[diesel_mercedes] Repairing Mary (1983 w123 300d)

 

It hurt to do it, but I've decided certain "under the carriage" repairs and replacements are too heavy duty for my old body to undertake, so I will let Mike the Mechanic take his pound of flesh when necessary. I will handle the "up top" stuff and exterior stuff, but today it was Mikes turn to (a) replace the starter & solenoid, (b) replace the passenger side rear axle, and (c) let me know I need an A/C compressor. The pound of flesh was $950 and I think it was worth it because I have to put 1,000 miles on the beast. On the other hand, $500 labor could have been saved if I had done it myself. But, on the other hand, it was raining and a lousy day out. So, there are trade offs in life. Today, the mechanic won. Maybe tomorrow I will chalk up the win.

brian from laverne

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Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re : Trish's Fuel Mileage Check

 

Speaking of the Baker grade - I will try it again on the 20th and will see if my new rear axle has cured my very loud "whang, bang, clang" noise when ascending said 6% grade. Fingers crossed.
 
brian from la verne, ca
From: Nate <vwnate1@yahoo.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 8:02 PM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] Re : Trish's Fuel Mileage Check

 

I don't know , I wasn't there .

I do know the very first fuel economy check I did on SWMBO's '82 240D , I showed 50 MPG and was suitably impressed , I mentioned it here and everyone jumped and said ' not possible , do it again ' and they were right , it routinely came in @ 25 MPG's after that unless I was running the L.A. > Las Vegas run where the entire tankfull is consumed @ 60 MPH , windows closed , AC on , no variance in throttle except ascending The Baker Grade , then it'll jump to 28 MPG more or less going and 30 ~ 34 MPG's coming home again .

A few weeks later it's back to 23 ~ 25 MPG's again .

-Nate
Trish Asked :
>
>
>
>
>
> So explain the math???? I did as I was taught. What did I do wrong?
>
> Trish
>

I reiterate : 'Point being , you cannot possibly have gotten 37 MPG's because' you cannot change the laws of physics Jim ' .

.



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Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re : Startron By Starbrite

 

Yes, Amazon sells a smaller jug for the same price. It's handy and all that, but you get less product
for the same $$. Get the gallon size at a marine supply house if you can. I may have even seen where you can get it direct from Startron but not sure.
 
brian from la verne, ca
From: Nate <vwnate1@yahoo.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 8:09 PM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] Re : Startron By Starbrite

 

The Diesel Enzyme stuff here :

http://www.amazon.com/Star-Enzyme-Treatment-Diesel-Additive/dp/B001L31GUS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1317870249&sr=8-4

Remember : I warned you not to buy it here but to buy the gallon size @ Marine Supply Stores , no whining later if you buy it here .

-Nate
Roland wrote:
>
> Nate:
>
> Here's the link to Amazon.com Startron:
> http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?field-keywords=startron&url=search-alias%3Daps&x=0&y=0
> <http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?field-keywords=startron&url=search-alias%3Daps&x=0&y=0>
>
>
> There's a bizillion listings. Which one is the one I want?
>
> Roland Hyatt
>



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Re: [diesel_mercedes] Fuel Mileage Check 1984 300CD Auto

 

    Keep up the good work and driving! 
 
    While you guys are testing the limits of your spedometers, I'll tool my '81 300SD with 353,+++ miles, at a stately pace, over to the bank and deposit the dividend checks from the oil companies. 
 
    Thank you all very much! 
 
Tom
 
 
In a message dated 10/5/2011 1:40:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, tccservice111@yahoo.com writes:
 

mine goes to 160 on my s320 it will run 152,my diesel goes too 125.

From: Trish Dougherty <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 4:29 PM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Fuel Mileage Check 1984 300CD Auto

 
How do you 2 know how fast you've gone since the speedometer stops at 85? At least mine does.

On Wed, Oct 5, 2011 at 3:16 PM, ygmir111 <ygmir111@att.net> wrote:
 
SDL: 125

----- Original Message -----
From: "Nate Rector" <tccservice111@yahoo.com>
To: <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2011 1:12 PM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Fuel Mileage Check 1984 300CD Auto

I've been 122 in my S320.

________________________________
From: Trish Dougherty <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 4:10 PM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Fuel Mileage Check 1984 300CD Auto

I like the way you qualify it...with your wife in the car! Sooo you don't
deny doing 90mph then?

I don't think I ever took my T-bird that fast. But on a dry road very few
could beat me off the line! If I was in the mood. I had the sport suspension
package. LOVED that car! My '97 was waaay better than my '95 on so many
levels.

Trish

On Wed, Oct 5, 2011 at 1:45 PM, BStromsoe <bstromsoe@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>I have never done 90 mph in my turbocharged 1983 300d's with my wife in the
>car.
>
>brian from la verne, ca
>
>
>________________________________
> From: Trish Dougherty <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
>To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
>Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 11:19 AM
>Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Fuel Mileage Check 1984 300CD Auto
>
>
>
>You can get up to 90mph in these things????? Gee I thought those days were
>gone when my T-bird was totaled after someone ran a red light and spun me
>around!
>
>Trish
>
>
>On Wed, Oct 5, 2011 at 1:00 PM, BStromsoe <bstromsoe@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>>
>>w123's are aerodynamic boxes. Focus on their other niceties instead. If
>>you do 60 mph you will maximize your mpg. Fuel is not everything of
>>course. Sometimes there is the thrill of doing 90mph too.
>>
>>
>>brian from la verne, ca
>>
>>
>>________________________________
>> From: Trish Dougherty <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
>>To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
>>Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 7:51 AM
>>Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Fuel Mileage Check 1984 300CD Auto
>>
>>
>>
>>I have no a/c and only 2 windows open, sometimes the sun roof. So not too
>>much drag there. But I do agree that it's time for a tune up.
>>
>>I only drive about 2 blocks in town, 30mph. The rest is country 55mph
>>winding, hilly roads. Freeway is 65mph
>>
>>Point being , you cannot possibly have gotten 37 MPG's because' you cannot
>>change the laws of physics Jim ' .
>>
>>So explain the math???? I did as I was taught. What did I do wrong?
>>
>>Trish
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>--
>Trish Dougherty
>PurrFect Harmony Farm
>Ennis, TX
>http:/purrfectharmonyfarm.intuitwebsites.com
>
>
>
>

--
Trish Dougherty
PurrFect Harmony Farm
Ennis, TX
http:/purrfectharmonyfarm.intuitwebsites.com




--
Trish Dougherty
PurrFect Harmony Farm
Ennis, TX
http:/purrfectharmonyfarm.intuitwebsites.com



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[diesel_mercedes] CHANGE THE HEADERS !

 


I see many posts with my old fuel mileage check heading still in them .

This is a serious disservice to everyone else as later on when you're searching for an old post on how to fix a thing , it won't pop up .

So , _PLEASE_ : change the header each time you respond , if you're drifting the topic .

THANX ! .

-Nate

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[diesel_mercedes] Re : Battery Problems & Cures

 


This is why the underhood tester is useless ~ you cannot see what's going on as you drive .

In either case , I'd replace the voltage regulator using _only_ the BOSCH # 1 197 311 023 one ~ NO OTHER BRANDS , yes it's a bit of a go but easier than removing the alternator in most cases , with some help you can back the right side wheels up onto the curb so the front bumper hangs into the drop part by the driveway , then it's easy to scrootch underneath & reach the alternator (until the DA neighbor begins flushing dirty leaves etc. down the gutter) , you'll prolly need a simple 90° angled screw driver to reach the retaining screws , no need to buy fancy-schmancy $75.00 ones , just go to any Dollar Store , they always have them in pairs , Phillips & flat bladed , I have several different lengths & sizes so I never strip the screw heads .

This job is simple if fiddly and will make you appreciate those of us who endevour to keep the engine as clean as possible as the turbo oil return line is right near the alternator and often seeps or dribbles ,
I contend the oil mist in this area causes short alternator brush life

First things first : go buy the in dash tester and _drive_ the car for 20 minutes or more , if it's then charging over 14.7 VDC , you've nailed it ~ the regulator or diode - triode is bad .

-Nate
Alan wrote:
>
>
> >
> second response: actually it seemed like sulfuric acid smell. If
> anything the problem wasn't undercharging, but overcharging. I had
> checked the brushes before installing the alternator but the original
> battery boiled out it's water before we caught it. It was refilled, but
> obviously wasn't ever the same since which led to its recent
> replacement. We were running a 300D, a 300SD and another 300D until my
> daughter wrecked it. All of the cars had been on and off the road for
> fairly lengthy periods and batteries were swapped back and forth as
> required so we don't have an accurate idea of their history. We now
> have new batteries in the running cars, but are concerned about the
> possible overcharging on the 300D.
>

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[diesel_mercedes] Re : Startron By Starbrite

 


The Diesel Enzyme stuff here :

http://www.amazon.com/Star-Enzyme-Treatment-Diesel-Additive/dp/B001L31GUS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1317870249&sr=8-4

Remember : I warned you not to buy it here but to buy the gallon size @ Marine Supply Stores , no whining later if you buy it here .

-Nate
Roland wrote:
>
> Nate:
>
> Here's the link to Amazon.com Startron:
> http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?field-keywords=startron&url=search-alias%3Daps&x=0&y=0
> <http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?field-keywords=startron&url=search-alias%3Daps&x=0&y=0>
>
>
> There's a bizillion listings. Which one is the one I want?
>
> Roland Hyatt
>

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Re: [diesel_mercedes] Used Cars Salesmen

 

On 10/5/2011 7:55 PM, Nate wrote:
> Always remember : THERE ARE NO ' STUPID ' QUESTIONS ! the collected
> folks here know everything you'll ever need to know and they're great
> about sharing knowledge , tips , help , spare parts cheaply and fun
> anecdotal experiences too =8-) .

Also, check to see if there is any "slack" in the accelerator linkage
between the foot pedal and the engine. Watch the linkage on the engine
while your slave presses lightly on the accelerator pedal. There should
be no wasted movement of the linkage. I will be obvious, I think, how
to take up any slack. I did this on my 83 and improved the acceleration
quite a bit. More movement with less pedal. You don't generally fix
this things all at once but one problem at a time.

--
Stan George Portland <<

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[diesel_mercedes] Re : Trish's Fuel Mileage Check

 


I don't know , I wasn't there .

I do know the very first fuel economy check I did on SWMBO's '82 240D , I showed 50 MPG and was suitably impressed , I mentioned it here and everyone jumped and said ' not possible , do it again ' and they were right , it routinely came in @ 25 MPG's after that unless I was running the L.A. > Las Vegas run where the entire tankfull is consumed @ 60 MPH , windows closed , AC on , no variance in throttle except ascending The Baker Grade , then it'll jump to 28 MPG more or less going and 30 ~ 34 MPG's coming home again .

A few weeks later it's back to 23 ~ 25 MPG's again .

-Nate
Trish Asked :
>
>
>
>
>
> So explain the math???? I did as I was taught. What did I do wrong?
>
> Trish
>

I reiterate : 'Point being , you cannot possibly have gotten 37 MPG's because' you cannot change the laws of physics Jim ' .

.

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[diesel_mercedes] Used Cars Salesmen

 


Obviously you've never looked under the hood of any of the junkers I drive , dirty engines drive me crazy so I work assidiuosly at stopping oil leaks & keeping them clean .

Really , a NA Mercedes Diesel in good nick , should begin moving from a dead stop to 35 MPH peppily , not fast but enough .

If not , it is time to begin the tune up regimine , the order in which you approach it is just as important as what you do and how you do it .

Fist & foremost , look at (& take & post pix of) the clear intake fuel screen ~ the fuel inside it *must* be clear , then the screen shouldn't be clogged nor should there be tiny chinks of coal looking stuff , shiny bits of metal , red bits of rust , brown bits of mud & dirt & so on ~ -any- crud in the intake screen *instantly* reduces power & performance significantly . many cars come with the wrong intake screen ,it's translucent instead of clear so it looks fine until the car runs poorly , the you *might* notice some silt settled in the bottom of it .

Next is the all important valve adjustment , this takes special 14MM long , bent " Just So " open ended wrenches , available for less than the cost of a shop Valve Adjust @ any Mercedes Partshaus or , better yet , cheaper and better from Mark of this very list if he has any left , he makes them and makes them _better_ than the ones your Mercedes Dealer or indie Shop has .

Then you move onto the fuel and air filters , bad injectors and maybe even bad glow plugs .

Believe it or not , all this is very simple and easy once you get the hang of it , doesn't require much outlay in tools either . just buy the ones you need for each job instead of large kits of assorted tools , have a good toolbox to keep them in and you're on the road to happy motoring at greatly reduced cost .

Always remember : THERE ARE NO ' STUPID ' QUESTIONS ! the collected folks here know everything you'll ever need to know and they're great about sharing knowledge , tips , help , spare parts cheaply and fun anecdotal experiences too =8-) .

I'da distrusted the seller from the jump based on your physical description .

-Nate
Trish Wrote :
Nate,

Yeah I knew he was a liar from the get go. First off I've bought many, many cars and when I popped the hood the engine was just too clean. DUH obvious sign of hiding something.

The receipts are from OReilley so I would think it would be hard to fake, but honestly I didn't look that close...heck coulda been for a Ford for all I know! :(

Yes flat footing it in any vehicle will kill gas mileage. Wish Kevin would figure that out in his tank of an F250!

Peppy off the line? HA. OK defineitely time for a tune up. Not even close to being peppy. Sigh. Good thing we're done building the new dog pen. Guess this weekend will be a car weekend.

BTW how do I change the bulb for the dash lights? I haven't driven at night but once and it was weird, even though it was only a mile.

Trish

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Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re: Battery problems

 

On 10/4/2011 10:59 PM, Alan Boucher wrote:

 

On 10/4/2011 4:40 PM, Nate wrote:

 


Alan ;

before you touch anything else , go to WallyMart & buy the plug in alternator tester ($18.95) , it fits into the cigarette lighter plug and provides s dynamic real world indication of what the charging system and battery are doing .

Above idle it should be charging 13.9 VDC ~ 14.7 VDC . the cheapo voltage regulators barely top 13 VDC so if you need a new one , take the time to order up the correct Bosh brand one I posted the P/N to before , I know others have this P/N and will post it shortly ~ DO NOT allow the parts boob to have you anything else as THERE _IS_ A DIFFERENCE ! .

Never , _EVER_ trust the boob behind the parts counter to know what he's talking about ! .

Why do you cay the battery ' fried ' ? .

What is the specific symptom you're having ? .

-Nate
Alan wrote:
>
>
> My daughters 83 300D just fried a new battery. It was the sealed type
> so she couldn't check for water usage. Autozone reportedly checked the
> alternator output with the new battery in place and said charging etc
> was normal. If I remember correctly the voltage regulator is in the
> alternator. It seems to me that the alternator is overcharging the
> battery. I can change the alternator, but since it's a PITA am I
> missing something else that could be causing the problem?
>

Fried being a nasty smell emanating from the battery and the battery being completely dead.  She didn't try to recharge it but swapped it for a new one at Autozone.   I'd like to further diagnose the problem before running the car with the new battery.  I'll pick up the tester but I don't remember if the lighter socket is operational. 
second response: actually it seemed  like sulfuric acid smell.  If anything the problem wasn't undercharging, but overcharging.  I had checked the brushes before installing the alternator but the original battery boiled out it's water before we caught it.  It was refilled, but obviously wasn't ever the same since which led to its recent replacement.  We were running a 300D, a 300SD and another 300D until my daughter wrecked it.  All of the cars had been on and off the road for fairly lengthy periods and batteries were swapped back and forth as required so we don't have an accurate idea of their history.  We now have new batteries in the running cars, but are concerned about the possible overcharging on the 300D.

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