Re: [MBZ] CDI Pictures from Road Trip
> That would definitely be cool! Maybe having a snow/ice/gravel button > would work too. > > John Sounds like a good DIY project for hackaday.com... Of course, I could see it being slightly dangerous to mess with the ABS computer. Tyler ___ 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] CDI Pictures from Road Trip
In order to meet modern emissions requirements, the injectors need to be built to much tighter tolerences than on old diesels. I would imagine that, in turn they would need to make the filters remove correspondingly smaller particles. Tyler > casi...@usermail.com wrote: > Don't know how much easier it would clog, but it does have a water > separator and a sensor to tell me when to change it. So I would imagine > it is a decent bit finer. No actual evidence though. ___ 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] CDI Pictures from Road Trip
> That might very well be the case with the MB as well, since cutting back > engine power is definitely something it regulates. However, the > traction control also adds a quasi limited slip differential by applying > the brakes to the spinning wheel. Not sure if the Hyundai does that > though... It sounds like both the braking, and cutting of engine power could make it hard to get a car moving on slick surfaces... Getting the Hyundai moving required turning off the traction control, and gradually rocking the car forwards and backwards until enough forward momentum was acheieved. There was quite a bit of tire slipping involved. I guess the traction control errors on the side of safety. I suppose it's safer to not move than to slide off the road, unless you factor in the danger of being stuck somewhere in the cold or of being stopped in the middle of a slick roadway as an obstacle. It would be cool if you could somehow adjust the "maximum slip" so that slipping was controlled, but not 100% eliminated. ___ 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] CDI Pictures from Road Trip
> I'm not worried about running it in the sense of it blowing the engine > up, but more along the lines of its superior solvent capabilities > plugging my fuel filter in the middle of nowhere! Also, I'm cheap and > it's more expensive everywhere I've seen it. Yea, it's really only cheaper if you make it yourself (and then there's no gurantee of it's quality). It's unlikely that you'd have filter clogging issues on such a new vehicle, but personally I would never drive a diesel car of any age, or on any fuel without carrying a spare filter and the tools to change it. You never know when you'll get a bad batch of fuel... I've started running 3 old mercedes on B100: -A 1974 240D with unknown mileage -A 1979 300D with over 300k miles (drove this straight across the country on B100) -A 1987 190D turbo with 220k miles None of these experienced any problems with the transition, other than softening of the stock rubber fuel lines. No filter clogging at all... All 3 had a new filter installed just prior to first running B100, and the old not yet clogged filter was stored in the trunk as a spare (but was never needed). Your CDI probably does have a finer filter, and may clog easier I don't know. Tyler ___ 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] CDI Pictures from Road Trip
> With the traction control on and the car > floored it drove around in a circle as fast as it could without > fishtailing or spinning the tires. I've only driven a newer Huyndai with traction control and it was horrible, but I imagine the MB system is far superior. I was driving the Huyndai on an icy snow packed gravel road, and it was unable to get moving on level ground with the traction control enabled, because even the slightest slipping would cause it to cut back engine power too much. I had to turn the feature off to get the car moving! >> Have you run biodiesel in it? > > Nope. It isn't readily available in my area, and I'm not going to > experiment with it on the road! I'm not sure where you live, but if the fuel is sold at a pump and ASTM certified it should be pretty safe to use, no experimentation involved. Lots of people have already done the experimentation for you, and CDIs run B100 without problems. The only possible issue is the gel point, which needs to be observed carefully. Most biodiesel pumps list the gel point on the pump at the time of sale. ___ 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] Greenie
RLE, You make a good point. I'm not sure about newer MBs using "half the fuel" or requiring fewer component replacements (with the same amount of use) but I acknowledge that things like this need to be looked at on a case by case basis, and broad generalizations don't apply, and I'm sorry if what I said earlier came across as one. It makes a lot of sense for me to drive an 80s diesel MB, maintain it myself with mostly used parts, and try to run it on locally produced biodiesel. I do VERY little driving (only long distance trips to see my family a few times a year), all local travel is done by bicycle, and I know how to maintain my own car. I feel more comfortable knowing that I did the work, and that it was done properly. Having worked as a professional mechanic in the past, I am well aware that most shops (even with good reputations) do sub-standard work, and cut a lot of corners. For someone who drives a lot of miles, and has little mechanical ability I can understand that fuel economy and maintenance requirements become bigger factors in the vehicles environmental impact, cost of operation, and practicality for the owner. On the other hand, I feel that the quality and value of old cars is understated, because most older cars are poorly maintained, and only repaired when a problem becomes very severe. I do extensive preventative maintenance on my old cars, and generally inspect and repair all of the vehicles systems on a regular schedule, repairing worn components long before they affect vehicle operation. My old vehicles are MORE reliable than most of my friends newer vehicles as a result, but I do spend a lot of time working on my cars, probably more than I spend driving them! Mostly because cars are more of a hobby for me, while my practical transportation is via bicycle. Tyler > It seems to have escaped your notice that the newest MBs use half the fuel > the older ones did and require far fewer component replacements which I do > believe are manufactured from resources. > > Now, if I lived in a hut out in the veldt someplace, I would want a basic > vehicle that I might be able revive on my own. > > Probably a Land Cruiser. > > RLE ___ 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] CDI Pictures from Road Trip
John, Beautiful car! Hope you don't mind all of my questions... How'd it do in the snow? What kind of fuel economy did you get on the trip? Have you run biodiesel in it? I've had good luck (as long as I don't park it outside overnight) running Biodiesel in MB diesels in cold weather, because of their built in fuel heating system. Tyler > Here are a few pictures of the CDI from the road trip... > > http://picasaweb.google.com/Tymbrymi2/CDI# > > Will upload a bunch more pictures of the trip itself later on. I also > have some pictures of Okie Acres that I'll be posting as soon as I get > them off of my brother's camera. > > John ___ 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] Cars and status of the poo brown interior
I like them because you don't notice the grease smudges I accidently make on the interior while working on the car. Tyler > Guess everyone is different but I dislike dark interiors, they are not > inviting and add a claustrophobic atmosphere to the inside. > A couple of weeks ago I looked at an 220E to replace my Mum's 190E. > http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/dealer/MERCEDES/E220/details.aspx?R=6542483&__sid=11DB9F1D99FE&__Qpb=true&Make=MERCEDES&__Ns=pCar_StatusSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|0&__N=1090%20408%20901%20834%20285%20258%20287%201216&State=South%20Australia&distance=25&silo=1000&seot=0&Cr=0&__Nne=20&trecs=7&state_id=85&PriceMax=1 > Nice exterior color but the interior...looked like something > from the 70's. > > Hendrik ___ 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] So I end up buying a 2005 Dodge Magnum
It really bothers me how everything is considered disposable, and people feel entitled to own and operate such a complicated machine without knowing how it works, or how to care for it. Even new cars break down, and in my opinion it's somewhat dangerous to operate a car, especially in remote areas without a basic understanding of how it works, and how to repair it yourself. In addition, nearly any car can be made to last a lifetime and work reliably the whole time if properly cared for, and it's irresponsible not to do so. It's not just a matter of convenience or cost. I don't think anyone has the right to use more of the earths resources than they need just because they can afford to, and are too lazy to do otherwise. /rant Tyler > It is easy to just buy or lease something new, drive it for a couple of > years and then do it again. Much more > difficult to keep an old car going forward, especially if you care about > the old car and want it to last. ___ 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] So I end up buying a 2005 Dodge Magnum
> If you don't know how to work on a car, > you shouldn't own one? You probably shouldn't... especially not an old obscure one that nobody else knows how to work on. Personally, if I didn't know how to work on cars I'd either get rid of them and ride my bike, or learn. You'd have to make a heck of a lot of money per hour for it to not be worth the time to learn. Plus most shops are incompetent and don't do work safely or properly anyways. Tyler ___ 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] So I end up buying a 2005 Dodge Magnum
245s are awesome in snow! This reminds me of when I was a teenager, I used to drive around during snowstorms in my 1975 245 and pull people in SUVs out of ditches with an old climbing rope. My wife and I also went snow camping often in our 1982 245 Turbo, and we never chained up in the deep snow when people in 4wd SUVs were sliding off the road on the mountain passes. I think 240s (wagons especially) must be exceptionally well balanced (close weight on all 4 tires). With the fuel tank perfectly centered behind the rear axle, they seem to often break traction on both rear tires at the same even without a locking diff! Tyler > on 1/7/09 10:42, Jim Cathey at j...@windwireless.net wrote: > Best RWD I have ever driven in snow, aside from the old Volvo 240, which > Car > and Driver once called the best RWD ever made for snow. > > Mac ___ 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] sun visors
I tried it out, 87 and later W201 visors DO have the telescoping feature just like W124s. I can't believe I never realized it before. I take back most of what I said about stock mercedes visors being crap, and I'm going to put my Rosen visor in the Volvo 745 and keep with stock visors in the Benz from now on! My favorite feature about a telescoping visor is that you can use it to block the wind from your ear when driving at high speed on the freeway with the windows down. Tyler > I just tried it on a 89 126, and it does it, I think after 86 they do. > I did not try a 201 yet, all mine are before 86. > > casi...@usermail.com wrote: >> Do W201 visors do this as well? I've never tried... >> >> Tyler ___ 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] Curt's 190D Wiper
I was up in Oregon visting friends for the snow storm a few weeks ago, and also noticed that the colder the weather got, the slower my 190DTs wiper would go. Now that I'm back in southern Cali (where it hardly ever rains) the wiper is nice and fast again! I did notice that some of the electrical components (switch, fuse, etc) were getting warm also when the wiper was going slower, so it's hard to tell cause an effect. Was the wiper going slower because these components have corrosion and too much resistance, or were the components getting warm because the wiper was pulling more current to keep moving when it's lubricants were turning solid? Who knows... I've gotta say though, this 190DT is an incredible high speed freeway car. I got over 30mpg on a 2,000+ mile trip, mostly cruising at 85-90mph! If only the Cali SUV drivers would realize that you can't tailgate a Mercedes with anti-lock brakes and grippy tires at 90mph and expect to stop as fast as them in an emergency... Tyler > On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 7:24 AM, Max Dillon > It's definitely a maintenance job that needs to be done now and then, > even if the factory didn't anticipate it. I was really disappointed > with the sluggish action of my '87s monowiper during consistently > below-freezing weather the past few weeks here in Oregon---I imagine > the old grease in there must be congealing like bacon fat in the cold. > As with many things, some kind of synthetic lubricant with a flatter > viscosity-temperature curve would be a definite improvement. > > Alex Chamberlain ___ 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] sun visors
Do W201 visors do this as well? I've never tried...
Tyler
> Both my 124s ('86 and '87) do it. On the driver's side of the '87
> it's jammed though, will only come out if you give it a superhuman
> yank. Can't figure out what would make it hang up in there. I'm
> afraid to try to lube it since I don't know what the inside of the
> sunshade is made of---could be plastic, or could be cardboard that
> will get soft or disintegrate in the presence of grease or oil.
>
> Alex
___
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] Fuel filter changes
They can slowly reduce in power overtime, or reduce suddenly. I have had several diesels get massive increases in power after filter changes, when I had never realized they were slowing down. Usually you will notice a serious reduction, and difficulty climbing even mild grades. I always carry spare filters, and the tools to change them when driving any diesel vehicle anywhere. If you are in doubt, change them now and stop worrying about it. It's easy and cheap to do, and then you can keep around the old filters that still flow as emergency spares! Tyler > How sudden should I expect the onset? As we all know, these old cars are > not too speedy to begin with. I might not > notice unless it becomes fairly obvious. > This is a 76 115 300D that I am referring to. I have had it 2 summers now > and have yet to change fuel filters. I > bought some and have one in the trunk but > have yet to install one. I got some of the clear inline prefilters too but > my car does not appear to have one > installed at this time. > > Randy
Re: [MBZ] Election day CL
A motorhome with an OM616! I bet it really gets up and goes > http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/231440430.html -- $4k 207D bus
Re: [MBZ] Election day CL
A motorhome with an OM616! I bet it really gets up and goes > http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/231440430.html -- $4k 207D bus
Re: [MBZ] 115 chassis blower access difficulty
I wonder if it could be replaced with the 80s GMC/80s Volvo 740 Squirrel cage fan mounted facing inward on the engine bay side of the firewall. It would require cutting a hole in the firewall from the outside, and a little bit of thin sheet metal work, but would result in an order of magnitude more airflow, and 5 minute blower fan replacement in the future. These fans cost $30 and come with a 2 year warranty from Napa auto parts. I would much rather see people "mutilating" their W115s to fix a faulty factory design, then scrapping them for newer cars. Tyler > If you can crawl up in the place the blower services, a few large > computer fans with the neon lights would work. I thought about it, but > decided it was easier to just replace the thing.
