too much fuel or too little air. If anyone has any input on the fix or the source of the problem please reply.

Thanks

[Big Red]

Airflow meter and engine temp sensor.

Did your check engine light come on?

Check the above parts with a multi meter according to the manual (if you have one)

Clean the connector harnesses, they may be corroded and need to be very clean to work properly.

[Dauer]

engine light did not come on, I will check parts for visual damage or corrosion. I do not ave a manual, although I will try to acquire one

[Dauer]

I checked MAF and engine temp sensor, they seem ok. but get this, I found the head of a wire brush in the tube that connects the pcv to the intake tube right before throttle body. What the f*** is that all about? The previous owner must have been a real bright fellow. I freed the blockage, still no go. I checked the plugs and they are clean, although saturated with fuel which would explain why my car won't start. I will change plugs, other than that any ideas?

[p00t]

You silly kid, the wire brush is supposed to be there :P . Its a real basic method to help catch excess oil from floating into the intake. every 240 has one.

might have an injector leak, which is flooding the engine, You can take off the fuel rail with them still attached and check their operation. Also can check their resistance with an ohm-meter. I believe the correct resistance should be around 12 ohms?

Youve narrowed it down to too much fuel which is good. Your on track, just need more peoples opinions.

[Dauer]

wow, insert foot in mouth. If I didn't sound like an amatuer before I sure as hell do now. Luckily I saved the wire brush, how bought I put it back and we all forget what I said.

Also I adjusted idle screw to stop and it won't go below 900 rpm, which I'd imagine reenforces the assumption of a fuel richness problem. Thanks for the tip

[NISTECH]

you may have a vaccum leak if you cant get the idle below 900 rpm. check your coolant temp connector make sure its not corroded in the connector pins.

[Dauer]

I checked what I'm pretty sure sure is the coolant temp connector (sensor w/ red connector housing that attaches to intake near water inlet) and there seems to be some corrosion, should I clean and w/ what or replace? Thanks NISTECH

[NISTECH]

battery terminal cleaner works well spray some in both the sensor terminal area and the connector pins. let it sit for a couple mins then use a small pocket screw driver to scrape away the crusty stuff. tighten the pins in the female connector a bit by very slightly bending in the female pin where it splits in the connector. this will create a tighter fit on the terminals in the sensor.

[Dauer]

clean connector as you described and revs dropped to around 800rpm. Hey, I'll take that over 1400rpm. Although do you think bad timing could be the culprit? I'm unaware of last time car had a timing adjustment, I bought it in may 03' w/ 73k it now has 90k.

[NISTECH]

so did it resolve your problem? the idle is about right.

[Dauer]

yes, many thanks nistech. The idle is now hovering around 700rpm, right where it should be.