[MBZ] Master cylinder
The brake master cylinder seems to be failing on my old toada sienna family truckster. This vehicle is too old to justify the price of an OE one, so I’m considering a rebuilt or aftermarket cylinder. Most parts places and web sites seem to carry the same brands of aftermarket cylinders like - Centric, Dorman, Cardone, Raybestos. Can anybody offer experience/advice about selecting among these brands? Why would you buy a rebuilt one when a new one costs ~$10 more? Thanks Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Why do morons brag about things like this?
When I was an engineering student in the early 70's, I was among a group of students invited to travel to Michigan and visit GM's Technical Center. We parked near the gate of the facility from where our host, a manager at the facility, transported us in a nice new GM car to the entrance. As he was driving us across a large parking lot he suddenly stopped to stare at a parked Chevelle with its rear end jacked up about 3 ft too high. And he exclaimed "Who did that?, Why would he do that? He should understand how much work and money we put into tweaking the suspension design so that car would handle safely and ride well." Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT anyone need a deuce-and-a-half?
Probably a decade or two ago I met a Hummer dealer at a social event in western Pennsylvania. I think his customer base was the strip mining industry. He was amazed that he was starting to get a few suburbanite customers who wanted them for street use. He described the cost to buy, operate and maintain the Hummer of those days as astronomical for highway use. The vehicles were not particularly comfortable or convenient for highway voyages. And the size and capabilities of his Hummers were not appropriate for on-road use. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT I like the idea of this...
I hear you Allen. After driving one of those a week or so, it becomes like an extension of your own body. And I think that one is a particularly coveted model. I've owned a few bimmers. I loved driving them. But hated working on them. Every fastener is impossible to reach. Generally I don't think they are more problematic than Mercedes. It all depends on the particular year and model. The more exotic ones have more expensive problems. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Foggy Headlights
<< I have read about people doing roughly the same thing, but using > > several coats of thinned urethane spar varnish instead of film for the final > > protective coating. IDK if this is any better than the clear coat you > > used though. << The XPEL is like a super saran wrap type plastic film. It is not a varnish or clear coat. The advantage I see is the ability to just snag a corner and peel it off if it eventually goes bad. To install it you wet it and squeegee it onto a polished lens. It adheres tenaciously and does not need a sanded surface with the "tooth" a sprayed or painted clear coat may require. I could not face the prospect of sanding off a varnish or clear coat every year of two. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Foggy Headlights
I remember a recent thread about correcting foggy headlight lenses. I have some recent experience to share. Last spring I had two 2006 model year cars with headlights that had yellowing, becoming brown lenses. One car is a Sienna minivan and the other is an E320 CDI. About 7 months ago I restored the Sienna lenses using a Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit. This kit uses three successive wet sand paper steps followed by hand polishing. The polished lens is finally sealed with a UV block clear coat. The procedure was fairly quick and easy and the results looked very good. But after about 6 months the lenses started fogging and they are now decaying quickly. About 5 months ago I restored the Mercedes lenses using an approach recommended by my brother who used it on his older Lexus about six years ago. My brother reports that his Lexus lenses have remained clear since using this procedure. The procedure involves wet sanding by hand using grits starting at 400 or 800 and then 1000 or 1500 and finally 2000 or 3000. Then, using a small electric drill polishing pad, polish the lenses using rubbing compound. Then using the same drill and pad polish each lens again using “mirror finishing polish” compound. Finally, protect the lenses by covering them with XPEL Protective Film. XPEL makes films already cut to exact size for some headlights like my Mercedes. Otherwise, XPEL can be bought in sheets at various sizes and thicknesses that can be applied and then trimmed with a razor to the exact size of the lens. I was bothered that XPEL does not identify any UV resistance characteristic in their product descriptions. But the product must be UV resistant because my Mercedes headlights have not decayed in 5 months. And my brother has not replaced the film on his headlights in 6 years and his lenses remain clear. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Way OT: Pulls like a freight train
Zero rpm torque? Sounds like a calculated thing based on the maximum force the piston applies to the crankshaft. I assume the crank lever arm is 1/2 the stroke. This Case locomotive only has one cylinder. That makes the zero rpm torque = (1/2bore)squared X pi X steam psig X (1/2 stroke). Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 1995 Mercedes E320 W124 LOW Mileage - $3,750
This car apparently has the underbody panels missing because they are not shown in any of the pictures and not mentioned. I found those panels play an important role in aerodynamics, noise suppression and protection of underbody components. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Mac laptop
In my last job we would get new Lenovo ThinkPads every few years. I can vouch they were very rugged and had nice features for travelling engineering and business use. Except for hard drives, the hardware would never wear out. The operating systems and peripherals would just become obsolete. Of course that was five to ten years ago and I can't vouch for the current ThinkPad products. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Oldest Mercedes with Screen Display
<> So the Sirius/XM in my 2006 E320 CDI is obsolete and wouldn't work anyway? I've owned the car for about 7 years, but have never activated the satellite radio. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Re W211 Headlight Bulbs
I have been buying Orsam-Sylvania H7 (halogen) bulbs from O’Reilly’s. They sell four different price levels of H7 from Basic to XtraVision to SilverStar to SilverStar Ultra. Each successive level represents an increase in lumens, color temperature and projected beam distance. But if you read the small print on the back of the bulb packages, you’ll see as the price (and performance levels) increase, the life expectancies decrease. Last night O’Reilly’s did not have a Basic or SilverStar Ultra available. I picked up a $17 XtraVision that has a life expectancy of 150 hours. I noted the $25 SilverStar is expected to last only about 83 hours. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] W211 Headlight Bulbs
My ’06 E320 CDI has gone through a number of the H7 headlamp bulbs in my 120,000+ miles of use. Each H7 bulb only lasts for some tens or at most a couple hundred hours. I notice there are some LED H7 bulbs now available for reasonable prices. Original H7 halogen bulbs cost $10 to $20 and some of the LED’s cost ~$30 to $60. I wonder what actual experience has been with the LED bulbs. Has anybody tried the LED bulbs and are able to share their experience? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Sunroof recall
I got the letter a month or so ago. It involved two trips to the dealership. In first trip they inspected the sunroof and verified it was one that needed to be replaced. In the second trip they replaced it. Everything worked out well. I'm happy MB stood behind a 15 year old car by replacing a potentially defective part without charge. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Batteries, was: Daimler cheated too?
Hi Andrew, AGM is not a brand of battery. It's a type of battery. AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. I think it uses lead-acid, but the acid is not a free liquid but contained in a glass fabric mat. Ned On Sun, Sep 20, 2020 at 12:17 PM Andrew Strasfogel wrote: > Thanks, Ned. Is the Mercedes branded replacement battery for a Bluetec car > made by AGM or do you have to request it? > > On Sun, Sep 20, 2020, 10:13 AM ned kleinhenz via Mercedes < > mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote: > >> I found AGM batteries are a really good thing. In the winter of 2019 my >> 2006 Mercedes E320CDI needed a new battery. When they checked the serial >> number of the old battery, it was found to be the original battery sold in >> that car when new. That was 13 years and 200,000 miles ago. I had >> the Mercedes dealer replace it with a new $300 AGM battery. >> >> >> >> In 2015, I had to replace the original AGM battery in my 2000 BMW Z3. All >> I could get quickly was a standard wet cell battery at Sears. That >> battery >> never performed well in the infrequent use this car gets. This summer that >> battery would no longer take a charge so I replaced it with a new AGM >> battery. A standard battery at O’Reilly’s would have cost $150. The AGM >> battery cost $200. The difference in life expectancy is ~5 years vs ~10 >> to 15 years. I believe the cost of an AGM battery is well worth it if you >> keep cars as long as I do. >> >> Ned Kleinhenz >> ___ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> >> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> >> ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Batteries, was: Daimler cheated too?
I found AGM batteries are a really good thing. In the winter of 2019 my 2006 Mercedes E320CDI needed a new battery. When they checked the serial number of the old battery, it was found to be the original battery sold in that car when new. That was 13 years and 200,000 miles ago. I had the Mercedes dealer replace it with a new $300 AGM battery. In 2015, I had to replace the original AGM battery in my 2000 BMW Z3. All I could get quickly was a standard wet cell battery at Sears. That battery never performed well in the infrequent use this car gets. This summer that battery would no longer take a charge so I replaced it with a new AGM battery. A standard battery at O’Reilly’s would have cost $150. The AGM battery cost $200. The difference in life expectancy is ~5 years vs ~10 to 15 years. I believe the cost of an AGM battery is well worth it if you keep cars as long as I do. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What to Do? Fix and Seel or Just sell as is?
I understand how you feel. I have a 2006 Sienna of very similar description. It has been the family truck for the last 3 or 4 years. But the right sliding door is jammed shut. I had it in for a rare dealer service a few years ago and asked them to open that door. When I retrieved the van, they told me they could not open that door. If I insisted on proceeding, their next step would involve destroying the interior bits of the door to dig into it. We've used it for a long time now without being able to open that door. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What to Do? Fix and Seel or Just sell as is?
For practical reasons, fewer people now experience a tax benefit from donating a car to charity. Your itemized deductions need to exceed the current standard deduction. Recent tax code significantly increased the standard deduction enough that even with my modest retirement income and no mortgage, I never come close to exceeding the standard deduction. The real benefit of donating a car is your gesture of support for the charity. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT - Pipe from ground
<< Did the house ever have a septic system, or water storage tank? >> The house was originally built with a septic tank. It still has a well, but never a cistern or water storage tank. No matter if someone wanted to vent fuel vapors, or septic tank gas, a 1 inch size pipe would make no sense. The community installed a sewer system sometime between 1955 and 1980. The septic tank was located behind the house about 75 feet away from the mystery pipe. The septic tank was closed when the sanitary soil pipes were rerouted under the basement floor out to the front yard to the new sewer. The sewer line invert is deeper than the basement footer. So I assume the footer drains or "leaks" into the sewer. I've never seen evidence of a former sump pump. But before the sewer was installed there must have been a sump pump to drain the footers. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT - Pipe from ground
I appreciate everybody’s input and advice. The mystery pipe actually measures ~1-3/8 inch diameter. That means it is only a 1-inch pipe. I’m certain the pipe is not associated with an underground fuel tank. When I bought it in 1981, the 26 year old house still had the original fuel oil heating system. That system included a 260 gallon storage tank located in the basement with 3 inch or 4 inch fill and vent lines penetrating through the portion of the basement wall that is above the exterior soil surface. When I replaced the fuel oil heating system with a natural gas system in the mid-1980’s, I removed the tank and lines from the basement and closed the fill and vent penetrations with mortar. Furthermore, in the 1990’s I was a certifying engineer for underground storage tank removals and remediations. Nothing around my house indicates any of that stuff is involved. The meters/service entrance for overhead electric lines is more than 10 feet from the mystery pipe. So it is unlikely but possible the pipe was previously an electrical ground. The current service ground is a large rod pounded into the soil right below the meters. I’m starting to think the mystery pipe may be a discharge from some long defunct sump pump. So for now, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT - Pipe from ground
There is a 1-1/2” galvanized pipe sticking vertically out of the ground about 1 foot near a back corner of my house. It is located about 3’ from the house and has an elbow with nipple threaded on the end of it. It has no plug or cap leaving it is open to atmosphere. The pipe obstructs access for machinery into the backyard where I contracted an arborist to do some extensive tree work. The arborist asked me to pull it out or cut it off. I’ve lived in this house almost 40 years, and never figured out what that pipe is. I tried pulling it out, but couldn’t budge it. Before I cut it off it would be nice to know why it is there. Any ideas? Natural gas, water well and sewerage service are located in the front (opposite side) of the house. Years ago there was a heating oil tank located in the basement. The fill and vent lines of that tank were embedded above grade in the stem wall. Electric and telephone lines are, and always have been, above ground near the corner of the house where the mysterious pipe is located. I would welcome any guesses. Ned Kleinhenz 2006 E320 CDI ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] More on sprinter travails
I agree with Greg. After trying several flaring tools, last year, I found that Eastwood tool worked by far the best. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Re ML 722.6 results
Larry: Sounds like the same problem I had a few years ago with my 06 E320CDI with the same model transmission. The conductor plate in the transmission was faulty. It is located where it can be replaced from underneath the car. If you remove the transmission oil pan and filter, the conductor plate is the assembly bolted to the transmission from underneath by a half-dozen or so bolts. When these problems develop, the electrical connector plug to the transmission is usually replaced too. I decided to have an MB dealer make this repair because they have the electronic programming equipment needed to make the new parts function. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT Google "got it" - got what?
What do you agree to when you "get it" in google? In no human lifespan can you mine down into their BS far enough to figure out what you are agreeing to. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT: Winter tires
Here is my experience with Nokian winter tires over the last 20+ years of using them on two different 124’s and one 211 - all rwd Mercedes sedans. All three of these cars were useless on ice and snow when shod with summer or all-season tires. Nokian winter tires made it possible to safely drive these cars anywhere any time in the winter. In the Ohio climate where I drive, Nokian’s studless winter models worked out best. According to my research, and in my experience, performance on snow is always great with any Nokian winter tires. Studs provide a little better traction on icy roads. But studs significantly reduce traction on cold dry or wet roads. The soft compound of Nokian winter tires without studs already provides impressive performance on ice. Ohio’s winter roads are much more frequently dry or just wet or snowy than they are icy. Each set of winter tires wore for 40k to 50k miles provided I would use them only the worse 3 to 4 winter months each year. Tires that provide “W” or “V” rated handling are not very useful in winter months anyway. The soft compound winter tires would wear too quickly in warm weather. And I think winter tires would be too noisy and squirmy for nice summer driving. Mounting the winter tires on a separate set of rims made changing them very convenient and long term more economical. To get the benefits of great winter performance, stick with winter only rated tires. I put a set of Nokian all-season tires on one of my cars for a while. Although they were very good tires, their winter performance was unremarkable. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Another OT question - ball valves
If ball valves don't hold up well and are difficult to repair/replace, try globe valves. Globe valves can almost always be taken apart and rebuilt without removal from the line. Gate valves are typically used in large diameter applications, they have almost no flow resistance when wide open, but don't throttle very well, and usually don't seal tight when closed. Ball valves have very little flow resistance when open, don't hold up well when used for throttling and are practical mostly in smaller diameter applications. Globe valves are intended for throttling but have relatively more flow resistance when wide open. Most older houses I've lived in used globe valve for line isolation. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT: How long have you been here? Csn you remember?
Sometime in the early or mid 90's, MBCA invited me to join their list monitored by Kathy Kennel. And over the years my membership evolved to this list. Mostly I lurk because I use the digest mode and don't have time every day to read and interact with all the information. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Shiftless W211
I need some advice from someone who has special experience with W211’s. My 2006 E320 CDI is having shifting problems. It can get stuck in 2ndor 3rdgear when operating in “Drive”. When that happens, I can stop and shift into “Neutral”, but the stick locks me out of “Reverse” and “Park” until I shut the car down.Sometimes when I start it in “Park” the dash will indicate “R” and the reverse lights will be on. But it’s not actually in “Reverse”. It’s throwing an P0705 code which means the transmission range sensor is malfunctioning. I can’t get any more detail with my very inexpensive HF - OBD II reader (and I’m shopping for a better for a better OBD tool) Going though a recommended diagnose and repair procedure, I have: - Checked the battery and verified voltage - Checked the level and color of transmission fluid. - Checked the brake light switch by removing and bench testing. So far all is OK. The next step is to replace the Shift Module (which contains the range sensor). The shift module is easy enough to remove. And I plan to open it up and try to repair it. But from what I’ve read, few people succeed in repairing a shift module. So I’ll probably have to replace it. Here is what I need to figure out before I can replace it (if necessary). Some Internet sources say the shift module has to be programmed by an MB dealer after it is installed, or the ECU will not allow the starter to engage. Other sources say no programming is necessary, the fault codes just need to be cleared. Does anybody on this list have experience with this issue that they can share? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 2005 E320 CDI (Larry Turner)
Craig, I have a 2006 copy of the E320 CDI. It is almost identical to the 2005 version. I bought mine about 4 or 5 years ago at 100k miles, It now has 215K miles and I have noticed very little, if any, decay in the time I've owned this car. It has more torque ( and acceleration) than V-8 cars I've previously driven. And that is while getting 35 mpg in town and up to 40 mpg on highway. The pictures of the car you are considering show that car was particularly well cared for because it has all the covers and shields around the engine compartment. I had a hard time finding one that still had all that stuff. I don't know how functionally important those things are, but they indicate to me a level of care and attention to detail someone was giving to its maintenance. I've had no problems with the SBC (brake by wire). And I think I saw somewhere that prices for after market and/or dealer parts for SBC has come down a lot since warranties expired. So I'm not too worried about any eventual repairs SBC may need. I would definitely look that car over. I would want more money than that to sell mine. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Sump pump
Probably just needs a new check valve at the pump end of the discharge line. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Stupid money for a 1980 300TD
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1980-mercedes-benz-300td-2/ I owned the identical twin to the above listed W123 - 300TD starting in 1986. It was also a white 1980 model with the same reddish brown interior like this one. Mine had carpet faded in the same way in the same places and the same sisal (sp?) floor mats. Seeing the photos in this BAT listing was a great trip down memory lane. It was one of my favorite cars. I personally drove it daily for about 12 years and my kids continued to drive it several more years after that. The NA diesel was slow accelerating, and we nicknamed the car Myrtle as my kids called it Myrtle the Turrtle. But it handled well and could sure cruise comfortably and quickly on the highway. The only upgrades I remember included using "H" rated Michelins and replacing the Becker radio with a Blaupunkt cassette player. In retrospect, maintenance was inexpensive, and except for the Chrysler based HVAC system, nothing ever failed on it. I finally salvaged it when one of the kids broke a front wheel off in an ice storm. At that time the car had well over 300,000, probably approaching 400,000 miles on it. Considering it had around 100,000 miles on it when I bought it, it was really a good value. Thanks for the memories, Ned Kleinhenz 2006 E320 CDI ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Calculators
My "slip stick" from the olden days is a Dietzgen slide rule. It's mahogany and about 13 inches long (is that bragging?). It even has a holster to complete the injunear geek affect. It now lives in a box of memorabilia. When I started a graduate course in the mid-1970's, I carried it to the first class. All my class mates had TI calculators. Felt like the fool who brought a knife to a gun fight. That same week I bought a TI SR-50 which I used for about 10 years. It went through several batteries and chargers. I replaced it with an HP 11C. I still use that same HP every day. It's older than my married children. Never found another calculator with the quality and durability of that vintage HP. It only requires three new button batteries once every 5 years or so. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Rear suspension of a W211
I need to replace the rear coil springs on my 2006 E320 CDI. The lower rings of the coils look badly corroded. I remember that the W124’s and older models do not need a spring compressor to replace rear coils. By disconnecting the shock absorber, you could drop the control arm far enough for the coil spring to just fall out. Is this same situation also true for this W211 that I now drive? This W211 chassis has a 5 arm multi link for the rear suspension. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Rear suspension of a W211
Thanks Dan. It looks like a w211 rear suspension can be worked on in a similar manner to a w123 or w124. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Pushing the Envelope
I don't have the details on how to properly replace the windshield on a 124. But I want to caution you to get it done right by someone who knows how to do it correctly. My 123.131 has a windshield that was replaced by a PO. Whoever put it in did not do it correctly and the results have been disastrous for me. For the first few years I owned the car, everything was fine around the windshield. Then a whistle developed in the upper forward cabin, and then water started leaking in every time it rained or snowed. I couldn't figure out where the leak was until eventually water started dripping from the top of the windshield onto the steering wheel. Very quickly after that the painted windshield frame showed signs of being completely rusted out. I had my neighbor, who works for a windshield replacement company look at it. He said, "Oh... one of those kind... someone did not follow the required procedure when they installed that replacement windshield. Proper installation requires an elaborate process that includes cleaning and refinishing the window frame, and using the correct glue at the right temperature and everything." My old diesel now needs an entire new windshield frame fabricated and installed. Cost of that body work far exceeds the book value of this 1995 machine. This car is still very strong mechanically. So my family continues to use it with three edges of the windshield sealed with Gorilla Tape to the surrounding frame (and rust). Not elegant, but we're getting a little more use out of the jalopy. I still wish whoever put that windshield in would have spent the money to do it right. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT Mini-van dual zone a/c
Curly, The Dodge was an '88 Grand Caravan. It's A/C compressor failed IIRC. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT Mini-van dual zone a/c
Thanks to everybody for the advice and enlightenment. For the most part, you have all reinforced what I was thinking. Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything. Actually, the evaporator itself is probably not leaking. The service adviser described the leaks as being in the o-ring joints that connect the several lengths of aluminum tubing connecting the front condenser to the rear evaporator setup. Those joints were all too corroded to separate. Presumably the tubing connections at the rear evaporator were similarly corroded. Of course the dealer's solution is to rip it all out and replace it. And from a dealer's -spare no cost to the customer- perspective this makes some sense. When I googled the problem, I saw some photos that showed the couplings are aluminum, tapped and held together with steel bolts. As you would expect, a little road salt would make the dis-similar metals fuse into an inseparable mass. It would take mucho time, skill and tools to replace just those joints. My wife says she doesn't care about the rear air conditioning, now that the kids left the nest. So I'll probably plug or bypass, as appropriate, the lines to the rear. To keep the records accurate, I can't speak extensively about Toyota, but this Sienna has been remarkably trouble free for the last 175,000 miles. The four Mercedes diesels I've driven over the past 30 years have never had an air conditioner failure. The only significant air conditioner failure we have ever experienced was in a Dodge Caravan my wife previously drove. Thanks again for the advice and help, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT Mini-van dual zone a/c
My wife drives a 2006 Toyota Sienna. The air conditioning in that mini-van lost its refrigerant. The Toyota dealer wanted $3,595 to replace the corroded rear evaporator and rear refrigerant lines needed to fix the leak. I told the dealer “Air conditioning is nice, but not worth that much to us.” The dealer refused to block off the rear air conditioner, and only said, “You can’t do that”. I see there are several sources of special tubing plugs used to block off the rear air conditioning of this mini-van model. Does anybody have experience with this? Can the front A/C system of dual evaporator vehicle, work long term, with the back system blocked off? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz 06 – E320 CDI 95 – E300D ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Re 1995 E300D Odessy
ATTA BOY! Dave. My 95 E300D lost its vacuum pump at about 135k mi. The car kind of ran OK, but had very weak brakes, shifted wierd, and would not shut off. Didn't do near the damage you experienced. But the vacuum pump dumped all its ball bearings into the timing case. So I pulled the engine and dropped oil pan and opened the timing case to hunt down all the bearings. Shelled out the bucks for parts to return everything to original condition. And learned a lot about the fuel injection pump and timing. That was about 10 years and 150k miles ago. Car now remains mechanically sound. At the time of the problem, I looked for an electric vacuum pump sustitute. I hope that works out well for you. It seems like the reliability and robustness of that 606 engine is really compromised by that damn vacuum pump. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Subject: Re: another oddball experience with W123 heat
FWIW - whenever the heaters in my 123's behaved that way, I needed to top off the coolant level. NK Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: https://server.secureplusplusfour.net:2083/cpsess595060604/3rdparty/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Batteries
Last weekend, I bought a new group 49 for my w124 diesel Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] Batteries
Last weekend, I bought a new group 49 for my w124 diesel at Sears. Second best model cost more than $180 with tax. Ned Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] headlight brightness, 123 126
I think Ernest probably has it right. But do the '94-95 124 headlights fit the earlier 124's? Those lights on my '95 were the brightest I ever had on any car Ned Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] Fun Comparison
I recently came across an enthusiast's article about the 1970 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3. The numbers in the article sounded really familiar. They were very close to the numbers of my 2006 E320 CDI. So I looked specs of both cars and made this table: Year ~1970~2006 Model 300SEL 6.3 E320 CDI Curb wt4035 lb3835 lb Wheel Base 112.8 in 112.4 in Length 196.9 in 189.7 in Width 71.3 in 71.3 in Height 57.9 in 57.0 in Engine 6.3 liter SI3.2 liter CI Type DOHC V8 DOHC I6 Turbo Fuel Gasoline Diesel Power 250 hp201 hp Torque 369 lb-ft 369 lb-ft Transmission4–spd auto5-spd auto 0 to 60 6.5 sec 6.6 sec ¼ mile 15.1 sec 15.3 sec Top Speed 137 mph 130 mph Fuel Mileage ~ 15.2 mpg 27 city / 37 hwy mpg Hwy Range 410 mi on 27 gal740 mi on 20 gal Base Price $14,500$51,050 To Compare - Cost of a GTO $3,500$30,000 Many specifications of the two cars are strikingly similar. They are a testament to how far automotive technology has advanced in 36 years. The 1970 model was an exotic super car. The 2006 diesel was near the bottom of the E class line, and is used frequently as a taxi. I'm sure most of the performance specs are disputable. But I stuck as much as possible with the manufacturer's claims. To compare values and reduce the affect of inflation, I compared the prices with to those of my favorite muscle car - Pontiac GTO. The 1970 300SEL 6.3 cost 4X the price of a contemporary GTO. The 2006 CDI cost only about 1.7X the price of its contemporary GTO. The comparison may or may not be significant. But it seems reasonable and is fun. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] Jaime! A Poor Widow Needs Help!
I have the original window sticker from my recently acquired 2006 E320 CDI. It shows a Comand system including harmon/kardon Logic7 surround sound with a 6 CD changer and DVD navigation. The Command system along with a glass sun -roof, powered rear window shade, and heated front seats cost the PO $2950. It also has a $500 Sirius Satellite, which I’ve never activated. The sound system is awesome. It puts out something like 430 watts to more speakers than I can find. And the tuner gets great reception in spite of the antenna being embedded in the back window. But the navigation system is lame. My circa 2008 Garmin Nuvi runs rings around it. This Comand unit can only navigate to a street or road. There seems to be no way to key in a house number. Makes it worse than useless in communities where there are multiple roads with the same name but each has different ranges of house numbers. I think the navigation system can be updated by inserting a new DVD in the trunk-mounted unit. But I have never seen an update newer than 2008. And that update costs about 2X or 3X the price of a new Garmin. It’s reassuring to hear the Comand is robust. If it goes bad many readouts on the dash would quit working. Even the analog clock in the dash is controlled by the navigation system. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] 211 to buy?
So the pee tank is where the spare belongs on a W211? Does the 212 have a spare tire? In 2007 the W211 got a face lift. I have a hard time seeing the difference between pre and post face lift 211's. The pee tank (urea solution) showed up sometime in 2007 or later with the V-6 diesels in the post face lift W211's. The 2005 and 2006 (pre-face lift) CDI's came with std 16 tires and a compact spare. I don't know what type of tires came with the post face lift CDI's. The other gas engine W211's had 17 and 18 wheels and probably run-flats. I don't know about the W212's (2010 and later). After seeing what my son and my fellow workers experienced, I avoid run-flats like the plague. They cost a lot, don't wear very long and handle terribly. In exchange for those draw backs, after loosing its air, a run flat will go 50 miles before self destructing. Give me a spare (even a compact spare) any day. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] 211 to buy?
In my search, last year, for a CDI, I found mostly 2005 model year available, with a few of the almost identical 2006's also around. These straight 6 models were also made in 2004 and probably earlier. But I'm not sure the CDI's were available in North America before 2005. In 2007 through 2009 they went to the Blue-Tech V-6 engine, which are supposed to be very nice, but certainly more expensive. The straight six's of 2005-06 seem bullet-proof and powerful. But this car also has SBC brakes, which is an electronically controlled braking system of controversial reliability. The post 2007's have a more conventional braking system. I remember the Chrysler affiliation ending in 2006. I bought a 2006 CDI, with 100k mi, last October. So far I'm really glad I bought it. It is the nicest and by far the fasted MB diesel I've owned in my 30 years of driving 123 and 124 diesels. I often get better than 40 mpg on highway. And the electronic brakes are amazingly effective. So far, in 25k+ miles, I've had no problems. I've owned Chryslers before, and this MB has done nothing Chrysler like to me yet. I did a fair amount of research before buying one. Found the gasoline versions of the W211 were plagued with engine failures and other problems causing prices noticeably lower than the diesel models. But almost every consumer who reviewed their diesel loved it. I'm sure YMMV. Just my $0.02 worth, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] alldata?
Does anybody here use ALLDATAdiy.com? I’m having trouble finding out a few things about it before I subscribe. 1. Does it download something on the computer you are subscribing from, making it necessary to use it only with that computer? 2. Does it work on Windows? Mac? Android? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz '06 E320 CDI ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Re e300 glow plug light
Kaleb, I've owned two of those '95 E300D's. They both exhibited the random glow plug lighting. But it would only occur for a few weeks then not happen again for a long time, maybe even years. Then it would happen again for a few days or weeks. Never seemed to damage the glow plugs. Never did figure out what caused it. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Considering a W211 CDI
I am considering a 2006 E320 CDI with about 95k miles on it. I expect the current owner and I can negotiate a fair deal, so I am not concerned about that aspect. But in a test drive of this diesel, I noted three curiosities: 1. While accelerating on an entrance ramp this car left a large cloud of black smoke. My two 124 diesels never did this. (But my old 123's sure could leave a cloud) Is this normal for a CDI? Should I be concerned? 2. The dash warning lights are showing an air bag fault. How serious might this problem be on a W211? 3. This W211 made a rattle at a certain RPM that sounded like the cat heat shield failing on my old 124's. Does the W211 do this same thing? Or is such a noise likely something more serious? Anybody on the list have experience with this model who can share what they know about these issues? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 1984 300CD, A/C odor
I remember from my 123 days, there was a proceedure for getting rid of the locker room smell. It involved unloading an entire can of Lysol into the ventillation air intake with the a/c on hi. As soon as the can is empty, shut everything down and seal the car up for a while. Never tried it myself. But it sounds reasonable. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Electric oil pumps [was: Re: 928]
I found it interesting that electric oil pumps are promoted for improved reliability. I don't remember having a mechanical oil pump EVER fail in any of my cars. But almost every function powered by an electric motor has failed at one time or another. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Eight hole wheel coating
I have a '95 E300D with the 8-hole type alloy wheels. One of the rear brakes seized last year and the inside pad wore down to the baking plate. Filings/dust from the worn backing plate reacted with surfaces on the wheel causing a rusty-black rock hard deposit. I had to scour that wheel clean using a what I can best describe as a stainless-steel brillo pad. With lots of work, I got that wheel looking OK again. But I am concerned that I may have removed some type of protective finish from it. Does anyone know if this 8-hole generation of wheels is supposed to have a surface treatment or clear coat of some type? Is this wheel going to corrode away or stain badly if I don't do something to it? Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Jack stands
A few months ago we had a thread about jack stands. I remember most agreed the Esco tripod is the best. In Northern Tool catalog there are two very similar 3 ton tripod jack stands. One is the Esco for $80 each. The other is a Torin for $28 each. They both weigh about the same and have the same lift heights. The only difference I can see is the tripod of the Esco looks like box sections and the Torin looks like angle irons. Is the Esco worth $52 more for each? That is more than $200 additional for a set of 4. Anybody had experience with both? Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Rear calipers on w124's
Two questions about the rear brake calipers on w124's: How do they work? Are there two opposing pistons? and Why do they sieze so frequently? I've had at least 3 pairs sieze now on 2 124's I've owned. But don't presently remember what is inside of them. Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Steering wheel adjustment switch on 124
My '95 E300D has a switch under the steering column that moves the steering wheel in and out. It also has memory buttons on the drivers seat adjustment switches. My previous car was also a '95 E300D and it did not have a steering wheel adjustment or seat adjustment memory. I think my previous copy was manufactured in the spring of '94 and my current copy was manufactured in the summer of '94. So the answer may be that any 124 may or may not have these switches depending upon what option packages it included. Ned On Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:57:39 -0400 WILTON wilt...@nc.rr.com wrote: A steering wheel that runs up and down (in/out) as selected by a little electric switch on left side of steering column and just below the steering wheel. My 87 300D and 91 350SDL have 'em. If this guy's '94 E320 has one, does my '95 E320 have one? ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Detailing and Oil questions
Donald, Although my daily driver is an E300D, my toy is a 2000 BMW Z3 2.8. And my son has a 2002 330Ci. Both BMW's have high performance 6's that are presumably of similar technology used in the 4 liter V8 in your 2000 740iL. BMW requires the use of oils with the specification called BMW Longlife 01 I sometimes see it called LL01. Of course the magic potion you buy at the BMW dealer meets this spec. But my son and I alway use Mobil 1 0w40 with excellent results. 0w40 is the only type of Mobil 1 I can find with LL01 on the label. Using only this specified oil is important in these engines if you really enjoy their performance. The Dual Vanos variable valve timing is controlled by a separate hydraulic circuit that uses the crankcase oil. Deviating from the intended oil viscosity can really screw up the torque curves of these engines. BTW - I have owned 5 Mercedes and 3 BMW's. Like Donald, I have found maintenance costs of these two German brands to be very comparable. Hope this helps, Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Parts Price list
OMG! Which model uses the $86,000 fuel tank? On the other hand, I probably can't afford to buy that model anyway. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Another ethanol website
I agree with Dieselhead. What are the credentials of this author? Looks like some more out-of-context anti-ethanol information. Moisture in gasoline is potentially a big problem. The affects of ethanol with this moisture is just a red herring. If you read the label on a bottle of dri-gas or heat or whatever stuff you use to control fuel tank moisture, you'll discover the contents is some form of alcohol. When there is so much moisture in the gasoline that it overwhelms the moisture control solvent and produces trinary mixtures, the separated alcohol phase is the least of your problems. Follow the money and see who is protecting their profits from an invasion of ethanol. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Spare Tire
Tim C Wrote: I have a friend who, as a standard practice, buys 5 full-sized tires and just rotates them through. He claims to get proportional extra life for the incremental cost. That is the classic rotation pattern. And I'm sure that will work just fine as long as the tires are not uni-directional. Otherwise each rotation you'll have to get a tire or two remounted to reverse the rim directions . One interesting benefit is you'll always have a matching spare. In recent years, I seem to get one tire ruined before any set is worn out. When you ruin a tire, you can just buy some POS for a spare and keep going. Anymore, if a tire gets punctured more than 1 from the centerline of the tread, no one will fix it because the damage is too close to the sidewall. But that's another issue. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Spare Tire
The spare tire in my '95 E300D shows a manufacture date of Dec '93. Since these last of the 124's seem to have been assembled in the spring and summer of '94, that tire is probably the original spare. It has spent its life nice and covered and protected in the tire well, and apparently only came out for a few days of use during emergencies. The tire looks new and shows no checking or any other visible signs of aging. I know there is a big fear of using old tires. But what really ages tires? Is it UV (sun) and ozone? Or extreme temperatures and road beating? Vapors and chemicals on pavements? Or do the rubber compounds continue to react or polymerize? This tire is almost old enough to vote. So is it too hazardous to use as a spare? Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 124 heater fan evap question
I replaced the brushes of a blower fan on my previous 124, a few years ago. I recall removal of the wiper assembly was not as bad as it first looks. But the brushes were only half the problem with the fan. The bearings were bad and the shaft was corroded. I did not have the time or to buy a new fan. So I put it back together after replacing the brushes and cleaning and polishing the shaft/bearings. That fan worked again, but it never worked well. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Re Fun time replacing alternator belts
Quick way to change the belt on a VW bug - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhfcdQf1QA Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] W124 Sunroof
The sunroof in a 124 I previously owned failed. Never did come up with enough money or patience to fix it. So with some embarrassment I drove it for years with the perimeter of the panel sealed with duct tape. The sunroof of my current 124 is starting to not close flush every time. Is there some type of periodic or preventative maintenance that will keep these things from catastrophically failing? When working well, I really enjoy these sunroofs. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] W124 Sunroof
I've always used that official MB sunroof lubricant a few times per year, even on the failed sunroof. Is there some effective cleaning procedure or are there parts that should be pre-emptively replaced? Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Small group
the political and social situation in the prosperous and independent minded 1st century Galilee [district of the gentiles] Bill, That is almost as esoteric as maintaining a Mercedes diesel. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Volkswagen rejects recall over US engine problem
I expect over-the-road fuel tankers are not limited to hauling one type or grade of fuel. Some of the delivery vehicles have multiple compartments. But in any case, I suspect any one compartment can be filled with whichever fuel is most needed in that compartment, that day. The residue in an empty tanker (or compartment) is probably a very small portion of its capacity. Therefore in any given load, you could probably find traces of the previous load. So it does not seem practical for a diesel injection pump to have NO tolerance for gasoline. It seems like we had a discussion a long time ago when someone pointed out that an MB FI pump is lubricated by the engine oil pump. And some other FI pumps rely on the lubricity of the fuel. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Volkswagen rejects recall over US engine problem
Making a mistake at the fuel pump is way too easy. I almost did it once in the 25 years I have been driving diesels. Luckily caught myself in the nick of time. Co-workers have made that mistake in Europe when they did not realize they were driving a diesel, or they crossed a border where they could no longer read the language on the fuel pumps. But in every case, the worse effect was the engine quit To get the car going again involved only replacing the liquid inside the tank. Why would a little gasoline destroy a VW fuel pump? I've suddenly lost all interest in VW diesels. It seems like one of my old 123's had a set of winter instructions that included how to deal with the diesel fuel jelling. It said to add some proportion of kerosene to the fuel in the tank. And if kerosene was not available, add some very small proportion of gasoline. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] '95 E300 with OM606 - how long to reach operating temp?
Max, I'm on my second '95 E300D and I believe these things seem to take a while to warm up. My old 300 TD, a naturally aspirated 123, always automatically started the heater blower at the same spot less than 1.5 miles from my house, at any OAT (outdoor air temp). On the other hand, these NA 606's take at least 3 or 4 miles before the temp gauge rises enough to audibly kick up the fan. Even with a brand new water pump and thermostat. Ned ___ 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://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Bench shop press
The Inside Track at HF has a 6 Ton A-Frame Bench Shop Press for $50. Can something that that be rigged to press the bearings out of the hubs of a 124? Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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] Leaking windshield
I'm on my fifth old Mercedes, and never took a windshield out of one. I thought most cars had the windshield surrounded by a rubber gasket and the whole assembly was pressed into the window frame and held in by compression. Learn something new every day. Thanks for the help. I'll have to pull off the trim and start pouring water while looking for the leak. If that doesn't expose a leak, I'll have to start messing with the dreaded sunroof. Thanks again for the guidance, Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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
[MBZ] Leaking windshield
Recently my 95 E300D started leaking. In hard rains or in car-washes, water drips from the headliner / windshield interface near the left A pillar. On a few occasions, the carpet in front of the driver's seat got saturated by a long rain shower. Anybody else experienced this? Is it most likely a windshield gasket problem? Or could it be a sunroof drain problem or something else? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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
[MBZ] OT Ford parts
My daughter's Ford needs an alternator. Can anybody recommend a counterpart to Rusty for 'merican cars? You know .. someone who offers oe parts for a good price with excellent service? Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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] Farm And Food Industry Groups Oppose EPA Decision On Corn-Based Ethanol
I kind of work in the alternate fuels industry. So the misconceptions surrounding ethanol etc always bothers me. Just a few facts that I know … Corn ethanol never was meant to become a silver bullet that could replace all petroleum fuel. Its recent large scale development began when there were massive world wide grain surpluses. It was one energy source that could contribute toward using less petroleum. Fermenting one ton of corn typically makes 1/3 ton of ethanol, 1/3 ton of DDGS, and 1/3 ton of carbon dioxide. The DDGS is a high protein livestock feed. The carbon dioxide is part of nature’s own plant cycle. All plant matter is destined to decompose into carbon dioxide anyway. Many ethanol producers capture and sell the carbon dioxide for use in beverage carbonation, dry ice, industrial processes etc. The impact of corn ethanol on world food prices and availability is mostly a political football. Post analysis of the 2008 spike in grain prices revealed that alternate uses of grain, like ethanol production, had a negligible effect compared to the effect of commodities speculation. The “academic” research that shows ethanol uses more energy than it produces is not viewed as credible by people in the alternate fuels industries. That conclusion was published as the result of research sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute. With API funding, some professors analyzed ethanol production using early 20th century technology. Those results have been publicized for 10 … or 20 years now, long enough for people to start believing them. Over the past decade, the USDA and others published that ethanol fuel production provides far more energy than it consumes. And that ratio is improving all the time thanks to contemporary agriculture and chemical technologies. Enough of this, back to MB’s. Ned ___ 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] 1995 E300D Muffler question
Bob, I'm not sure about California models. But with my '95 E300D - 1. The original exhaust was one piece from the triangular flange after the cat on back. The replacements come in two pieces. 2. That long shielded chamber, located under the front seat, with twin pipes going through it, is the catalytic converter. - The several times I've had to replace exhaust components on two different '95's, I found the pipe behind that mid point triangular flange was too thin and corroded for attaching anything new. The components in the region of the triangular flange were always the parts that failed. - The triangular flange had become welded and corroded and could not be unbolted or split. - And the welds on the back of the catalytic converter body developed holes as soon as I started chiseling or otherwise traumatizing the system to separate the two halves. Basically, I've yet to find a way to avoid replacing the entire exhaust system when anything in the region of that triangular flange develops a hole. The two pieces from the triangular flange on back are relatively inexpensive. The piece from the exhaust manifold to the triangular flange includes the catalytic converter - and it's ridiculously expensive. I'm in the process of trying to fix my E300D exhast too. And I'm all ears if anybody has any suggestions. Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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
[MBZ] Re OT Names
My wife is from an Ohio town named Versailles, but pronounced Ver-sails. And a neighboring town is Russia, OH - pronounced Roo-shee. Interestingly, Rooshee is primarily populated by descendants of Prussian ancestors. Ned ___ 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] O/T Rusty
Glad to hear you are pulling through, Rusty. Please take care of yourself. Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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
[MBZ] Re OT Best Porsches
Mitch Haley wrote, In 1984, I delivered Domino's in a 1977 Saab 99 EMS (the rally replica). http://www.saabhistory.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/ 09/99_ems_sportiest_saab_ever_600.jpg I had a '77 EMS too. Many fond memories of it. Sweet machine. Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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] Nice 124 colors
My current 95 E300D is that dark green color. The color name includes the word spruce IIRC. I like the green color. If for no other reason, it is different than the prevalent black, silver and gray examples. I also like the tan interiors more than the gray or black ones that are prevalent. The many tan variants seem more cheerful than other colors. Among sporty car enthusiasts, I notice there are sharp individual preferences for interior colors. But like most of us on this list, I buy these things used. And color is not even a consideration when I find a good buy. Ned ___ 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] OM606 Timing Chain Wear Measure
Max: I'm still here. But too busy to keep up with the list every day. So I apologize for this late response. Of course you have my permission to use the information. Ned Kleinhenz Date: Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:25:49 -0500 From: Dillon, Meade M CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-ATLANTIC, 53310 meade.m.dil...@navy.mil To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] OM606 Timing Chain Wear Measure Message-ID: 1370e90cffd2ac4b8cb65267ba10c4b801db9...@naeachrlez02v.nadsusea.nads.navy.mil Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii For posterity, using Ned's method, I got very similar results (between 2 and 3 degrees of wear). -Max -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Max Dillon Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 4:55 PM To: 'Mercedes Discussion List' Subject: Re: [MBZ] OM606 Timing Chain Wear Measure Answering my own post here. Searched the archives and found an exchange between Ned Kleinhenz and Marshall Booth, here's the key part below. Ned if you're still on this list, I'd like permission to also post this great tidbit on the MBCA forum and credit to your name. -Max -- Glad I took Marshall's advice and replicated the chain stretch measurement on my '95 E300D with the OM 606.910 engine. My first measurement on Saturday was 4 deg. The subsequent measurements, today, were 3 deg, 2 deg and 2.5 deg. Think I'll keep this chain and check it again in 30 or 50k miles. I discovered an important trick that other 606 engine owners may want to know - The cam can be indexed for #1 piston TDC by running a pin through holes that align the left cam gear and the front cam tower. One of the bolts that holds the cam cover on the head is the perfect size to use as this pin. This bolt will fit tightly enough that I estimate the bolt will only fit through both holes within 1/2 deg of crank rotation. When looking at the engine from the front of the car, correct crank rotation is clockwise. To measure chain stretch, you must approach the index postion only from the clockwise direction. Backing the crank off a fraction of a degee reverses the play in the chain and makes the measurement meaningless. Ned Kleinhenz '95 E300D x2 '85 300D '80 300TD --- -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Max Dillon Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 4:37 PM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: [MBZ] OM606 Timing Chain Wear Measure Dieselvolk, I'm trying to measure the timing chain wear on my '95 E300 (OM606). I cannot for the life of me find any marks on the camshaft at the #1 bearing tower. I've made this check on OM617 and OM603 engines, so I know what I'm looking for, but this OM606 has got me stumped. Anyone know the trick? There is a set of marks on the third cam bearing tower and the primary camshaft (two camshafts on this engine, remember), but they are not easily aligned for a precise measurement. When I line them up, it looks like timing chain wear is about 4 degrees. There's also a hole in the gear on the second camshaft, and that hole can be aligned with a hole in the #1 cam bearing tower. When I line that up, I measure about 10 degrees of wear! Very respectfully, /s/ Max Dillon Charleston SC '87 300TD 320k miles '95 E300 274k miles project '73 Balboa 20 ___ 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] Physics lesson
In my 37 years as a mechanical engineer, I've seen a number of collapsed tanks. But I don't think I have ever seen a collapsed railroad tanker. A tank may have a considerable pressure rating, but if it was not designed for vacuum by stiffening rings and other techniques, it could have very little vacuum strength. Most frequent cause of such a failure is in a tank that contains liquids emitting water vapor on a sub-zero day. The vent line ices shut and and when an operator pumps the tank out, it collapses. In a similar situation, some tanks have an overflow nozzle at the top that is piped down to the ground. If the secondary containment dike around the tank fills with precipitation deeper than the end of the overflow line, that tank can collapse when it is pumped. Most surprising incident I've seen was a million gallon tank that contained a water slurry approaching boiling temperature. That tank had an open 24 inch manway on the top. An inexperienced plant operator inadvertently turned on a cool water spray in the tank ceiling. The sudden condensing of water vapor caused the top of that tank to crinkle like a beer can. Ned ___ 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] trip to the local dealer
That word quality has too many definitions to be meaningful. So I don't blame MBZ for not talking about it. To some people, quality describes how many defects a new example includes. To other people (most of us) it describes how durable a particular model is. And still to other people quality may mean how beautifully the bodywork and materials are put together. And I''ve often associated the word with how robust an object is and how much abuse it can withstand. Remember the Ford Quality is Job 1 campaign? I have friends who worked at Ford and were proud of it that movement. But as I listened to them and thought about it, their definition of quality really didn't mean much to the consumer. Ford used a industrial definition that identifies quality as how consistently any part, or assembly of parts, meet their specification. So they could define their objective for a certain model to be a cheap POS. And if the final product was truly a cheap POS, they considered it top quality. Conversely, if that model performed better than a POS, it failed the quality test. So, of course MBZ is not going market the word quality when there are so many ways to fail that expectation. Ned ___ 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
[MBZ] One must ask Why?
But at least it runs grate. Ned ___ 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] BEEF WAS: E.P.A. Says It Expects to Raise Amount of Ethanol Allowed in Fuel Blends to 15%
There are a lot of nuances and perspectives on the corn to ethanol issue. But some of this stuff makes no sense. I'm an engineer, and don't claim to be well versed in economics or marketing. Yet here is what I have observed over the years: If the cost of corn production in Iowa exceeds $4, why do they grow so much corn in Iowa? If you look at historic corn prices, 2008 was the first time ever that end of year prices exceeded $4. My previous statement about corn production costs was based on my best recollection of a beer fogged conversation I had with an Ohio farmer. I think he told me his cost was about $2.70 per bushel. Compared to Iowa, Ohio land is probably more expensive. But Ohio never requires irrigation. And (NW) Ohio is very fertile, and I don't know how that fertility compares to Iowa. Of course the costs of land, fuel and equipment keep increasing, but the market prices of cereal grains have changed very little over more than half a century. Historically, the price of ethanol had a loose tie to the price of petroleum, but was totally independent of the price of corn. Corn is tied to agricultural commodity prices, that seem not at all related to chemical or petroleum prices. Therefore, investing in ethanol production capacity is always a big gamble that fails very often. At least once per decade, the price of petroleum plummets as the price of corn spikes. During these events, about 1/3 to 1/2 the fuel-ethanol facilities go bankrupt. In 2008, the prices of petroleum, ethanol and corn all climbed together because institutional investors decided commodities were a better investment than more traditional capital things. Because of this one time event, common wisdom now holds that the price of corn is tied to the price of ethanol/petroleum. Of course, I'm skeptical about that conclusion. Another coincidental thing that happened in 2008 was the price of corn (and other grains) increased faster than the price of ethanol and a major portion of the ethanol plants again went bankrupt. Ethanol from corn contains between 1.3 and 1.9 times the energy that was invested to produce it. And that invested energy includes that portion used to make the grain residues into DDGS - animal feed. Besides, current government incentives, and new ethanol production concepts, are moving away from corn and toward other less energy intensive crops like wheat and barley. Using cellulose to make ethanol is technically possible, but very complicated and expensive. It's day may come, but I don't expect it soon because it will require not just one, but a number of major breakthroughs. And finally, there are the government subsidies - and someone may need to fill in the details that I don't know. As I understand it, the government does not pay to farmer directly for growing corn to be used for ethanol. The government pays the petroleum fuels distributor a subsidy to use ethanol in his products. Whether the distributor passes that subsidy on the ethanol manufacturer, and in turn, on to the farmer is not so clear. The most obvious ethanol benefit for the farmer is an ethanol plant in his region tends to increase the price of corn out of the field. I could go on and on about this stuff. But that's enough for now. Ned ___ 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] BEEF WAS: E.P.A. Says It Expects to Raise Amount of Ethanol Allowed in Fuel Blends to 15%
Let’s keep the facts straight about corn and ethanol. The price of corn is no longer $7 to $8 per bushel. I saw a cash quote, yesterday, for $3.25. The cost of cultivating corn is some number between $2 and $3. Most ethanol plants can make up to 2.7 gallons of ethanol per bushel of corn. You do the math. When fermented, a pound of corn will produce 1/3 pound of ethanol, 1/3 pound of carbon dioxide, and 1/3 pound of high protein cattle feed called DDGS. DDGS is a nice supplement for grass fed beef. Ethanol made from some feedstock other than grain does not leave a nice by-product like DDGS. When President Calderon of Mexico claimed that US ethanol plants doubled the price of tortilla flour for poor people in Mexico, he was maybe throwing out some political red herring. What he claimed is impossible on several levels. The price of a kilogram of corn is only about 5% to 10% of the price of a kilogram of tortilla flour. So, if you double the price of corn, it should not increase the price of tortilla flour more than 10%. On another level, the varieties of Mexican corn grown for tortilla flour have nothing to do with No.2 Yellow Dent corn grown in the US and used in ethanol production. Maybe some agri-business fed Calderon a line to justify their price gouging. Unfortunately he fell for it. Ned ___ 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] Rotten egg smell from battery?
I have just one anecdote to offer that may be helpful. My old 123 TD did the rotten egg smell while I was hauling some soccer players and coaches on a tournament trip. Everyone in the car kept eyeing each other wondering who was letting the SBD's. Returning home alone after dropping off the last passenger, I continued to smell it. So I popped the hood and noticed the battery boiling. An electronic genius I worked with helped me troubleshoot the problem down to a bad diode in the alternator. The alternator was overcharging the battery. I should have more quickly recognized overcharging since it came from an MB dealer. Ned ___ 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] flex
The stuff being said about this doesn't add up. As I understand it, the fuel/air ratio of almost all modern engines is controlled by a loop between an exhaust oxygen sensor and some sort of fuel flow control valve. When the oxygen in the exhaust gets too low or too high the control system adjusts the fuel flow to bring it back into range. Setting up such a system to accommodate multiple fuels requires only expanding this control loop range. Why would MB set up the system to operate in only two quantum ranges - E10 and E85? I think most of the bad stuff believed about ethanol fuel is a residual affect of the petroleum industry's previous long campaign against alternate fuels. Now petroleum companies own ethanol plants, so that campaign has ended, but its affects remain. Ned ___ 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] FI Pump and OOMPF
Ned, how much $$ does the nearest diesel shop want to put your pump on the test bench and diagnose it? Mitch. I don't know. Didn't know that could be done... Ned ___ 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] FI Pump and OOMPF
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM606DeliveryValveSeals Wow - that is a great tutorial. Thanks John. Ned ___ 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
[MBZ] FI Pump and OOMPF
More than 6 months ago I took my ’95 E300D to the st(d)ealer to have its lack of OOMF diagnosed. The mechanic spent most of a day ruling out things, and he fixed a few problems along the way. He got to the point where the cause may be in the fuel injection pump, and would need to replace it to rule out that potential problem. I was able to talk only to the service adviser and not the mechanic. So I didn’t find out how many possibilities are left after the FI pump. But I would hope FI is at the end of the diagnosis line. Of course, at dealer cost, I did not agree to replace the FI pump. And continued to hope I would find something wrong in the air plenum control and EGR. But I never found anything among that stuff. Right now, the top of the FI pump below where the injector lines are attached, are leaking. And Rusty has a good price on FI pumps. So I am considering replacing it. I already have a few of the special timing tools for adjusting this pump, and I am not afraid of removing and replacing it. But I don’t know what a new/rebuilt timing pump are all about. Does it come with those fuel injector line connections that are prone to leaking? Or would I have to solve that problem with more parts anyway? Except for timing, is there anything else I would have to adjust with a new pump? I’ve got about 197k on this car now. And I would like the next 100k+ to be really NICE miles. Does a new FI pump stand a chance helping that happen? Ned ___ 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] Dragged home my new '95 124 diesel yesterday
Max: It's great news you have the newer type vacuum pump. IIRC that means there is a good chance you will find the drive cam OK too. I had to clean the ash trays in the dish washer to get rid of the last vestiges of smoke oder in one of my 124's. Ned ___ 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] New addition to the fleet: 1995 Mercedes
Max: Sorry, but I did the ball bearing-ectomy 2-1/2 years ago, many of the details are becoming vague. All of these schemes to avoid pulling the engine are kind of like watching a teenager do more work to avoid a job than it would take to just do the job. To pull the engine/trans, I bought an engine hoist from Harbor Freight. That is the only tool I remember buying that I didn't already need for this job. A large piece of the job is replacing the pump drive gear/cam. It seems like it took all my evenings for a week or so to prepare everything for the pull. Then I pulled the engine, did all my work to it, and put it back into the chassis on a long Saturday. By Sunday of the following week, I started the engine up again. A lot of the time between putting the engine back in and starting it up was spent fooling around with the injection pump and timing gear/cam. Ned ___ 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] New addition to the fleet: 1995 Mercedes
Max: I am not in a good position to recommend what you should do or how to do it. I can only describe what I experienced. In my job planning, I decided it was not going to take much (if any) additional time and effort to remove the engine. Since I have never done the job without removing the engine, I can't tell you which way is more efficient. But of course, you have to do the job in the way you are comfortable and using the resources you have available. The Mercedes 124 Shop Manual describes a procedure for removing the oil pan without pulling the engine. It seems the vacuum pump bearings could be flung almost anywhere the timing chain could fling them. So I would be concerned about bearings anywhere in the timing case, on top of the head around the cams, and draining down into the oil pan. Best regards, Ned ___ 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] New addition to the fleet: 1995 Mercedes
Absolutely! Ned Are we getting ahead of ourselves here? How much work is it to pull the vac pump and see if it still has its bearings and if the timer face is chewed up? If the bearings haven't scattered, then there's no need to figure out how to retrieve them. ___ 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] New addition to the fleet: 1995 Mercedes E300 DieselSpecial Edition
Max: The vacuum pump on my 95 E300D disintegrated. So the pumps from that year must still be vulnerable. And Marshall was correct. There is a cam mounted on the front of the fuel injection pump that drives the vacuum pump. It is kind of like a wobble disk. The surface of that cam was trashed on mine. I can't tell if the vacuum pump ruined the cam or the cam ruined the vacuum pump. But the entire assembly around the cam had to be replaced. Can't buy just the cam. And it requires some engine disassembling to do that. I don't know if I would recommend this, but I pulled the entire engine with transmission. That way I could remove the oil pan and inspect around the oil pump, timing case etc. I found a few stray bearings inside. It was a sizable job. I used the opportunity to change ALL the fluids, inspect and replace lots of expendable parts. I wish I had replaced the motor mounts. I also was prepared to replace the timing chain, but the existing one was OK. I don't remember how many bearings are in that pump. But you can inspect the failed pump and figure out about how many bearings should fit in the races. Good luck Ned ___ 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] New addition to the fleet: 1995 Mercedes E300DieselSpecial Edition
Are there other openings to the oil pan that could be used to gain access? I don't remember any other openings in that oil pan. Some other OM60x engines (like the 603?) have a large plate on the right side that can be removed. But these 606 variants have a fully enclosed sump. Ned ___ 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] New addition to the fleet: 1995 Mercedes
I don't recall a sub-sump or pan on the 606 engine. There is only a large, baffled oil pan. Removing that oil pan with the engine in-situ, required a significant part of the work needed to pull the engine. So I just pulled the engine. Besides, I prefer to work on things when I can have plenty of elbow room and light to see. I concluded that job very satisfied that I found every little stray ball bearing inside that engine. And remember, if the pump driving cam is badly spalled and you don't replace it, you'll have to do the whole job over again in a very short time. I am not the owner who waited a long time for any parts deliveries for a 95 - E300D. Ned ___ 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] New addition to the fleet: 1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel Special Edition
Max; I recognize those symptoms very vividly from my 95 E300D. The vacuum pump has failed. Try not to run the engine until you replace the pump. The pump has a lot of little ball bearings that often drop into the timing case and/or crank case when the pump fails. You'll love this car when you get it fixed up. Ned Kleinhenz ___ 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] Wheel bearing grease
easiest way is to fit a grease nipple to the hub dust cap and then pump grease into it until comes out the other side. I agree that is the classical easiest way to grease the bearings. But that method may be all wrong for Mercedes wheels. I learned from Marshal to use a very specific amount of grease per bearing. The empty space not filled with grease is important for circulating the grease within the assembly. Also, in my experience, one tube of MB special grease is exactly enough for two wheels. NK -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://okiebenz.com/pipermail/mercedes_okiebenz.com/attachments/20090815/155d4355/attachment.html ___ 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] O/T Concrete Mixer Trivia
Concrete reaches about 90% tensile in 21 days, It continues to get higher the longer it cure. I THINK Hoover damn is abot 98% and creeping up. Peter, You may want to check that statistic. I don't think concrete has much tensile strength. I didn't know anyone even measures it. Most of concrete strength is in compression. NK -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://okiebenz.com/pipermail/mercedes_okiebenz.com/attachments/20090807/a993877b/attachment.html ___ 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] Computer question
Gary: I used this EZ-Audio kit to make my old vinyls and cassettes into CDs: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-EZAudio-Transfer-Restoration-Kit/dp/B632HA It did a good job. Came with all the cords and connectors necessary, plus software to convert the formats. I used my old cassette player and turntable. To use the turntable I needed a pre-amp but no longer owned a functional receiver. So I bought the cheapest integrated amp that Radio Shack sold (like $25) and it did the preamp job just fine. That was several years ago, and there may be better solutions available now. Good luck, NK -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://okiebenz.com/pipermail/mercedes_okiebenz.com/attachments/20090727/026c2a0a/attachment.html ___ 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
