Re: [MBZ] I get a job offer today
Kaleb said... Well, its not really what I think I want to do, but its an option none the less. Its selling cars at Mazda. I have all these ideas about car salesman, not sure I want to do it. Anybody ever done that before? -- Congratulations, Kaleb!!! I've never done it myself, but my son sold cars for 6-7 years after he left school. It took him about a year to build up a return/referral clientele (which he had to start over with when he moved to another dealership). He was very scrupulous about being honest and dealing straight with his customers and was lucky to work at a dealership that did business that way (of course, it took the aforementioned move to get there). Business was up and down, so he was careful to put some money aside when times were good to cover the not so good times. He did get some good deals on trucks and cars, and he helped me and our family out several times by spotting good used car deals as they came through the dealer. Good luck!!! Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Ice storm
Curt Raymond wrote: Its interesting the discussion of generators as a career yesterday. We're having an ice storm and lost power last night. I normally have no desire for a generator but we're getting water in the basement right now and it'd sure be nice to be able to run the sump pump. My inverter is currently running the DSL modem and my laptop is on battery, the woodstove makes heat and my Coleman stove (yay whitegas!) heated water for my oatmeal but I sure would like to run the sump pump Hurricane Ike left us without power for over a week. There were NO gennys left in Houston, or for that matter all the way up north of Dallas, for most of that week. My father-in-law in Northeast Oklahoma picked up three from a local dealer for $750 each. They are 7500 Watts, and handle the lights, refrigerator, computer, phones and some fans. They are Chinese knockoffs of Honda gensets, but ran great. We did have to fix the wiring...the low oil level shutoff was mis-wired and caused it to shut down...just bypassed it. Sold one to a guy at work, and we've used the other two on the deer lease this fall. We opened the main breaker to the main line and fed the house through a dryer outlet. Over Christmas, I will put in an A-B switch so I can feed the power back into the house wiring. It has built-in wattmeters so I can better control the load on the genny. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT saw sharpener
Rich said Royce -- if you get down into town, Circle Saw on the North Loop at Ella, behind Lowes, can sharpen up all your blades for a reasonable sum, on a proper machine to set angles and bevels and all that. Well worth the money on carbide blades, I have some that they have sharpened 3x so far, and they work well. *** Thanks, Rich...Tomorrow is my day off...may be time for a road trip down to the inner city. They are located about 8 blocks from my son's house. Maybe I'll do to him what he used to do to me with his dry cleaning...I'll drop it off, and have him pick it up (and pay for it ;-) ) Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] I learn to weld (well better than I used to)
From: Allan Streib [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] I learn to weld (well better than I used to) To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Curt Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: As a test cut one of your welds back off (you do have an angle grinder right? ;) ) Nope. On the list for soon. In the words of my son-in-law A grinder is a welder's best friend... Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT Harbor Freight Saw Blade Sharpener...
After looking at Allan's reference for the dial indicator I looked at a few other things and came across their 120V Circular Saw Blade Sharpener http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96687 Anybody ever tried this thing? I have a ton of old circular saw blades that I've been meaning to get sharpened but never got around to it. I remember many years ago seeing ads in the woodworking mags for the Foley Belsaw sharpener, but I seem to remember it costing a whole lot more than $59.99. It might be nice to be able to touch up a blade even if I didn't use it for full sharpening. TIA! Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT saw sharpener
Dan said... I just interviewed a guy for a story who built and runs the ONLY sawmill in operation capable of riff-sawing 8' clapboards. The saw is making a plough cut through huge white pine logs at great speed. Most such mills are only 6' long because the blade overheats and warps by the time that long a cut is made. This guy figured out how to go two more feet, mostly by using extremely well-built century-plus old equipment and tuning it up to NASA tolerances. He uses 150-year-old ripping blades--the best, he says--and sharpens them by hand, with a file, and sets the teeth himself. He's been using the same blades for 20 years and says they'll never need gumming, much less replacement. If the saw doesn't run quite true, he taps the blade with a hammer to realign the molocules. Sounds like voodoo, but the thing RIPS through huge logs, makes less noise than s skillsaw, and throws off long strings of excelsior, not sawdust. Amazing. * Dan - Interesting...I've seen a blade throw off the long strings, but never been able to duplicate it. The old methods can be amazing. There's a guy near here who mills native Texas woods like Mesquite and Bois d' Arc (also called horse apples) He built his own kiln and has some really beautiful flitches. He uses a bandsaw type mill. I just can't bring myself to throw away a perfectly good blade even if it isn't sharp any more. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Obama and political gobbeldegook
From: Wonko the Sane [EMAIL PROTECTED] My shirt is lower left in the attached photo. Wife (Debbie) is wearing red, beside me. ... This isn't something I saw on television. I was there, not six feet away from him. Sooo.Wonko, was that picture taken inside the asylum or outside the asylum??? ;-) HHGTTG joke Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] the Republican Candidate for VP
Peter said... May not be used without permission of * does not mean you just pay a royalty. It means you may not use it without permission. Standard copyright law, not new to anyone except maybe political neophytes with a standard US high school education, meaining they've never seen a copyright notice before. I am amused by the politicians (of both denominations...) running afoul of the same copyright law that their good buddies (and campaign contributors..) the RIAA are using to harass people over file sharing. Shakespeare said it best Tis sport to see the engineer hoist upon his own petard (and his copyrights have expired) Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Slightly OT...Turbodiesel JEEP available everywhere but here....
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/heavy-duty-jeep-j8-now-available-everywhe re-but-here/ Comes standard with 4 cyl turbodiesel, looks kinda like a vintage Jeep Scrambler... Be still my heart Mercedes contentChrysler used to be part of Daimler Chrysler... ;-) Royce Engler - Once rebuilt and restored a Jeep CJ-7 ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 240D hood coat #5
Alex said... Curt, I'm curious, what are you using to do the sanding? IIRC the original 50-dollar-paint-job guy said that on his Corvair the sander or buffer, I forget which, made a big difference, so he was glad that he had a good one (which didn't count towards the $50, of course). *** Good Point, Alex. Tools are CAPITAL costs and don't count against EXPENSES ;-) Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] How my day went from good, to bad, to good, to bad, to
Kaleb, Hope all is well with Mom and new son...You'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT - Shotgun Suggestions
Loren said. For my $.02: 870 is hard to beat. I had a winchester 1200 from the late 60s. Everyone poo-pooed them but I never had a problem. Winchester Model 12 was always the standard of comparison, but they are pricey. If I were going to buy a shotgun now, I'd buy an 870. Relatively cheap and plentiful. A good solid performer. Gotta go with Loren. 870 was my second shotgun (first was a bolt action with a long barrel and full choke that I bought in high school). Bought the 870 when I was a LTJG in the Navy and had access to Welfare and Rec shooting ranges. I've since inherited my Dad's 1100. Gotta say I do like the 1100, but I've shot a lot of skeet and trap with the 870. Rock solid and reliable, and available locally for $250 at Academy Sports. Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT Douglas Adams
Wonko said... Really?? I have a Slartibartfast quote framed on my office file cabinet. Folks read it and think he was a philosopher. In many ways, he was, via Adams. SWhich quote is it? I do most of my reading, including the entire HH series, via audible.com on my iPod while driving to and from the office. The narrator is a Brit who sounds exactly like I imagine Arthur Dent would sound...and he does a very believable Marvin. I've ordered a hard copy so I can go back and re-read it to catch all the nuances. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Yellowcake:
Peter said The presence of the yellowcake AND its removal was well covered by the press... Yep, sort of. I first heard of it from an article in the Washington Pest...As it turns out, I work for a company called ABS Nautical Systems. We sell software to the maritime industry for managing maintenance on ships...one of our largest customers is the U.S. Maritime Administration, which manages the Ready Reserve Fleet. One of those ships, SS Gopher State http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Gopher_State_(T-ACS-4) was activated not long ago...we didn't know where she was going, but it's not unusual for one of these ships to be activated to move a shipment either to or from Iraq. Afterwards, my contact at MARAD confirmed the story. Gopher State sailed to Diego Garcia, picked up the yellowcake and took it to Montreal to deliver to the Canadian processing company. Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 280CE
Rich said. I just moved to the Charleston SC area... --R *** So you up and left Houston, huh? IIR Max Dillon is in the Charleston area... Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] interesting handgun story sent by a friend
Allan said Investigators say an attempted robbery ended in gunfire in a parking lot at West 38th Street and Moller Road just after 11 pm Monday. The victim was a 72-year-old Hispanic man who witnessed a young man holding a female friend of his at gunpoint, attempting to take her purse. The man pulled his own gun in protection, pointing it at the robber. The suspect immediately fired several rounds at the victim, striking and killing him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. I guess the lesson is, if you are going to pull a gun on an armed individual in a situation like that, better just shoot him straight away. Or at least as soon as he twitches in your direction. *** Lesson number one from my Daddy was...you never point a gun at something unless you intend to shoot it. If you intend to shoot it, you shoot to kill. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] GWB
Hursty said they now hire rent a cops to guard military bases.? if you go to west point, you get grilled by rent a cops.? the greed is shameless. I've got news for you, Brorent-a-cops took over base security a looonnng time ago, maybe as far back as the Carter years.It was a cost cutting deal. I'm an Annapolis grad (which inherently should generate a lot more respect than being a West Point grad ;-)) and I can't say I ever got grilled, but I did run into a few jimmylegs (Navy slang for rent-a-cop security guards) who didn't know the difference between any of the ranks. On the other hand, it was always my position that they ought to treat the most junior enlisted with the same respect that they treated me as an O-6. I can guarantee you that the Marine guards were a helluva lot harder on the junior enlisted folks than they were on the officers, though. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 9/11 inside job? [was: GWB]
Mitch Haley wrote: Somewhere I've got a picture of a burned out barn with steel beams drooped over a wooden beam. If you read the article that Mitch referenced, you'll see further down the difference between a glue-lam wooden composite beam and a steel beam...making the point that steel can and does fail before some wood structures. I did some googling and found the following excellent discussion by a fire department expert. Based on my somewhat limited knowledge of structural engineering (I'm a petroleum engineer by training, but I had to take all the same core courses as the structural guys, and I my Dad was a structural engineer), this guy knows what he is talking about. One of his points is that the steel trusses were the weak points, and all fire departments know that. Once one part of a truss fails, the rest of the truss can fail quickly as undamaged parts have to pick up the loads of other parts that failed. He also mentions the problems with failed insulation on the steel, I have seen mentioned several times in discussions about WTC. Of course, that was partially due to issues with asbestos, and you can just imagine the restrictions in NYC for dealing with asbestos. Bottom line, I'm tired of hearing about conspiracies other than the one where 19 terrorists climbed on board undefended airliners, slit the throats of women, and bravely drove those planes into buildings that housed over 3000 civilians. As an aside...we're visiting in-laws in Oklahoma City and yesterday went to the site of the 1995 bombing. I'm sorry they executed Tim McVeighI would rather they caged him up and kept him at the site so people could kick his ass. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Wrong
Kaleb said Its something along the way them, my computer has the correct time John Robbins wrote: Kaleb C. Striplin wrote: the time my computer showed, right now it shows 8:08pm central time when sending this All your messages are an hour ahead on my computer as well. It has been like this for a long time... --- I know what it is Kaleb is Livin on Tulsa Time ;-) Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Orelegated alternative forms of voter franchise on
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2008 05:37:46 -0700 (PDT) From: Curt Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] Orelegated alternative forms of voter franchise on To: Diesel List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hear hear! Idiots like Brittany Spears have done more to damaged the good name of marriage than all the gay people that ever lived. How about a 2 time loser law, if you can't pick the right one once out of 2 times you CAN NOT get married again. Or maybe marriage licenses go to a sliding cost scale, first one is free, second is $10,000 and the price doubles for each one thereafter. Might make people think it through a little more. -Curt Hey CurtThey don't get you up front. The real cost of multiple marriages is in the ending thereofas in, instead of getting married again, I think I'll just find a woman I hate and buy her a house, or Q-why are divorce attorneys so expensive? A-Because IT'S WORTH IT! Royce - who took a long time to recognize the error of the first one, but got it right the second time. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT alternative forms of voter franchise
Max said... Also, nowhere in our (U.S.) constitution is there a right to vote. Not in the bill of rights, not in the articles. In other words (I think - someone correct me if I'm wrong), it would not take a constitutional amendment to change our current system, just a majority vote passed into law by a state legislature... - I can't believe you missed it...it's right there next to a woman's right to murder an unborn child, and the right for two beings to be married, regardless of anything. As far as the states being able to control their own voting processes, I think the Voting Rights Act speaks for that (Not that there's anything in the Constitution that authorizes THAT little gem of legislation)...oh, but it only applies to SOUTHERN states, so I guess the northern states could do it. Heinlein's approach to suffrage is a lot like John Stuart Mill's... To quote Supreme Court Justice Salmon P. Chase, who served from 1864 to 1873, State sovereignty died at Appomattox. Royce - an unreconstructed Southerner ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Trampas at NCSU
Trampas said Well the issue is that I am 38 years old and not sure how a PhD will help me in my future. I started taking classes towards masters as I was bored at work, however I now have a new job - smarter and wiser folks always told me that the only reason to get a PhD was to be a professor, with a few exceptions (Geologists are one specialty that comes to mind). If you don't plan on working in academia, don't bother with the PhD. Royce - who ended up getting three Master's degrees ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Military Service - Was: America's Climate Security Act
Randy said... Ah, but there is serving in the military and then there is serving in the military. Things are much more dangerous in times of war. There have been lots of folks who served in peace time and were at little risk. Even some now have nice desk jobs at home and no real chance of a visit to far flung places where the locals do their best to dispatch you. Not quite equal is it? - Not sure what being equal has to do with it. Not everyone ends up on the pointy end of the spear. The issue is the commitment to be a part of the spear. I suppose there are those who would say that my 34 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve were not the equal of some others. Maybe so, but I had a number of friends who gave their lives during peacetime training mishaps. Was their sacrifice less equal because it happened in peacetime? In 1971 after two years at the Academy, we had to decide whether to stay in or get out. Up until that point you could leave and not owe anything. After that point, known as Commitment Day, you were in for 5 years of active duty after graduation. To drive home the impact of that decision, our Company Officer herded us up to Memorial Hall and showed us the bulletin boards with the names of the recent grads who had been KIA in Vietnam. If you decided to stay, it was with the understanding that you were committing yourself to the possibility of ending up on that board. When you make that decision and that commitment, it changes you. The price of freedom becomes a lot more real and a lot more precious. My number didn't come up. I'm thankful for that. But I was ready if it did. OBTW...Robert A. Heinlein was Class of 1929, U.S. Naval Academy. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] America's Climate Security Act
John said ...There are folks who have earned the right to that wealth (ie, the folks who defend our country), but the rest of us (myself included) are just lucky. - Therein lies the problem. Not content to just be thankful to have been born here, the Liberals feel guilty because they were born here, and can only assuage that guilt by taking money from those of us who work hard and giving it to those who they deem to be worthy. John's comment reminds me of another point, one made by Robert Heinlein in Starship Trooperthe theme of the story is that the only people allowed to become citizens (and consequently...to vote) are those who have served in the military and hence earned (and value) the benefits of citizenship. My $.02 Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] not so private RANT about Kaleb
Luther ranted. From: Luther [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] not so private RANT about Kaleb To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed Except for the user! Around here we call that a PIKNIC - problem in keyboard, not in computer. Luther might modify that to read problem is Kaleb, not in computer...;-) Royce -- ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT OT No Car Info - No ferrari content - no porsche
Larry T said... I do wonder how long we'll see a single person driving a huge SUV - while I don't advocate gov interference I wonder how long they will be able to sustain 16mpg and $4/gal gas. - Actually, starting tomorrow, my wife and I will be car-pooling at least 2/3 of the way. It's 35 miles to my office and 45 to hers. The Expedition (17 MPG) gets parked and we'll drive her 2002 Highlander (22 MPG, but 150,000 miles on it) I bet the prices for used (and new) SUVs have taken a hit recently. - My son, the finance manager at a local Ford dealer confirms...They have lots of inventory sitting on the lot. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Does Anyone Have Wireless Broadband Internet?
Dan asked I'm looking to add wireless broadband to my current Verizon plan, but I'm not terribly pleased with their coverage or the cost. For the most part Verizon has the best coverage of just about all the carriers, but I'm more interested in hearing from anyone who has wireless broadband and their direct experiences with it... - We share an air card at work for travel. In general, it works pretty well, except that I can never seem to get it when I need it. Slower than a wired connect, but a helluva lot better than dialup. Works pretty good when you are in a meeting at somebody else's office and can't use their internet connection due to security. Nowadays, I don't stay in hotels that don't offer free broadband anyway, so that's not an issue. - Here's a thoughtI also have a Verizon Blackberry that I can connect via USB cable to my PC and it acts as a wireless broadband connection. I haven't had too much time to play with it, but so far it looks promising. As near as I can tell, you can add it for about $30/month to your regular Blackberry bill. The company pays for mine, so it's a simple matter of getting the boss to spring for it based on a wild assed guess about how much it'll cost ;-). All of our company's users are lumped into one big pool for minutes, and the network guys tell me the impact on usage would be negligible. HTHYMMV.. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] $12/gallon gas?
Donald Snook wrote: It is a MASSIVE field. Of course, this is what the geological reports estimate. It could be even bigger than we think OR smaller than we think. John wrote After Royce's comments, I wonder how much of it we can actually get out? Depending on the type of oil,etc it may not be as massive as we think since a lot of it could be impossible (aka expensive) to extract. *** When companies report reserves, it is normally recoverable reserves, which is based on the estimated future price and the estimated volume you think you can recover. The first estimate is usually a volumetric estimate...how much area/volume is included, what is the porosity of the rock, and the specific volume of the fluid and a WAG for how much is recoverable. Generally you use an analogy based on similar reservoirs as a first guess on percentage recovery. Most likely, you'll use the seismic data to estimate the volume. Once you start producing the reservoir, you can run pressure tests to estimate the volume, and by plotting production over time, you can predict how long it will produce at an economic rate. Bottom line is you never really know how much is there until you've produced all you can get. You are constantly reevaluating your economics to see if you are still making money. OBTW...before you ever drill a well, somebody has done a volumetric estimate of how much oil is potentially there, and how much it will cost to drill and produce itand that also includes a probability estimate of drilling success. Before the advent of 3D and 4D seismic, it was generally accepted that 9 of every 10 wildcat wells would be dry holes. You just hoped that the one you hit brings in enough money to cover the ones you missed. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Fuel price!
Peter said The main reason oil production declined in the US is that the holes are dry -- lots of drilling and pumping around here, but the stuff that comes out of the ground looks like road tar and is 5% or more sulfur. They can't get oil out of most of the older fields in Texas, nothing comes up even with salt water injection, etc. Production is going down in the Gulf, too, and the new deposit everyone was blowing about last year is WAY down there. There are no new refineries because the oil companies are still choosing to loose 10% of their product rather than upgrade, oil was cheap, margins high, and they are STILL choosing to play the if we drag our feet long enough about environmental concerns everyone will forget about us that even GE quit doing a decade or two ago. Pure choice, regulations have NOTHING to do with it -- it would be cheaper to build new refineries, they are much more efficient, but Big Oil would much rather invest in Congress. Peter *** Not sure where you get your facts, but your sources are wrong. I worked in the oil bidness for 20 years both as a petroleum engineer and in the IT support area. I have a MS in Petroleum Engineering so I know what I'm talking about. The most any oil well produces is the first day it produces. After that, the production usually declines exponentially as the pressure to push it out of the rock declines. That's the result of the laws of physics and fluid dynamics. In certain cases, the pressure is maintained by water pressure coming in and production may decline more slowly, but the bottom line is that it WILL decline. The only way you increase overall production is to find more oil in the ground or get more effective in getting it out of the ground. The amount of oil you can get out of a reservoir rock is limited to about 15%-20% because the oil sticks to the rock, and recovery may be as low as 5%. Sometimes you can slow the production decline by injecting water into the field to help maintain the driving pressure. That's called waterflooding and may get you an additional 5% of the Original Oil In Place (OOIP). You can also add chemicals to the injection water and potentially change the wettability of the rock so that the oil doesn't stick to it as much. That's called tertiary recovery and may get you another 5% of OOIP. All of those additional activities add to the cost of producing the oil, and if it costs more to produce than you can sell it for...you don't produce it. What comes out of the ground is a function of the composition of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir and ranges from pure gas to highly volatile liquid to heavy oils. The more heavy molecules in the oil, the more it looks like road tar. Sulfur is a contaminant that is sometimes present, and has to be removed before the oil can be used. The removal process is done by refineries. It's true that there have been no new refineries built since the 70's, but I'll guarantee you that the refineries in place today look nothing like they did 30 years ago. The equipment and facilities have been continuously upgraded and replaced in an attempt to increase efficiency over the years. The amount of scrutiny that these folks get from the regulatory process is unbelievable. If you know where there is 10% being lost, you would be very wealthy indeed. Margins are not and have never been more than 5%-10%. You can read any oil company's SEC reports and run the numbers yourself. I lived through $8/bbl oil back in the mid 80's and I don't remember anybody shedding any tears for all the oil field folks who lost their jobs then. Not whining, just reminding you that it is a two sided coin. Sorry to make this so long...I just couldn't let it go unchallenged. OBTW...I'm out of the awl bidness now...working in the software business for the last 10 years. Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT Linux Query
LarryT said... If you registered XP with MS you can call them and get a new code. Might cost $10 but things go snoother - - Actually, even if you didn't register, when you do the on-line registration and it says no good, call the 800 number and go through the motions. You'll have to enter the old code, and someone will come on line and ask you how many machines you have the software installed on...(my momma didn't raise no dummy...only this one, I'm replacing the hard drive is the A answer) and they'll read you a new code over the phone. No charge, minimal hassle. They even do it for other products like Office and Flight Simulator. As far as I can tell, they weren't able to read my DNA over the phone line and I'm sure English is not the native language of any of the folks I've talked with over the years. I've recycled several PC's from the office, put in larger hard drives and reinstalled the OS that way. LINUX is still a fairly new trick for me and I am, after all, a rather old dog. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT: Moose Day a day late...
Gents, Mythbusters (Discovery Channel) is running a show right now about the effects of hitting a moose whilst driving the roads of the frozen northI tagged it OT because I seriously doubt they'll try hitting the moose with a Benz... ;-) Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT: Moose Day a day late...
Well, the myth got busted...if you speed up you do more damage to the car (and the driver...). Of course, they weren't using MB cars, so the results are invalid. ;-) Royce _ From: Royce Engler [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2008 7:14 PM To: 'mercedes@okiebenz.com' Subject: OT: Moose Day a day late... Gents, Mythbusters (Discovery Channel) is running a show right now about the effects of hitting a moose whilst driving the roads of the frozen northI tagged it OT because I seriously doubt they'll try hitting the moose with a Benz... ;-) Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 1985 300TD Wagon For Sale
Ed said SLS was never intended to turn wagons into pickups. You haul a lot of wood and concrete in your wagon? Hey Edthe station wagon was the original SUV... I once went to Home Depot with the 300TD, loaded up the rear with concrete and bricks. The orange apron guy said you're gonna be dragging the tail. Started the engine and the tail lifted right up and I drove away nice and level. Royce Missing my 300TD... ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 1985 300TD Wagon For Sale
Luther said... , that sure is a NICE TD :D Luther, son of said TD's owner My main consolation is that it went to a very good home. I have this symbiotic relationship with my kids...My son, the Ford dealer, cherry picks a good tradein for my daughter...she drives it for a couple of years, gets bored, and I pick it up for an even better price. She still hasn't figured out that she's better off driving those cars and trucks forever, but then again, I haven't figured out how to get her to buy a mature MB diesel in the first place. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What's the VA Like for Home Mortgages?
When I bought the house I'm in now, I was, shall we say, underemployed and we were pretty much getting by on my wife's income. Plus, I had been trying to get a business started for several years, and the savings/equity from previous houses was pretty well shot. In short, I had no down payment. That's where VA comes in handy100% loan with mortgage insurance. There are restrictions on closing cost payments, but I wasn't too worried because the house was a Freddie Mac repoFreddie Mac paid the costs. The process was suprisingly painless on my part. The appraisal was not a problem...the house needed to appraise high enough to cover the mortgage. And it did. I don't think the appraisers either high-ball or low-ball... Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Smart Car sighting north of Houston....
Well, gents, the Smart Car has arrived here in the far North burbs of Houston. Saw one yesterday parked in the neighborhood. One of the grandkids said That's gotta be the smallest car in the world, to which the youngest replied, No, Mr. Bean's car is smaller. They had all seen the Smart on the Discovery Channel, so they knew what it was. They were amazed when I told them it was made by MercedesStill not sure I'd want to drive one on a Houston freeway Royce Benzless, but may get back into a diesel if my son-in-law dumps his F250. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT guns
Loren said My problem is that I can't figure out how to hit anything since i got bifocals. Back in the day, when I was in HS or so, if I got off a shot, it was pretty much dead. My son-in-law got me into a deer lease last fall (you guys would love it...it's called the Po Boy Huntin Club) We went up to the lease 2 or 3 times last fall, but I didn't see a deer until the evening of the last day. I was sitting in one of the other guys' blinds and it was just starting to get dark. I was just about to give up when I saw a doe standing next to the feeder. Took careful aim and squeezed the trigger. When my eyes got over the muzzle flash, I looked and she was still there, staring at me. Chambered another round and squeezed off another shot. Missed again. Guess I'll spend some time at the range this year. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Manually engaging starter on W116 300SD
Peter said You can jump it at the wire terminals over on the passenger side on a W123, but I've never done it. When I had my 300TD and before that the 240D, I hard wired in a remote start switch to those wire terminals. Worked like a champ. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT: Cool airplanes today
Rich said At 05:37 PM 3/2/2008, you wrote: Just got home from the Sunday Ultimate game, right after we finished playing and were sitting around, I hear a drone from afar and see a big 4-engine prop plane coming, it flew over at about 800ft -- was a B-17, which I think belongs to the Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston. Earlier I had seen what I think was a B-25 but did not get a good look as it was a mile or so away. Yepthat's what it was. They have a B-17 and a B-25 and several smaller a/c. There were several LSFM planes up at the Montgomery County airport, and for a fairly hefty fee ($425 for 20-25 minutes in the B-17), you could go for a ride in the plane. I live about 3 miles from the airport, and saw 'em flyin' around all afternoon. I had been down in Freeport all weekend working on a ship, and saw the billboard on the drive home. Check out their web site... http://www.lsfm.org/. They do fly-ins at the small airports around Houston, and I think on most other weekends you can get a ride at the museum site in Galveston. I just picked up old model kits of a B-17, B-25 and B-29 from a local hobby shop...$5.00 each. The grandsons and I are gonna have fun with those. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Gas prices hit record high
Hendrick said. OPEC is very shy of telling exactly how much they have left, so as to stuff the world around. Also China and other parts of the developing world are starting to use up vast quantities of oil. There may well be oil reserves under the oceans but getting at them will require technology that is still beyond us. I suppose it is in the interest of OPEC to not oversupply, cause once their oil runs out it's back to herding camels in the desert. Actually, deep water drilling is getting fairly common. It was new back in 2001 when I worked for Unocal (Now part of Chevron), but Chevron recently drilled a well in 7000 feet of water and 20,000 feet of seabed. That opens up a LOT of area for access. It does take about 10 years to get it drilled and on production. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT: Our Political System
andrew strasfogel wrote: Are there still reasonable people (emphasis) who believe the South should won the war to continue the practice of slavery? If so, I would be amazed to find any such on this list. Actually, I do believe I'm a pretty reasonable guy, but I also know that the War of Northern Aggression was not fought by the South to continue slavery. The vast majority of Southerners did not own slaves and did not favor slavery. By the time the North invaded the South, slavery was in decline and would have ended anyway because it didn't make economic sense. No, the war was about the North's tendency to try to dictate to other folks how they were going to run their business, kinda like the revolutionary war was about the British telling the colonists how they were going to run their business...and kinda like liberals think they can tell the rest of us what to think and how we should handle our business. It's about freedom. Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT computers...
Jim said... I thought the first true computer was build by the British... Not talking about the _invention_ of the computer, that can serve as a point of contention among all who care to debate it. (Fun over beer.) Talking about the explosive proliferation of same. That's quite clearly a US thang. The inventor of the computer is generally agreed to be Alan Turing, a Brit, who was the one who led the team that broke the Enigma code in WWII. Still worth drinking a beer over... Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Sanders
Don is reported to have said... Modern locomotives have a nozzle that shoots sand down on the wheels (trucks, for the railroad politically correct) to add traction when the computer senses that the wheels are slipping. Actually sanders have been on locomotives since the very early days. If you look at an old steam locomotive, one of the several domes on top is the sand dome. The actuating system was automaticwhen the engineer saw the wheels slipping, he actuated it...kind of like driving a 240D ;-) That small contact point is exactly why it was always fun to put a penny on the rail and see it get smushed by the train. A couple of years ago, Union Pacific ran one of its old steamers down to Houston to take Bush '41' up to College Station, where his library is, for his 80th (I think) birthday. It made a maintenance stop in Conroe and I took the grandkids over to see it up close. It was a major event for a couple of young boys (and a much older young boy as well). When they blew the whistle to start up, I couldn't believe how loud it was. Lots of folks gathered round to put coins on the track next to the wheels. The U-P guys didn't say anything, so I guess it did no harm. Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Now climate [was:Re: Don Wills has invited you to
OMGwhat will algore do for a living? Guess all his carbon credits will be pretty much worthless soon. RE From: Rich Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] H, that is one inconvenient truth! --R Craig McCluskey wrote: On Sun, 2 Sep 2007 18:38:33 -0500 Tom Hargrave [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In case you've not been following the trends, most scientists are now jumping off the global warming band wagon. And the reason? All agree that the climate is changing but good scientific analysis cannot correlate human activity with climate change. The consensus is moving towards natural climate change, possibly long term cycles in weather that we are just beginning to understand. Things like Mars warming up at the same time are a pretty telling argument. Craig ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Now climate
On Behalf Of andrew strasfogel Meanwhile, the West is burning up, there are record heat waves, and the French wine grape harvest is starting 2 months earlier than it was in the 70s. It's far more likely that Al Gore will be remembered as a visionary rather than the butt of jokes. On 9/3/07, Royce Engler [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: OMGwhat will algore do for a living? Guess all his carbon credits will be pretty much worthless soon. RE From: Rich Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] H, that is one inconvenient truth! --R Let's seeinvented the internet, was the inspiration for Love Storysomehow I don't see algore being remembered as anything but a joke. RE ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Craigs list all over
If you put something like Mercedes in the search for box, then put sale/wanted in the next one, then put cars trucks in the third box, then click the RSS button, it will generate some code that can go into an RSS reader Royce Engler Others said. There's more to it, there's something at the top of the page that says seeing homepages or some such thing with some further instructions. I didn't try too much to get past it... On 8/28/07, Rich Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I just tried the search, for some reason it does not go to the category in each city and spit out results, but if you put your keyword in the search for that city it does, individually. Maybe they don't have it sorted quite right or something. --R [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: So what is the benefit? All I can seem to make it do is bring up a bunch of homepages at once. I guess that's a bit better but I couldn't get it to search a whole list of areas and actually give me results. Am I doing it wrong? Mike http://www.crazedlist.org/ Someone was asking about this a week or two ago --R ___ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Craigs list all over
HUH? An RSS who? Mike If you put something like Mercedes in the search for box, then put sale/wanted in the next one, then put cars trucks in the third box, then click the RSS button, it will generate some code that can go into an RSS reader Royce Engler RSS is a protocol that allows you to pull data from web sites automatically...go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feed_aggregator You can set up an RSS reader to automatically pull in new postings on Craig's List that have the word Mercedes in them. For a while I was pulling from 5 or 6 cities. I can't remember which software I was using (might have been NewsGator, but it worked pretty slick. Google on RSS reader... Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT: The smell of late summer in New Mexico ...
Bob said... Nawthere guys have big trailer mounted revolving wire baskets that tumble the chili's in LP flame. It is, without a doubt, one of the five best smells in the world. Bob R. Backyard chili roaster from way back. ...and the other four would be? (we ought to be able to work that thread for a while;-)) Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] O/T Router
Hursty said. not at radio shack. i made the mistake of telling my ex wife to pick up 100 feet of cat5e at radio shack while she was a blockbuster next door. it was 75 bucks! On 8/26/07, LWB250 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Better yet, lay fiber. It's goshawful cheap any more, and you can buy pre-terminated cables so it's easy to connect things up. Next house I build or remodel is going to have fiber and CAT5/6 throughout. it's cheap as wine anymore. Dan --- Curt Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If she's really interested in the idea lay a CAT6 cable across the space. Copper is good for 300' (might be 300m I don't remember). Go over to Lowe's or Homeless Depot and buy a full spool of Cat 5e. 1000 foot spool will run you about $100. That's about twice what it was last time I bought it, but the price of copper wire is through the roof. We have a broom closet near the front door, so I mounted a wiring cabinet (about $50 from Fry's)and ran wire out to each room from there (called hub and spoke or homerun layout). The wiring cabinet has a patch panel for cable coax, one for telco connnections, and a 110 block for data connections. Also mounted the sprinkler system controller and ran the sprinkler valve control wires to the wiring closet. Each room in the house gets a 4 pair Cat 5e cable for network and a 4 pair Cat 5e for telco, and a coax for cable. Since the telco drop is 4 pair, I connect up two pair for two phone lines in each room (more on that below) which leaves me with two more pair for emergencies. I mounted a Netgear WGT624 WAP in the closet for when I don't feel like running a drop cable to the nearest network drop. Since my daughter, son-in-law, and the 3 grandkids live next door, I ran a Cat 5e line between the houses, so we all use the same ISP connection I have an 8 port router plus the Netgear wireless router, and they have a router in their house as well. My wife works from home 3 days a week, so she makes good use of the fast internet connection. I ran a telco line in from the telco network interface to my wiring closet and installed a VOIP (Vonage) adapter in the closet so I could run the two separate telco connections for each room. I dropped all but basic local POTS service from Verizon, and we use Vonage for VOIP, and Skype to call our daughter in the UK. If all else fails, we've got cell phones. This is the third house I've wired...I think I got it pretty close what I wanted this time...Next level is to run wire for stereo and video to all the rooms...I think I'll pass on that one. Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Fixed Costs (taxes insurance, etc.)
Loren said We have to pay for the rising numbers of wetbacks that cause wrecks and have no insurance. They also steal vehicles and that contributes to the rates also Shame on you...don't you know those are guest workers who do the work that Merkuns just won't do Royce Temporarily Benzless 01 Expedition 75K ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] i'm going insane
On 7/22/07, Kaleb C. Striplin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: speaking of wagons, I bought this really nice 87 300TD, red with tan, 150k on it. Had it about a month, only drove it once. Geez, I shouldnt let it sit, wonder what I should do with it. I casually mentioned the above fact to SWMBO, and she replied You're lusting after it, aren't you Oh, well. Royce Currently Benzless '01 Ford Expedition 75K ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Just saw this in Popular Machanics re: tires
Dan said I can't imagine anyone with half a brain in their head getting a pressure washer anywhere near a car. I agree if we're talking carsmy son and I used to routinely use the pressure washer on his '83 Jeep CJ-7 after a day of muddin...but then again it had a rattle can paint job and was subjected to much worse abuse than the pressure washer. Royce Temporarily Benzless '01 Ford Expedition 75K Just a baby... ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT Jeep!
Re: [MBZ] OT Jeep! Randy said... ... It has a 258 inline 6 but we are advised that the engine has been changed and is from a newer vehicle. That 258 inline 6 is a tough little engine. Actually not so little... In the CJ-7 that my son had, we rebuilt the 258 inline 6 engine and bored out the cyliners a bit, put in a hotter Clifford cam, a Clifford header, a Holley 2-barrel, and a Mallory electronic ignition. Added a Centerforce clutch and were in the process of beefing up the rest of the drive train when he went off to Ole Miss and we sold it. We used to blow out u-joints on a regular basis from all the torque. Check out Clifford Performance at http://www.cliffordperformance.net/ Great Stuff Royce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] for the Texans on the list
From: Rich Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] I see Billy Gibbons driving a Benz around occasionally. He is one sharp-dressed man. --R Has he got a fine fox in front...and three mo in the back, sportin' short dresses, wearin' high heel shoes, smokin' lucky strikes and wearin' nylons too? Nah, I guess that would be the new Cadillac ;-) Well, folks, after 19 years, I'm Benzless. Delivered my 300TD to Al Gulseth last Saturday after driving it for 17 years and putting 260,000 miles on it. It was like parting with an old friend, but I know he went to a good home. SWMBO finally put her foot down and said there were too many cars in the driveway, and I made a tactical error in not having another MB in the stable. I was looking for one, but had to take advantage of a deal on my daughter's '01 Expedition instead. Oh, well, it gives me some breathing room to look for just the right MB. TTFN Royce Engler ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Al Gulseth's new TD...
Hi guys, Yes, indeed, Luther's Dad is buying my '85 300TD for $500. (see my post from about a week ago). The only other response to my post was from Kaleb for his usual $501, but it looks like he has his hands full anyway. Anyway...I know it's going to a good home ;-) Royce Soon to be Benz-less, for a while anyway ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] O.T. Dipping My Toe in the Pool of Technology
I bought a used Dell C400 on eBay in 2003...it has been a trooper. I've worn out 3 hard drives, a battery, added memory, and multiple docking stations (one at the office and a couple around the house...don't ask) upgraded from W2K to XP (it still has the sticker on it that says Designed for XP), and it keeps on going. I like: the small size, light weight, bright screen, Dell support...even for a non-warranty machine. I don't like: low powered USB 1.1, 9 pin serial port, no keyboard or mouse support, but those are all functions of the age of the machine. It was built during the transition period between old serial and new USB. I also bought a used Dell C400 for my daughter on eBay...same story. My company issues us Lenovo T60s. It's been bulletproof as well, and I like having a second drive bay. Took me a while to figure out that the hard drive is a SATA but I hadn't kept up with what they looked like. Given that I was previously strongly anti-IBM (stinkPad, anyone???) I have been pleasantly surprised. Royce Engler '85 300TD 299K ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] [ SPAM ] 88 420SEL
OK guys...went over to my Indy's place and checked out the 88 420SEL. It is absolutely immaculate. Drives like a dream, burgundy paint is shiny, new palomino leather on the front seats (seat covers from the factory replaced the old ones), no leaks visible on the engine, and everything works like it was new...took it out on the interstate and it's got plenty of get up and go, cruise control works, both power seats work, power antenna works, and my wife noted that (unlike the 300TD) when you turn the key off, it stops. My Indy has been taking care of it since 1993, and has all the records to prove it including all major and minor maintenance, oil changes, tires, fluids, etc. Tranny was rebuilt at 218,000, and he said the timing chain is in like new condition. Owner is adamant that she wants $5500, although KBB says retail is more like $3600. I'm inclined to think that the excellent maintenance and cosmetics count for quite a bit. SWMBO likes it and thinks it's worth it. Any thoughts? Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
I appreciate all the advice from this august group of Benzers...I didn't make it by to talk to my Indy today, possibly tomorrow. I'll let you know what I find out. Oh, and it is an '89. Royce Engler '85 300 TDt 298K
[MBZ] Ebay tactics
Brian saidOkay, and I assume the benfit of waiting 'til the final 30 seconds is to disarm your competitors and hope to take advantage of their innatention? I feel dirty. Yes, Allan, it does seem that due to the sheer number of people in competition for an item, that plain old luck comes into play - a bit of playing the lottery almost. * Hey Brian, you gotta understand...it ain't personal. It's woah (war for non Southern speakers) and you do what ya gotta do to win. As you have discovered there ain't no points for second place. I've won a number of things on Ebay, many of them with sniping programs, and even then, sometimes the other guy's sniper is better than mine. It's not worth my time to have to sit there and try to send in a bid at the last second when I can use my pc to do it. Good luck! Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K
[MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
I drove by my Indy's shop the other day and saw a 420SEL sitting out front with $5500 and Sweet painted on the windshield. Called him today about some work I'm thinking about doing on the 300TD and asked him about the SEL. I thought he said it was an '87, and has about 230K on it. It supposedly is single owner, belonged to the owner of an oilfield tool company in Houston, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the family wants to sell the car. Completely maintained according to the books, and the quick look I got, it was very nice. Price is firm, and according to my Indy, a bargain. I'm going by tomorrow afternoon to take a more detailed look and have him put it up on a rack for me. Anybody have any thoughts about why I shouldn't jump on this one? (other than the fact that it's NOT a diesel...) Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K
Re: [MBZ] OT Road Bicycling and Walking Vs. Drivers_was Fuel
On 5/29/07, John Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My wife passed away at the beginning of this month while she was road bicycling... John, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that we'll remember you and your wife in our prayers. Royce Engler
Re: [MBZ] W123 CDs
Tom H said.Windows XP has no problem connecting to an ftp site without a special ftp program. That's true, but it's been my experience that Explorer has problems making large downloads...e.g. the contents of a CD-ROM. My company's clients often upload very large (1GB) zip files to our ftp site, and have all kinds of problems with Explorer. I've also seen it with unzipped directories. The transfer just slows down and eventually stops. We recommend that our users use a product called Filezilla to do ftp uploads and downloads from our site. Besides, it seems to be faster than Explorer... Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K (expect to break 300K in the next couple of weeks)
Re: [MBZ] Gotta brag -- Check out my $3200 '87 300TDT
John said... What do you guys think? http://www.ece.msstate.edu/~jer99/mercedes/300td/ Damn...now I gotta wipe all the drool off my keyboard Royce Engler 1985 300TDT 300K
[MBZ] [MBZ} OT the Amish
From: Zoltan Finks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT the Amish - was Pesky Sleazeballs - hey at least I labeledit OT To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed But what about those little man hands? They freak me out! Brian One of my classmates at Navy was a farm boy from Vermont...He has the biggest hands I've ever seen. I'm a big guy, but when we shake hands, mine feel small. He says it was from milking cows for years when he was a kid.. Royce 85 300TDt 300K
[MBZ] OT McMaster-Carr was Belleville washers
Barry said... Craig is correct. You are thinking of wave washers. For a good look at both go to the McMaster-Carr site and search for Belleville washers. http://www.mcmaster.com/ I hadn't heard of them in years...I think Grainger is more prevalent down here in Texas, butI interviewed for a management job with McMaster-Carr when I got off active duty in the Navy in 1981. Never figured out why I didn't get the job...I guess chemistry wasn't right. Royce Engler 85 300TDt 279K
Re: [MBZ] Help with CD's and DVD's
Larry said Howdy Ya'll, I have a ton of CD's and DVD's that are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Finding stuff I know is here for example. Has anyone found a good storage tower or other device to make managing them easier? Download iTunes and rip 'em all to your hard drive. Then get an iPod to listen to 'em with Royce '85 300TD 296K
Re: [MBZ] OT Dog food warning
Rich, I'm real sorry to hear about your dogs. I hope somebody nails the b*st*rds that are responsible. This is Texas, man, you don't mess with our dawgs. Royce Message: 8 Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:28:34 -0600 From: Rich Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [MBZ] OT Dog food warning To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com --R
Re: [MBZ] Harbor Freighter
Jim said... Did I mention that I now work across the street from the store? I _walked_ over and bought an armload of crap, and then walked to KFC and had lunch. The long-term potential harm of this store's location cannot be underemphasized! -- Jim I think there's a 12 step plan for that Royce Engler 1985 300TDt 295K
Re: [MBZ] CD changer info for Larry
Werner said Larry -Harman-Becker will do a dandy hidden mod to the stock car radio for $100, so that you can plug in an MP3 player. The audio controls still work on the radio, and when the MP3 is unplugged, the radio functions normally. I did that for my '83 SD, and mounted the small jack enclosure inside the glove box. You can load a lot of CDs into the MP3 and save yourself a lot of trouble with changers in the trunk, wiring, etc. I just added an iPod connection to my wife's Toyota Highlander. Cost me about $130 because I needed an aux input amp. Piece of cake...completely plug and play except for the power connection, which was optional and I haven't done yet. Got the parts from www.installer.com, they seem to have connectors that fit just about any stereo system. In some cases, it's just a matter of plugging an adapter into the aux input RCA ports (if they existah, there's the rub) OTOH, if the head unit has a connector to go to a rear changer, it's likely that these guys have a plug and an adapter that will fit it. YMMV. If all you need is an RCA plug input, go to Radio Shack and get an RCA to 2.5mm adapter for under $10 and you are home free. Same adapter I use to connect the iPod to my living room stereo system In addition to every CD I own, I've probably got 5 or 6 GB of books on tape from Audible.com loaded. Makes the 30 mile commute more tolerable or even useful. Royce Engler 1985 300TDt 290K
Re: [MBZ] Mercedes Digest, Vol 15, Issue 70
Hey Andrew, Maybe you could route some of the power from that 3000TD back to the hatch GRIN For about a year and a half I used an auxiliary strut - piece of 1x2. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K -Original Message- From: andrew strasfogel [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 19, 2007 9:43 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Mercedes Digest, Vol 15, Issue 70 Enough of the bragging already! I get bopped on the head every time if I'm not careful... (on my third set of struts). 1983 ***3000***TD 280 K miles
Re: [MBZ] Mercedes Digest, Vol 15, Issue 70
Andrew said Looks pretty good considering all its ailments. I like the fact that the hatch stays open in winter. My 123 300TD hatch struts are degassed again. :( Just replaced mine a few weeks ago for the second time ever. This time I got a pair from Rusty, and I have to really strain to pull down the hatch. It almost pops open by itself. That ought to last a good 8 or 9 more years... Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
[MBZ] Compressor woes, post mortem.
Well, my A/C compressor had well and truly killed itself. Indy says it appears to have gotten a slug of liquid. He got the supplier to warrant it and covered a new dryer himself. He thinks the cold weather caused it...he put in an evaporator temperature sensor to shut down the compressor when there is not enough heat transfer to change the freon from liquid to gas. Also said I should run it on EC when it's cold out...We'll see... Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
[MBZ] AC Compressor woes...
Gents, I seem to recall a discussion at one time about AC compressors on 123's being mounted upside down...and if not mounted right side up, failing due to improper oil distribution in the compressor... Anybody remember or know the answer? My compressor has once again seized up, and last time I was under there, I thought I noticed that it seemed like it was upside down from what I remembered. My indy does all my a/c work, and this will be under warranty...just had him completely overhaul the a/c system a couple of months ago, but I'd like to solve the compressor seizeup problem once and for all. I've probably gone through 4 or 5 compressors in the past 2 or 3 years. After replacing the mono valve and resoldering the ACC board, I was getting real used to the climate control working correctly. ;-( Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 09, 2007 2:56 PM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Mercedes Digest, Vol 15, Issue 40 Send Mercedes mailing list submissions to mercedes@okiebenz.com To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can reach the person managing the list at [EMAIL PROTECTED] When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than Re: Contents of Mercedes digest... Today's Topics: 1. Re: diesel truck conversion (Mike Canfield) 2. Re: Any problem using 6 rims on 1987 300D turbo instead of the stock 6.5? (Marshall Booth) 3. Re: argh, Wimmins! (andrew strasfogel) 4. Re: Key / Starter / Starting woes 79 240D (OK Don) 5. Re: I have car fever (OK Don) 6. Re: M1 15k Oil (Donald Snook) 7. Re: Euro lamps (Jim Cathey) 8. Re: Any problem using 6 rims on 1987 300D turbo instead of the stock 6.5? (Jim Cathey) 9. Re: I have car fever (Donald Snook) 10. 85 300D Instrument cluster removal (Roger Conlon) 11. Re: argh, Wimmins! (R A Bennell) 12. Re: 85 300D Instrument cluster removal (Jim Cathey) 13. Re: Key / Starter / Starting woes 79 240D (Kevin J. Slater) 14. Re: argh, Wimmins! (Zoltan Finks) 15. Re: argh, Wimmins! (Billr) 16. Re: M1 15k Oil ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) -- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2007 08:23:24 -0500 From: Mike Canfield [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] diesel truck conversion To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original I think the old Chevy and a 300D would be pretty close to the same weight empty.. As far as driving an underpowered dog of a truck I can tell you for sure that the 240D engine would suck in a truck. My 78HP flathead gasser in the M37 is OK rolling down the flat road but the slightest hill and you are crawling carrying a load. A pickup NEEDS the extra power to be usefull. If you are only concerned about economy leave the engine in the Benz. Mike - Original Message - From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 6:36 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] diesel truck conversion I might be able to live with a very fuel efficient dog. My father at one time had a 67 Ford pickup. It came with a 352 cid V8 and he later swapped in a 240 cid inline 6, because he was unhappy with the mileage. It was OK empty but one had to slip the clutch a bit to get moving if it was loaded. However, once moving down the highway it would really cruise and was very good on gas. I never expressly checked but I assume it had a pretty high rearend. I suppose one might need to go the other way in terms of rear gear with a small diesel but it sure would be nice to have good mileage. It can't weigh much more than my 115 300D unless it was loaded up. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mike Canfield Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 3:11 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] diesel truck conversion No way...After owning my 123 240D automatic I would not even think about putting that engine in a truck. Maybe in a Toyota or the like. Only a 5cyl. and only a turbo in a truck for me. Anything less would be a dog compared to the 292 Gasser 6. Mike - Original Message - From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 3:58 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] diesel truck conversion Have to agree with you. Couldn't do much better. I wonder if a 240D engine would have sufficient power? Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf
Re: [MBZ] AC Compressor woes...
Thanks, Marshall...that's the post I was looking for. I'll show it to my indy and file it in a safe place. Best Regards, Royce Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K -Original Message- From: Marshall Booth [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2007 2:42 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] AC Compressor woes... Royce Engler wrote: Gents, I seem to recall a discussion at one time about AC compressors on 123's being mounted upside down...and if not mounted right side up, failing due to improper oil distribution in the compressor... Anybody remember or know the answer? My compressor has once again seized up, and last time I was under there, I thought I noticed that it seemed like it was upside down from what I remembered. My indy does all my a/c work, and this will be under warranty...just had him completely overhaul the a/c system a couple of months ago, but I'd like to solve the compressor seizeup problem once and for all. I've probably gone through 4 or 5 compressors in the past 2 or 3 years. After replacing the mono valve and resoldering the ACC board, I was getting real used to the climate control working correctly. ;-( Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K The sure fire solution is to buy the compressor from a parts supplier that will sell you a compressor that is configured to work on a Mercedes - and if it fails, will provide you with a replacement and the cost of the labor! As to the X or lack thereof: A word of advice on buying a replacement compressor: Any one you get that does NOT come from Mercedes will have the front bearing cover installed UPSIDE DOWN. Look at the cover on the front behind the clutch. It will have 4 bolts. Between 2 of the bolts will be an embossed X. This is the position of the oil hole to lube the front bearing. The R4 compressor was originally designed for GM cars with the compressor mounted on top of the engine. The X and the inlet/outlet port is UP. Mercedes used the compressor but rotated it 180 degrees and mounted it under the engine. This put the ports DOWN. Then they rotated the front cover so the X is UP. Oil does NOT flow uphill. If you use an aftermarket compressor with the X down, you will starve the front bearing of oil. It may last a week, a month, 6 months depends on the quality of the bearing they put in. I have received feedback on that information confirming that it is basically correct. That DOES NOT Mean that if you mount an R-4 upside down, it will fail prematurely - only that it is much more likely to fail prematurely if you mount it upside down. I have had many people dispute this and tell me that, I mounted my compressor without an X on it and it's still working 10-15 years later. No argument, but there really is a reason why Mercedes marked their compressors and most of the guys I've spoken with that do this for a living (and don't want comebacks) insure that they use compressors configured to work on a Mercedes. Marshall -- Marshall Booth Ph.D. Ass't Prof. (ret.) Univ of Pittsburgh School of Medicine [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [MBZ] OT House Build Quality
On the subject of laminate flooring...I did just about the entire house with it in our last house. The rooms that didn't get it got commercial grade carpet squares. It seemed pretty durable, but the thing I didn't like about it was that it was noisy when you walk on it. Sin the current house we put down vinyl strip flooring that has wood grain on it. Float the slab, put down the adhesive and lay down the strips. Looks just about as good as the laminate, but it's QUIET and soft when you walk on it. Even feels kind of warm. Seller (Freddie Mac repo) put in new carpet when we bought it, but when that wears out, we'll do the commercial carpet squares again. I love old technology, but I sure like the new how the new stuff performs when it's done right. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K
Re: [MBZ] OT Houses
Mitch said... That changes if it doesn't come with useable well or septic, in an area where drainfields don't come cheap due to high water table Around here (north of Houston), septic is pretty much not allowed...everybody uses aerobic systems like www.aerobicsystems.net Seems to work pretty well. Kind of a miniature version of what the municipal sewage treatment plants use. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K
Re: [MBZ] Octane and detonation....
Larry said... You wrote about octane and detonation: making it more likely to detonate rather than burn smoothly across the chamber. In essence you are adding a heavier component to make it burn slower to reduce the problem of detonation Hi Royce, Is that your way of saying the higher octane detonates later and therefore closer to the time when the piston reaches TDC - or almost? - I'm assuming TDC is the best place to ignite the mixture for max HP and other ignition points are preferable if lower emissions, etc are the objective? Hi Larry, Bear in mind that I'm not an automotive engineer, and my petroleum engineering experience was focused on how to get more of it out of the ground. Having said that, it is my understanding that the optimal way for fuel to burn in the cylinder is for it to burn smoothly through the cylinder space. Detonation occurs when the fuel air mixture explodes...i.e. burns in multiple places at the same time. This can happen when the fuel mixture contains components that ignite much like a diesel..i.e. it reaches a combustion temperature and pressure and cooks off. When that happens, more of the fuel energy is converted to heat, rather than doing useful work like driving the piston down. A smooth combustion results in maximum energy conversion from fuel energy to pressure energy. I don't have the experience to say which ignition points are more preferable, or where the optimal ignition point is in the cycleI was just impressed by the concept that adding more heavy components would improve performance by making the mixture burn more slowly (-:. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K
Re: [MBZ] Octane and detonation....
Peter, THANK YOU for that illuminating explanation. I knew some of the basics, but your explanation filled in a LOT of holeskind of a gestalt...to use the German term ;-) Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K -Original Message- From: Peter Frederick [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 12:43 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] Octane and detonation Proper combustion in a spark ignition engine is for the spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture at the correct time for peak pressure to occur a few degrees after TDC, and for the fuel mixture to burn at the correct rate for the flame front to consume the vast majority of the fuel before being quenched by contact with the head, cylinder walls, or a space too small for the flame front to continue to propagate (the quench zone in a wedge head design). The key here is that the combustion MUST be slow enough to produce a pulse of pressure that drives the piston down for as long as possible during the power stroke -- when combustion becomes too rapid, pressure and temperature rise too fast and the cylinder will become filled with a combustion gas mixture too hot for the materials. Detonation is just that -- and explosion of the air/fuel mixture, usually not triggered by the timed ignition spark. In the worst case, it is triggered by an overheated spark plug long enough before TDC to produce a very high temperature zone extending out from the spark plug, acting as a superheated torch. The heat from the flame thus produced can burn a hole right through the pistons if the spark plug points at them -- this was a problem with Alfa Romeo twin-cam hemi-heads in the 60s and 70s -- a tank full of regular gas and a highway run would produce holes in the pistons about 1/4 in diameter that looked as if machined there. Nasty. The overpressure before TDC from detonation (which cannot be heard at highway speeds, unlike spark knock or premature ignition) does a number of other bad things -- it can cause enough crankpin pressure to wipe the oil film off the crank journals, causing bearing failure, it can melt piston crowns (or drill holes in them into the crankcase), can seriously overheat valves, and can even cause flame cutting of piston rings, where the flame from detonation (again, usually extending straight out from the spark plug) can burn down the side of the piston and cause ring failure. Not pretty. Higher octane fuels indeed burn slower. They are also harder to ignite, so are more resistant to compression ignition. The slower combustion rate reduces the tendency to detonate, will reduce or eliminate premature combustion (spark knock), and lower peak temperatures and pressures while extending the high pressure duration during the power stroke. Peter
Re: [MBZ] Mercedes Digest, Vol 14, Issue 37
Tom said Detonation occurs in the combustion chamber, opposite the spark plug. As the flame front burns across the chamber, heat pressure builds up until the remaining gas explodes. With higher compression, you already have more stored heat in the charge, making detonation more likely. Higher octane gas burns slower than lower octane gas, reducing the pressure heat. This allows you to run higher compression. When I read this, I had a BFO (Blinding Flash of the OBVIOUS). Part of my life was spent working as a petroleum engineer and during that time I had to learn all about the components of petroleum. Octane is the component of petroleum that has 8 carbon atoms. The comment that higher octane gas burns slower than lower octane gas caused the BFO...I had always associated higher octane with higher energy and mistakenly equated that with more light ends. It never occurred to me that increasing the octane percentage (octane content) would result in more power. It's true that it has higher energy content because of the increased percentage of carbon, but the increase in heavier components makes it less volatile overall. A lower octane content suggests that the lower carbon number components (methane, ethane, butane, propane, pentane, hexane, and heptane) would make up a higher percentage of the mix, hence making it more likely to detonate rather than burn smoothly across the chamber. In essence you are adding a heavier component to make it burn slower to reduce the problem of detonation. I know I'm a little wierd, but as an engineer, discovering that little gem of logic made my day GRIN Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K
[MBZ] re: OT--Navigator wings and ribbons on the priest
Wilton said... Bob Certain, President Ford's pastor, has been seen during the recent funeral ceremonies wearing navigator wings and military ribbons and occasionally saluting with the military members. He may wear them, and he may salute as he sees fit. I knew him briefly when he was a young B-52 crewmember flying missions from Guam to Vietnam. He is a former B-52 navigator who was aboard the first B-52 shotdown over Hanoi on December 18, 1972, during the Linebacker II campaign that led to a settlement ending US involvement in the war. Three members of his crew were killed. He was captured and held as a POW until released in March, 1973. He then attended devinity school and served for many years as an Air Force chaplain before retiring as a colonel. There is a movement on the internet to encourage vets to salute rather than putting your hand over your heart. Turns out that in Australia it is common practice among Aussie vets...may also be the case in other Commonwealth countries as well. I've started doing it myself and encourage other vets to do so as well. We earned the right to salute... Royce Engler CAPT, USN (RET) '85 300TDt 293K
Re: [MBZ] Mercedes Digest, Vol 14, Issue 2
John said... Thank you all for your replies to my ATF question. I'm glad to know that there are several solutions. I think I will try and find some Mobil 1 ATF first. John Ingram 83 240D 240K John...would you believe amazon.com? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002XI9NA/ref=pd_sl_aw_alx-je b-9-1_automotive_25253193_2?tag2=amd-google-20 Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K
[MBZ] Mono valve repair...
Peter Frederick writes and Allan responds: Bad monovalve, the boot is swollen and it won't allow water to flow correclty. Easy fix. Easy fix meaning replace the monovalve, or ... ? It's not in Rusty's online catalog, are they readily available? Allan -- 1983 300D 1966 230 Rusty has the mono valve insert...I just did mine. Thought my ACC was bad, but it was the mono valve insert all the time. Be VERY careful taking apart the mono valve to replace the insert. It slides down through the coil that activates it. The coil is not held in the mono valve by much more than a little friction, and is connected to the plug by two VERY small, VERY thin wires. Don't ask me how I know. If you find out the way that I did, you can get a good used mono valve to go with your new insert from Kaleb. Again, don't ask me how I know Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K
Re: [MBZ] Mono valve repair...
Yep...the thing that sticks up above the body of the valve...looks like a steel top hat... is the top end of what you see in the picture. The rubber thingy on the other end is what seats the valve. the top hat part is what slides through the electromagnetic coil that is in the top part of the valve body. It's that coil that you have to be careful of when you remove the valve insert. Take the four screws out on the top, pull out the whole assembly, support the coil from the bottom and push out the insert from the top. A little PBBlaster on it will help it slide out. HTH... Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 295K -Original Message- From: Allan Streib [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 10:29 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Mono valve repair... Royce Engler [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Rusty has the mono valve insert...I just did mine. Is this insert also known as the Mono Valve Repair Kit ?? http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/R302315174BOS.JPG Allan -- 1983 300D 1966 230
[MBZ] New thread, used to be Re: ADMIN, foul language. Happy New Year
Hans said... What is foul language? It's all relative. The Brits say you bloody bas... , we say you f^*ing bas..., and the Germans just say Du Schweinehund. (My contribution for the last Saturday in 2006) Happy New Year to you all. Hans, the real problem is that most of those four letter words are HIGHLY TECHNICAL GOLFING terms that really have little applicability to an MB Diesel list GRIN Although I admit having used a few of them from time to time when working on the 300TD Happy New Year!!! Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K
Re: [MBZ] List Law
Or, as my wife would comment...he's compensating. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K Casey wrote... aka: Dweeb, wannabe toughguy. The real deal doesn't need props or advertising. On 12/27/06, Zoltan Finks [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Aw, but that guy fits right in with the picture theme. Tough truck, cop car, tough, cop-looking guy.
Re: [MBZ] Emergency diesels and power plants...
Jim Cathey wrote: Clash of the Titans. The new generator must be carefully synchronized with the power grid it's joining or Bad Things will happen. For a nice automotive analogy, imagine driving a stickshift car that has no clutch, nor even synchros. It _can_ be done, just like porcupine reproduction. David Brodbeck wrote: Once upon a time it was done by someone watching a set of phasing lights and throwing a switch when everything was in phase. I imagine it's automated, now. Back when I was a Navy Nuke, we routinely connected power sources together. It worked something like this...you bring up the new gen set and set it so that it is running at a slightly higher voltage than the line voltage. That ensures that when it comes on line it will take some of the load, but not try to power the entire grid. We used a synch meter that measured the difference in phase between the oncoming and the line load. You set the speed of the oncoming machine so that the synch meter is moving slowly in the clockwise direction. That means that the oncoming frequency is slightly higher than the line frequency. You watch the synch meter and get with the rhythm so that when you close the breaker, it will actually close when the pointer is straight up, i.e. the oncoming and line frequency are exactly in phase. A good electrical operator can time it so there is no disruption in the system voltage. If the phase is way out of synch, you'll get big arcs on the closing breaker and you may get enough current to actually trip the breaker. We always had the emergency diesels on line during startups even when we had shore power available. Don't take chances with power supplies that may cause an unplanned shutdown. What was REAL fun was when we were on shore power, lost shore power and the diesels failed to start. The diesels get a good spin going from high pressure air, then you crank in the fuel and hopefully it starts. Kinda like how our diesels start...if you don't get enough of a spin with the starter, it won't start. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K
Re: [MBZ] OT: Emergency diesels and power plants...
Hi Larry, I had to stop and think about it for a bit to remember how we did it! AFIK There was no heat on the lube oil, and I know the fuel wasn't heated. We had diesel gensets forward and aft, and aft diesel was absolutely reliable. Cranked over, belched a big cloud of soot and ran fine. Forward one was usually reliable, but you sometimes had to reset the fuel rack, hope you had enough reserve air pressure, and roll it again. Almost always started the second time. If it didn't, you hoped the electrician on watch was savvy enough to get the plants cross connected and turn the lights back on. Sea story time...one night in San Diego I had the engineering duty, and we lost shore power. Number one diesel didn't start...I was running up the starboard main passageway in the light of the battle lanterns and up ahead by the missile house I dimly saw one of the gunners mates draw his .45 and assume the position facing me and he yelled Halt. We were nuclear capable and a loss of power triggered a security alert and nothing was allowed to move unless you were part of the security alert force. I skidded to a stop, identified myself and told the sentry even though I wasn't on the security team, I was the engineer on duty, and if we were going to get the lights back on I needed to get up to the forward diesel and try a restart. Even though he knew who I was, he technically wasn't supposed to let me pass. He decided to apply some gunners mate judgement and figured out if I couldn't get the lights back on he was going to spend a lot of time on duty, so he let me go...I dropped down the ladder, reset the fuel racks and she started right up. Not long after the policy changed to include the Engineering Duty Officer in the clearance list... Those were the bad old days...we knew who the enemy was, and we often went nose to nose with the Russkies, but nobody pulled the trigger. Merry Christmas to All, and say a prayer for those young troops out there on watch. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 293K -Original Message- From: LarryT [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, December 25, 2006 1:49 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Emergency diesels and power plants... Hi Royce, Good explanation although I had to stop think about it for a little bit - one question - you wrote:diesels get a good spin going from high pressure air, then you crank in the fuel Were the diesels always being warmed? One plant I worked at had 2 big V12 Cat diesels for E power and the oil was constantly heated (and circulated IIRC) in case they were needed so they could go to full power as soon as they fired up. I worked on nuke subs (in the design construction phase) but that was even farther back in time and I was only concerned about piping systems -- Have a great Christmas - Larry T (67 MGB, 74 911, 78 240D, 91 300D) www.youroil.net for Oil Analysis and Weber Parts Test Results http://members.rennlist.com/oil PORSCHE POSTERS! youroil.net Weber Carb Info http://members.rennlist.com/webercarbs Porsche Road Test http://members.rennlist.com/roadtest/ .
[MBZ] La Carrera Panamericana racer --here it is!
In reading the web site about the 190, it seems the history of the car included some time as a taxi in Argentina. I did a lot of work in Argentina in the '90s and I immediately recognized the paint scheme. The high end taxis were MB, and the low end taxis were Ford Falcons built in Ford's South America plant. But...they all had that familiar black paint on the lower part and a yellow top. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 285K Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2006 18:55:58 +1030 From: Hendrik Riessen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] La Carrera Panamericana racer --here it is! To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original German version of the Blues mobile, it's got cop tyres, cop suspension and a two litre Diesel. Hendrik who wouldn't mind an old roundie for the cool factor - Original Message - From: Rich Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 12:56 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] La Carrera Panamericana racer --here it is! This is the car I saw http://www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx/gal_muestra06_2.asp?foto=Galeria06/g d/205.jpg 5 252 Thomas Hanna J?rg M?ller mercedes 5 Hist?rica A 0:32:07 0:14:44 0:31:57 0:35:12 0:54:40 0:22:12 0:14:24 3:25:16 5 --R
[MBZ] New front discs...
Gentlemen... I decided to replace the front disks on the shaggin wagin, ordered the new ones from Rusty, and just for fun, since I hadn't done it in a while, read the manual. Do you really have to replace the self locking hex socket bolts that say one time use only? When I did the job on my old 240D (RIP), I don't think I put in new bolts. In any case, they are not listed on Rusty's web site, which tells me it's not a high volume item. OBTW...Since switching to Mobil1, I'm up to 26MPG on my last fillup. Admittedly, the fact that the A/C is temporarily dead may have added 1 or 2, but I'm impressed. My daily commute is now 30 miles each way, all freeway, with less than 1/2 mile from the house/office to the on/off ramp. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 285K
Re: [MBZ] Disc Brakes- Change Pads and Rotors?
Rusty sells 'em separately, but I think the dealer will too...the underlying question is if you are having him do the pads, why does he insist on doing the rotor also. The only time you **have** to change rotors is when they wear down to less than minimum thickness and can't be turned. I suppose they should be turned every time you do the pads, but I generally don't. Sounds like a money robbing exercise to me Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 285K -Original Message- From: John Peterson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 8:25 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Disc Brakes- Change Pads and Rotors? Friends, why does MB sell the pads and rotors together- is it a good thing to do these together? I was going to have the dealer do brake pads and he only does them together. Is this a money robbing exercise or is there some merit to changing both at the same time? John Peterson 1991 300D 2.5 84k Kingston, RI
Re: [MBZ] Becker Radio and IPOD
Update on the SONY CD player and the IPOD My wife took me to the mall last night and purchased a 30GB IPOD for me for my birthday. Downloaded a cd and a bunch of Audible.com audiobooks to it this afternoon, cobbled together a double male cable to plug into the aux input on the cd player and lo and behold, I was able to play the IPOD directly through the cd player and the car stereo speakers. Ain't technology wunnerful Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
Re: [MBZ] oil sucker
Used my oil sucker to change oil today...I had been using an old dead shopvac as the collection reservoir but went back to the plastic gas can cause it is a whole lot easier to pour the used oil back into the empty 5qt M1 containers. Only drawback with the plastic can is the fact that it kinda crushes, but it maintains enough shape to work ok. All I need it to do is collect the oil until I move it to the empty M1 jugs, so it works well enough for that. I normally check the operation by pulling the drain plug, and as always it was dry as a bone. That made me think that it's probably a good idea to change the copper washer on the drain plug anyway, so did that. Also used the oil sucker to suck the fluid out of the PS pump and changed the filter on it as well, refilled with M1 ATF. I figure it will take a couple of changes to get a complete flush and changeout of the fluid in the PS system. One thing that may not be obvious from Wilton's post is the need to get the engine up to operating temp before using the oil sucker. I learned the hard way that the oil sucker doesn't do a good job of sucking cold oil...got it partially drained and couldn't get any more to come out. Guess I could have put it back in and warmed it up, but I went ahead and finished by draining from the sump into my oil collection pan, which put me back into the situation of making a mess as I tried to transfer to the empty jugs. The local Jiffy Lube takes the recycled stuff with no problem. You have to sign a statement that it doesn't contain any bad stuff, but hey, it came out of a MERCEDES, so it is primo waste oil ;-) Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
Re: [MBZ] OM617 head
So anyway I could count on one hand the number of times I got honked at merging onto the highway with my 240D. I've never been honked at with my 190D and the weekend I had my friend's 300SD it felt like I was driving a rocket! -Curt Must be a Texas thang, but I almost never hear anybody getting honked at (do see the occasional light flash though). Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Texas has a concealed carry law... Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
Re: [MBZ] oil filter change
Wix makes very nice oil filters, but if you use them you must obtain a new o-ring seal from somewhere else -- the one included in the box never fits and I've cut nearly every one I tried to use. Peter I concur with the assessment of the o-ring...never could get the new one to seal so I just re-used the Mann one I had in there. Only reason I tried it in the first place was I ran out of the Manns and didn't have time to shoot an order off to Rusty. I now have a years supply on the shelf, and no more WIX Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
Re: [MBZ] Becker Radio and IPOD
On 9/19/06, redghost [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Two ways to skin that cat Angelo. First would be to invest in an FM adapter so the iPod sends its music out through the radio. Might not work well in overly populated areas with excess radio stations. There are six or so slots that it transmits, but could all be used in NY area. Other way is to find the adapter in the back of the radio for aux and use that. When I recently replaced the radio in my 300TD, (the Becker was looonnng gone), I went down to WalMart and got a pretty nice little Sony unit for $89.95, AM/FM/CD. I suppose the sound quality is not as good as the high end models, but then again, I'm driving a 21 year old car that had a fair amount of road noise BEFORE it got real old. New stereo has an aux jack on the front for connecting to the IPOD. SWMBO is taking me to the mall this afternoon to get me an IPOD for my birthday, so I'll check it out and let ya know. Guess I'll start doing the podcast thing OBTW...turned over 290K this week, filled up the tank and got 26 MPG. Life is good. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
Re: [MBZ] Falcon
In the late 80s and early 90s, I did a lot of work in Buenos Aires. ALL the taxis there were Ford Falcons, built in the local Ford plant. There were also a lot of them on the road in civilian service. The company car I drove was a Falcon. They told us to watch out for the all black ones...they were driven by the security service. The taxis were two tone black on the bottom and yellow on the top. Brings back memories. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
Re: [MBZ] Becker Radio and IPOD
Rich said Sony has one of those jukebox things, holds a couple hundred discs I think, but you really ought to just burn them to a hard drive or iPod or something, and use that with those new streaming transmitter/receiver things that can send/recieve it here and there over a wired or wireless network. That jukebox thing might speed up the process a bit. --R My wife's company had one of those that they used instead of muzak. They decided it was obsolete last week and tried to give it away to the employees...you shoulda heard the howls of derision from the Ipod crowd about anything that was so low tech... I personally would like to have had it, but the wife (SWMBO) vetoed another electronic relic...and this one WORKED Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
[MBZ] BIO Willie Diesel
Driving up to Fort Worth and back this weekend, I kept seeing these billboards with pictures of Willie Nelson and BIO Willie. Did a little google search when I got home and found out that Willie has indeed lent his name to a brand of biodiesel...B20, in fact. Here's a link to the site.. http://www.wnbiodiesel.com/ Most of the stations that carry it in Texas are clustered around Austin and the Dallas/FortWorth area. Sorry Kleb, none in OK. On the road again...just can't wait to get on the road again... Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 290K
Re: [MBZ] Throttle Linkage
Joe said... But then the past couple of months it had no acceleration at all. Would barely crawl along @ 40mph. At 1st I suspected a vacuum leak, but took it to a trained MB mech, and he diagnosed it correctly as clogged fuel filters. That's the first thing I checked. Filters seemed to be ok, but I figured it was time for a flush anyway. When I picked up the part from my indy I bought his last can of Lubro-Moly Diesel Purge. Even though it was running much better on the way home, I went ahead and replaced the fuel filters and ran a can of diesel purge through it. There was some gunk in the prefilter, but that may be the result of the biocide I ran through it a few months ago. I was worried about bugs growing in the fuel tank. Also added a half quart of Mobil1 ATF to the tranny. When I changed the tranny fluid and filters earlier this year, I switched to Mobil1 ATF. It's been a few months, and I think all the seals have reseated. Besides, I was paranoid about overfilling it, so now it's up to the low mark. Didn't have time to do much of a road test, so the commute in tomorrow morning will be the test. I'll combine it with an Italian tuneup...looking forward to the results. Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 285K
Re: [MBZ] Throttle Linkage
Craig said... I've looked for biocide here in New Mexico and can't find it. I can't remember where I got it...but I **THINK** it was a truck stop... Royce Engler 1985 300TD Turbo 285K
