I have a 80' 280E that has been difficult to start when it is warm. I finally found the culprit after months of searching. I took off the air cleaner housing and listened to it idle and noticed the cold start valve was making a buzzing noise.

Surely this is the culprit, but it is rather pricey, so does anyone know if there is a quick fix instead of buying a new one?

Also, is the sensor by the exhaust manifold, and if so should I go ahead and replace that too?

The cold start valve is electrically actuated. Pull the plug before a warm start and see if it makes a difference. If it does, it is NOT the valve that is the culprit, it is the circuit that controls it.

Steve

__________________
'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7