Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
Jim - You do know that there are repair parts available for the extenders, right? Barry Every one I've ever seen has. And they have the usual coupe part$ $upply problem$, plus a few extra achey-breakey parts like the seat belt extenders. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
You do know that there are repair parts available for the extenders, right? So I'm told. Still not cheap, though. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
Timing chain and rails -- check stretch every 30,000 and condition of upper rail each oil change -- if the rail breaks, there is a very good chance the chunk that breaks off will go into the chain -- instant valve job. Peter
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
Is this unique to the 4.2? Are they worse at timing chain problems than the 3.0 (M103)? Of course. Any V engine is worse because it flexes the chain more than twice as much an I engine. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
Kaleb wrote: Watch out for timing chain problems. If it has around 130K and has not been done, it needs to be done. If it rattles for a couple of seconds when started cold, it is about to break. Can also break the slide rails and cause a chunk to jam in the chain causing it to jump. Will also need valve seals like the 6 cylinder. Bottom end is about bullet proof like the diesels. If its got 150k or more, changing the injectors will give you a smoother engine and better mileage. Well having heard these issues, I will probably just keep mine. The car I was looking at has 153,000. As it is, I have a car that is perfect mechanically, and I don't really want to get into one that is going to cost me $1000 in repairs. I wish I had time to tackle one of these chains, but I don't. Is this the same problem with the 560? Recently, I have been lusting after a 560SEC. Now, that is a special car, so I suppose I might be willing to buy one and put $1000 into it. However, I think the SEC's are going for exorbitant prices. Donald H. Snook 1990 300SEL 131K
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
chains, but I don't. Is this the same problem with the 560? Absolutely. Recently, I have been lusting after a 560SEC. Now, that is a special car, so I suppose I might be willing to buy one and put $1000 into it. However, I think the SEC's are going for exorbitant prices. Every one I've ever seen has. And they have the usual coupe part$ $upply problem$, plus a few extra achey-breakey parts like the seat belt extenders. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
the 5.6 will have the same issues except for some reason they are not quite at hard of cams and timing chains. Donald Snook wrote: Kaleb wrote: Watch out for timing chain problems. If it has around 130K and has not been done, it needs to be done. If it rattles for a couple of seconds when started cold, it is about to break. Can also break the slide rails and cause a chunk to jam in the chain causing it to jump. Will also need valve seals like the 6 cylinder. Bottom end is about bullet proof like the diesels. If its got 150k or more, changing the injectors will give you a smoother engine and better mileage. Well having heard these issues, I will probably just keep mine. The car I was looking at has 153,000. As it is, I have a car that is perfect mechanically, and I don't really want to get into one that is going to cost me $1000 in repairs. I wish I had time to tackle one of these chains, but I don't. Is this the same problem with the 560? Recently, I have been lusting after a 560SEC. Now, that is a special car, so I suppose I might be willing to buy one and put $1000 into it. However, I think the SEC's are going for exorbitant prices. Donald H. Snook 1990 300SEL 131K ___ 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 -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 91 300D 2.5 Turbo, 90 420SEL, 89 560SEL, 87 420SEL, 87 300SDL, 87 300SDL #2, 86 300SDL, 84 380SE, 84 190D 2.2, 84 190D 2.2 #2, 81 240D, 76 240D, 76 300D, 72 250C, 69 250 http://www.striplin.net
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
My W126 420SEL had new timing chain and guides less than 100k miles ago and the guide broke and instant valve job. Note it did not rattle when started, however the car has really been a lemon since day 1. The timing chain and guides are not a big deal to replace usually the hardest part is removing the valve covers. Trampas -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kaleb C. Striplin Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 10:19 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL the 5.6 will have the same issues except for some reason they are not quite at hard of cams and timing chains. Donald Snook wrote: Kaleb wrote: Watch out for timing chain problems. If it has around 130K and has not been done, it needs to be done. If it rattles for a couple of seconds when started cold, it is about to break. Can also break the slide rails and cause a chunk to jam in the chain causing it to jump. Will also need valve seals like the 6 cylinder. Bottom end is about bullet proof like the diesels. If its got 150k or more, changing the injectors will give you a smoother engine and better mileage. Well having heard these issues, I will probably just keep mine. The car I was looking at has 153,000. As it is, I have a car that is perfect mechanically, and I don't really want to get into one that is going to cost me $1000 in repairs. I wish I had time to tackle one of these chains, but I don't. Is this the same problem with the 560? Recently, I have been lusting after a 560SEC. Now, that is a special car, so I suppose I might be willing to buy one and put $1000 into it. However, I think the SEC's are going for exorbitant prices. Donald H. Snook 1990 300SEL 131K ___ 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 -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 91 300D 2.5 Turbo, 90 420SEL, 89 560SEL, 87 420SEL, 87 300SDL, 87 300SDL #2, 86 300SDL, 84 380SE, 84 190D 2.2, 84 190D 2.2 #2, 81 240D, 76 240D, 76 300D, 72 250C, 69 250 http://www.striplin.net ___ 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] 126 420SEL
I am thinking about selling my 126 300SEL in favor of a 1991 420SEL. I know the weakness of the 3.0 engine was the valve seals (which was already done on my car and it uses ZERO oil), but I don't know anything about the 8 cylinder 4.2. Any thoughts? I got the 300SEL because I thought it would get much better mileage than the 420/560. What I have figured out (and Kaleb warned me about this before I bought the car) that because the LWB 126 is such a heavy car that little 3.0 has to work too hard. It is an amazing highway cruiser, but it is a little bit of a dog around town (for a gasser that is). Anyway, I found a REALLY nice 420SEL and I am thinking I could trade for a lot more power and probably about the same mileage. I know about the reliability of the 126 chassis, I just don't know anything about the 4.2. Donald H. Snook 1990 300SEL 131K
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
All I've heard, for what that is worth, is camshafts. Here's the EPA fuel economy figures for the 420 Fuel Type Premium Gasoline MPG (city) 15 MPG (highway) 19 MPG (combined) 17 Here's what they say for the 300 Fuel Type Premium Gasoline MPG (city) 16 MPG (highway) 20 MPG (combined) 18 Jeff Zedic Toronto
Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL
My mom's 420SEL had ~230k miles on it when we sold it, up to ~250k now, we never had major trouble with it, although the spare fuel pump relay we took on long trips came in handy on the way back from FL once. Current owner just had to have a soft parts rebuild of the tranny. The whole 126 line was pretty great - in fact I recently read a review for the new 221 chassis S class that praised it for driving like the old 126. I would look for a replacement timing chain and tensioner, though - we've rebuilt quite a few where the chain broke, usually 180+k miles though but I would think age would be a factor. Mike On 9/25/06, Jeff Zedic [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: All I've heard, for what that is worth, is camshafts. Here's the EPA fuel economy figures for the 420 Fuel Type Premium Gasoline MPG (city) 15 MPG (highway) 19 MPG (combined) 17 Here's what they say for the 300 Fuel Type Premium Gasoline MPG (city) 16 MPG (highway) 20 MPG (combined) 18 Jeff Zedic Toronto ___ 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] 126 420SEL
My 420SEL before valve mishap got about 19MPG regularly, it is slightly underpowered if you compare to the 560SEL rocket ship. The 420 engine is great, the only issue is the timing chain and cams. If it has a loud tick like a bad lifter it most likely has a worn cam. Replace timing chain around 150k-170k miles and replace plastic timing chain guides. Note replacing timing chain is about a 3-4 hour job using two people. Every 70k miles replace brushes in alternator. Other than that it is basically 126 and has the same issues as all the W126s. Note always use anti-seize on spark plugs I have put heil-coils in more than one 117 engine. Never ever remove head bolts, they sell a tool to help you change timing chain that bolts onto head bolts, do not buy it. The aluminum block will strip out when a head bolt is removed, and the only fix is remove head and heli-coil. Trampas -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael Hall Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 12:42 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] 126 420SEL My mom's 420SEL had ~230k miles on it when we sold it, up to ~250k now, we never had major trouble with it, although the spare fuel pump relay we took on long trips came in handy on the way back from FL once. Current owner just had to have a soft parts rebuild of the tranny. The whole 126 line was pretty great - in fact I recently read a review for the new 221 chassis S class that praised it for driving like the old 126. I would look for a replacement timing chain and tensioner, though - we've rebuilt quite a few where the chain broke, usually 180+k miles though but I would think age would be a factor. Mike On 9/25/06, Jeff Zedic [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: All I've heard, for what that is worth, is camshafts. Here's the EPA fuel economy figures for the 420 Fuel Type Premium Gasoline MPG (city) 15 MPG (highway) 19 MPG (combined) 17 Here's what they say for the 300 Fuel Type Premium Gasoline MPG (city) 16 MPG (highway) 20 MPG (combined) 18 Jeff Zedic Toronto ___ 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 ___ 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] 126 420SEL
Trampas wrote: The 420 engine is great, the only issue is the timing chain and cams. If it has a loud tick like a bad lifter it most likely has a worn cam. Replace timing chain around 150k-170k miles and replace plastic timing chain guides. Is this unique to the 4.2? Are they worse at timing chain problems than the 3.0 (M103)? By the way, I didn't get anyone else's emails because digest #93 didn't make it through our spam filter. Donald H. Snook McDonald, Tinker, Skaer, Quinn Herrington, P.A. 300 West Douglas P.O. Box 207 Wichita, Kansas 67201 0207 Tel. (316) 263-5851 This confidential message may be subject to the attorney-client privilege or protected by the attorney work-product doctrine. If you have received this message in error, please delete it and notify me.
