From owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Mon Mar 4 08:40:33 2002 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Sunday, March 3 2002 Volume 01 : Number 720 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: RE: fast glow kits administrivia: notes on using this list Chicagoland / Midwest listfest March 16th 300SD sources Diesel Benz Digest Home Page: http://www.digest.net/diesel-benz/ Send submissions to diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Send administrative requests to diesel-benz-digest-request-at-digest.net To unsubscribe, include the word unsubscribe by itself in the body of the message, unless you are sending the request from a different address than the one that appears on the list. Include the word help in a message to stag-digest-request to get a list of other majordomo commands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 10:47:51 -0600 From: "Sam Williams" <1sam-at-io.com> Subject: RE: fast glow kits SDB, I see lots of traffic about glow plugs--diagnosing which plug is bad this time, that you should replace them all at same time or not, how the relays malfunction and wipe out batteries/made some long trip particularly worrisome or difficult, etc.. But all those posts seem to be about the fast glow system, as on 123s and later cars. I don't see much about the old, slow, plugs. Considering the kit alone costs as much as 50 years of maintaining our old glow plug systems, and there seems to be regular maintenance and/or break-downs thereafter, am beginning to believe it might be worth waiting a few minutes rather than seconds for my car to start. Now, after 27 years, my car may soon need a new plug or relay and, for last 5 years or so, have toyed with the idea of switching to fast-glow when that happens. But, it hasn't happened yet. If you do go that route, let the list know if quicker starting makes your car significantly more enjoyable. Sam > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-diesel-benz-at-digest.net > [mailto:owner-diesel-benz-at-digest.net]On Behalf Of S.D.Byers > Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2002 7:39 AM > To: Diesel-Benz List > Subject: fast glow kits > > > Not sure if this is a done topic or not but here goes. > > Does anybody have experience with the fast glow kits from Bosch for > Mercedes diesels? Here is one for sale on Ebay: > > http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item= 1807394034&r=0&t=0 The guy on Ebay has the 4cyl kits and the later 5cyl version but not the early 5cyl, i.e. OM617.910 engines from 300D 1975-76. Of course that is exactly what I need, early 300D version. Of course I could just hack up one from a 4cyl kit plus spare plug etc, but nicer to get the correct kit. What think you all? SDB ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 01:45:01 -0500 From: Richard Welty Subject: administrivia: notes on using this list Digest.Net mailing list "Meta FAQ" These general notes on using Digest.Net mailing lists are posted on the 1st and 15th of each month. This file may be found on the web at http://www.digest.net/general-notes.txt [last revised 11/13/01; extensive revisions to 1.j, 1.k -- rpw] Additional information on Digest.Net's spam policies may be found at http://www.digest.net/email-policy.html and http://www.digest.net/blocked.html Table of Contents 1. Why don't my postings go through? 2. Why can't I unsubscribe? 3. How do I post to the list? 4. Where are the archives? 5. What other lists are on digest.net? 6. Is there a web subscription form? 7. Why not move the lists to someplace like (egroups, topica,...)? 8. How do I contact the server adminstrator in an emergency? 9. What is Krusty Motorsports, anyway? The Meta-FAQ 1. Why don't my postings go through? There are several things that may interfere with postings making it to the list. a) Are you a member? Some read the ftp archives rather than receiving the list in email. Persons who read the list via email are automatically members, but readers of the FTP archive are not, and need to contact me (rwelty-at-krusty-motorsports.com) and get your name added to the list of "permitted senders". b) has your email address changed? some of you have had changes in your email address. your old address still works, and is still on the list, but your From: line shows a new address. this can happen for various reasons; you may have changed jobs or ISPs, and left a forward in place, or your IT staff may have fiddled with the email system. you will need to unsubscribe your old email address and subscribe the new one. this may require my involvement, if you can't figure out a way to get your old address off the list using the conventional majordomo commands. you can use the majordomo "which" command to probe for old addresses. send a message to majordomo-at-digest.net with one or more which commands in the body, one per line. to check for potential addresses for Fred Flinstone, formerly of bedrock.org, the following commands can be sent: which flintstone which bedrock note that the matches above might return any of the following addresses, if they appear in the list (in other words, you can use vagueness and incompleteness in your recollection as a tool): Fred.Flinstone-at-bedrock.org fflinstone-at-wilma.bedrock.org flintstonef-at-bedrock.com c) do you have more than one email address? if so, only the subscribed addresses can post, unless you contact me (see 1.a) above for relevant information) d) are you using (intentionally or accidentially) special "features" of your mail client? [this section is no longer operative, as the demime software now strips html, attachments, rich text format, etc. from postings automatically.] e) are your posts too large? there is a 10,000 character limit on posting sizes; this is done for various reasons. you can always split up large postings to get mail through. f) are you including majordomo commands at the start of your message? administrivia control is turned on; this is a trap for things like "unsubscribe" at the start of a message. try to avoid obvious majordomo commands in the subject and the first 10 lines, or misspell them in obvious ways (e.g. unzubscribe, 1ndex, h3lp, g3t, etc.) g) are you triggering spam traps? some things are red flags; for example, the following phrases in subject lines are automatically blocked: Important Message From growth stocks free calling card direct e-mail secrets Merchant Account Mass Marketing make money fast Pediatric advice Email ? Million People what "they" don't want are you being investigated the actual list is quite a bit longer; i think you get the idea. h) are you using "funky" character sets? [7 bit restriction lifted experimentally on 8/2/00 -- film at 11] unfortunately, there are "issues" if i permit any character set other than old fashioned 7 level ASCII; therefore, you need to avoid national character sets that include various accents, umlauts, national currency characters such as the British pound symbol, etc. i) are you unintentionally including complete digests in your reply? You need to check and make sure you cut down replys to the minimal size; digests are between 20,000 and 25,000 characters in length, and if you include a complete digest in your reply, it clearly won't make the 10,000 character limit. By the way, this feature is intentional. j) Are you using a "bad" ISP or mail relay? See http://www.digest.net/email-policy.html for more information about Digest.Net policies about email. k) Is the error message you get back "User Unknown"? If so, you may be running afoul of spam control severices (again, see http://www.digest.net/email-policy.html) When these services register a hit, the error code 550 is returned. 550 is a generic code that many broken mail systems report as "user unknown". The "rejectlog" entries for the previous day's mail traffic on digest.net may be viewed at http://www.digest.net/rejectlog.01 Some of you may find it useful or instructive to use the telnet program to connect directly to port 25 on krusty-motorsports.com and see what kind of reply you get; this requires some technical knowledge and is not for everyone (you can get out of this at anytime after the initial banner simply by typing quit and hitting enter.) l) Is SMTP over TLS involved? This is a bit esoteric, but as of 8/8/01 the digest.net mail server will attempt to use "TLS" (Transport Layer Security) for outbound mail if the destination mail server offers it. SMTP over TLS is fairly new technology, and a bit buggy. I am monitoring the logs on the server, and when I see TLS related problems, I manually place the problem destinations on a special exception list; however, this may delay email to the destination host until I make the exception. 2. Why can't I unsubscribe? a) are you using the right address? send to majordomo-at-digest.net, and the command format is unsubscribe list-name my-email-address b) has your email address changed? majordomo has no way of knowing that Fred.Flinstone-at-BarneyCo.com was once fflintstone-at-bedrock.org. you can check this with the which command (see 1.b) above for details) 3. How do I post to the list? You may use either one of two addresses: for example, the bmw-digest may be reached using either bmw-at-digest.net or bmw-digest-at-digest.net If you are using the correct addresses and your posts don't show up, check out the stuff in 1. above. 4. Where are the archives? see ftp://ftp.digest.net/ for digest archives. the web archives have proven problematic, and are awaiting time for a systematic attack on the problems they've been having. 5. What other lists are on digest.net? see http://www.digest.net/ for more information. 6. Is there a web subscription form? Yes, recently added. go to http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi 7. Why not move the lists to someplace like (egroups, topica,...)? The Krusty Motorsports server (aka, digest.net) was explicitly to provide for efficient management of the various automotive mailing lists, done the way that the owner of the server wanted it done. Any migration off of the server (which is already bought, paid for, and configured) would create any number of issues. 8. How do i contact the Server Administrator in an emergency? If my regular email address (rwelty-at-krusty-motorsports.com) isn't working for you, you can fall back on rwelty-at-suespammers.org 9. What is Krusty Motorsports, anyway? Krusty Motorsports (http:/www.krusty-motorsports.com/) is a business which is owned and operated by Richard Welty (rwelty-at-krusty-motorsports.com). Krusty is an S-Corporation in the State of New York. Krusty provides a number of Internet related services, such as mailing list, web sites, pop3/telnet accounts, and consulting on internet related issues. For more information, see the web site. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 08:36:30 -0600 From: Jan Guthrie Subject: Chicagoland / Midwest listfest March 16th Re-post ...... with more details..... We are planning a list fest with people from 4 Mercedes lists attending and invited. The date is March 16th, 2002 and the the location is Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. The base of operations will be Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club where I am a member. There is a parking lot adjacent to the building where we can display and admire each others cars, and an incredible view of Lake Michigan. The building is located about 100 feet from where the Illinois/Wisconsin border hits Lake Michigan. (So you can find it on a map.) We have 19 people that have confirmed their intention to attend. There are another 7 that are still listed in the maybe column. So far we have Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska, Wisconsin and I think Kentucky. Still waiting from replies from Ohio, Tennesee and beyond. If you would like to come please email me and let me put your name on the list. Amazingly enough we have received tentative approval for running an "autocross" in the marina parking lot. I spoke with the General Manager of the marina this afternoon and she could not think of a reason why she should not let us..... So we just have to hope that Terry get his car running well enough to be able to pick up the pylons and timing gear. Tentative schedule ------ Somebody *please* give me some input here!! Meet 11 AM or 11:30 at the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club. Use the first hour or so to get acquainted and Terry Kiwala would like to give us a preview of the plans for Startech. 12:30 or so .... Lunch. Either order food to be delivered at the club (the bar is not open) or walk to the restaurant (100 yards) with a bar. The afternoon would be devoted to a Valve adjustment demonstration. Terry K would like a Topsider demonstration of an oil change. And the autocross (assuming that we can make it happen.) I am assuming that there will be a fair amount of time admiring each others cars (there are some very nice ones coming.) And just sitting around and socializing. Any other ideas for activities would be welcome...... I have a couple of suggestions for hotels/motels if people want them, just email me. At some point we would have dinner .... several options available ..... Ideas, input ... any more attendees ..... the more the better. Jan Guthrie and her 300TD 1985 - -- $:0^0:$x,88,x$:0^0:$x,88,x$:0^0:$x,88,x$:0^0:$x$:0^0:$x,88,x$: Jan Jan Guthrie Yacht Brokerage jan-at-buy-a-boat.com 262-553-1998 http://www.buy-a-boat.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 03 Mar 2002 03:09:31 -0600 From: Jon Filina Subject: 300SD sources Fellow listers, It appears I struck a nerve, here. My response to Paul Shelton, who was looking at an '84 300SD, has generated quite a few messages on and off list. Paul, what did you find when you looked at the '84?? I have only owned my '84 300SD for about a month, so I am hardly what you would call a "guru". The questions I've been asked center mainly on sources of parts for our "little wonders", as Waylon Black called them. Our list Mom, John, uses different terms of endearment for our beloved MB's, but he's been lured back the the dark side of Jeeps... Whether or not he returns to our flock is inconsequential as long as he provides the bandwidth for our passion. Thanks, John! The following sources and observations are based on four years of experience with my '81 240D (W123 chassis). The W123's sedans imported to this country were built between 1977 and 1983. The diesel powered models based on this chassis were the 200D, 240D, 300D and 300D Turbodiesel. The 300SD's prior to 1982 were based on the W116 chassis, which was known as the "S-Class", luxury chassis. The W123 was also used until '84 or '85 for the wagons until they were replaced by the W124 chassis, most known for the mid eighties 300E. The W126 chassis came into existence in 1982 and was built until 1991. The W126 replaced the W116 models. Both the W116 and W126 chassis' are magnificent cars. Compared to the W123's, they are better riding and much, much quieter. I am partial to the W123's due to their simplicity, but these W126's will spoil you in short order... Having said the above, here's some information that may be of some help. Manuals: MB is the source here, as usual. Unfortunately, there are no alternate source for the W126's. In a pinch, the Haynes W123 Diesel manual will help with the engine, but you are basically on your own elsewhere. MB does not even stock the shop manuals for the W126's in printed form. They are available only on CD, using Adobe PDF format (NOT my favorite) and cost $130! If you do all, or most, of you own maintenance and repairs, and you insist on having a manual, you'll have to pony up the cost for the CD. Call 800-367-6372 and ask for literature. The reprinted owners manual is only $15, though. Parts: Junkyards should stock a fair amount of these cars since they were built until 1991, but I haven't been able to confirm this. The W123's are getting old and most have been sent to the crusher. If you come across a yard in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with W126's, let me know... For new parts, the MB dealer is the best source. The independent sources here in the Fort Worth area charge about the same as the dealer. From what I understand, if you buy the part from the dealer and it fails, they will replace it (including labor) at no charge. So, if your dealer purchased alternator fails on a cross country trip, any dealer will R & R it for you, NC. I haven't been able to confirm this (thankfully...) but with the cost difference being neglible, what do you have to lose?? Routine mainenance parts, such as filters, etc., can be purchased from almost any parts store. The difference in price is negligible. From the dealer, you'll get Mann or Knecht. A good independent will have Wix. The McParts outfits will carry Fram or Purolator. I strongly urge you to refuse to use Fram filters...I consider them to be JUNK! Wix, Mann or Knecht are all good to use. As for oil, you'll find a wide variety of opinions. John is a big proponent of synthetic oil. I am a proponent, also, but, on a well used diesel engine I feel more comfortable with a regular "dino" oil. My oil of choice is Chevron Delo 15w40. Here in Texas, it's a great all season oil based on my experience. I've used it on 3 different diesels and have seen a performance improvement on each car I've used it with. Shell Rotella is an alternative, but it seemed to break down around 1500 miles the one time I used it. My 300SD had been fed Penzoil for years. Within a couple of days of switching to Delo400, I noticed a distinct difference in performance. Penzoil and Shell are good oils, but I really like Delo400. Also, if you are still changing your oil by pulling the drain plug, try the "Topsider". MB has been changing oil since the late 70's by sucking it out of the dipstick tube. The Topsider does the same thing. It looks like a 2 1/2 gallon, rounded, gas can with a bicycle pump on it. When used properly, it pumps more oil out of the engine, including sludge, than you can get through the drain plug. When was the last time you changed the oil on a diesel without getting any of the black stuff on you or the driveway??? My drain plug may never be removed..... I try to get all my parts through my independent mechanic. I don't save anything by doing this, but do get OEM parts. I'd rather he make the profit on the parts because he's saved me tons of money over the years with his advice. Your independent may not be as consciencious, though. If he doesn't carry it, I'll go to the dealer. For filters, I'll use Wix if I can't get past the dealer. There's another outlet for parts and that's mail order. I prefer to buy locally, but there are many people who are perfectly comfortable with this method of purchasing parts. Here are some of the ones I've heard good things about: http://www.epsparts.com/ - This is Randy Steele and he has a sterling reputation http://rusty.mbz.org/ - New or used, he's got a pretty good following http://performanceproducts.com - These people have a great catalog! I used it as a supplement to the Haynes manual on my 240D. Their prices are on par with the dealer, which I used as a reference. They sent me a W123 catalog without any request, but I have yet to see a W126 catalog which was requested a month ago... One last thing. Most of the responses I have gotten are from former VW diesel owners such as me. We know what LACK OF POWER means.... My '81 Rabbit, with the economy transmission, was the biggest dog I ever drove, but was probably my favorite car. I tore that car apart a few times over the 250,000 miles I put on her and loved it! This 300SD makes me think I've died and gone to heaven!!! If you can add a 5th cylinder and a turbo to a diesel and make it a hot rod, you must have died and gone to heaven, haven't you?? I hope the above helps those who've responded. As I learn new things about my 300SD, I'll let you know. Until then, I'm just going to enjoy it! Jon '84 300SD 131,600?? "Bruno" ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #720 *********************************