From: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net (diesel-benz-digest) To: diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Subject: diesel-benz-digest V1 #1017 Reply-To: diesel-benz-at-digest.net Sender: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Errors-To: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Precedence: bulk diesel-benz-digest Tuesday, May 13 2003 Volume 01 : Number 1017 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: Re: 300SDL ALDA Re: Topsider, WAS: Air filter recommendation? Re: xj: Re: Fram Oil filters A Couple Questions RE: Topsider, WAS: Air filter recommendation? RE: badges? we don't need no... ;) Interesting DIY Waste oil conversion/tips tree attacks benz; need parts... Re: Topsider, WAS: Air filter recommendation? 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: Tue, 13 May 2003 11:38:31 -0700 From: Kevin Pekarek Subject: Re: 300SDL ALDA On Tue, May 13, 2003 at 08:33:55AM -0700, mark sorros wrote: > In the process of replacing the vacuum shutoff valve > on the IP of my 87 300SDL, I had to remove the ALDA > and the three prong wire connector next to it. I put > it all back together, and it now has no low end > torque. After about 40mph, it runs great. I'm > thinking I have messed up the ALDA adjustment. > However it looks to me like there's no adjustment on > the unit. I have checked the ALDA unit off the car > and it holds vacuum. On the car it doesn't. I > checked the on car results against a friend's SDL it > doesn't hold vacuum. The friends car runs great. So > I'm inclined to rule out a vacuum leak at the unit. On the surface, I'd agree with that. I don't know what an ALDA is, so I don't know if it should hold vacuum. I'd check the contacts of that three prong wire (maybe grab a multimeter and compare the resistance of the wires with your friend's car or something?), since it seems a lot of mercedes products occasionally suffer from electrical maladies due to bad connections. > Does the list have any ideas or suggestions? Also, > I'm looking for a good MB diesel mechanic in Northern > California (Silicon Valley). I don't know of one, but when I asked the list a while ago, I got the following recommendation (you all got a copy a couple months ago so I don't feel bad about reforwarding it): - ----- From: REisenhardt-at-AlienTechnology.com To: kevin-at-mordred.punk.net, Cc: diesel-benz-at-digest.net Subject: RE: second thoughts about recommendation... Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 18:31:10 -0800 X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2656.59) Kevin There's a pretty good place in Monterey called Honest Engines. Guy's a second generation MB mechanic. I think it's owned by both father and son, but I've dealt with the son exclusively. Fairly reasonable, lots of older MBs in the lot for repair. Seems to know diesels pretty well... Randy - ----- Good luck, and keep us posted. K - -- Kevin Pekarek Redwood City, CA (near San Francisco) and Los Osos, CA (near San Luis Obispo) ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 11:40:10 -0700 From: Kevin Pekarek Subject: Re: Topsider, WAS: Air filter recommendation? On Tue, May 13, 2003 at 03:10:16AM -0500, Jon Filina wrote: > Jon > '84 300SD 158,100 mi. "Bruno" An E-code and Topsider weiney ^^^^^^^^^^^ Get your grille badge yet? you qualify for the 250k km badge. :) K - -- Kevin Pekarek Redwood City, CA (near San Francisco) and Los Osos, CA (near San Luis Obispo) ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 11:40:16 -0700 From: john Subject: Re: xj: Re: Fram Oil filters Mike makes a good point... it's not really so much the quality of the filter or even the oil, but how well something is maintained. If you do an oil change every two thousand miles, keep a clean air filter, warm the car up completely and don't abuse it, even the cheapest oil that has the proper SAE ratings and weight ratings for the engine will work fine. The antidrainback feature in a filter does help on startup, and that's where a lot of wear occurs... I have seen engines where the oil brands I wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy were used, but the vehicle was meticulously serviced and the motor is nice and clean and holding up well... So, it really comes down to changing the dino oil and filters often... as for me and my vehicles I enjoy the ability to safely go a year with the amsoil synthetic and not worry about it. I just went 22,500 miles on one of my rigs and had the oil analyzed. The rating came back indicating that it was time to change it in part because the viscosity had increased (dirt in suspension). One of the problems was I had neglected to change the filter at the 6 month/12,000 mile interval, that certainly wasn't a good thing. :) I shudder to think if I'd gone that long with any dino oil... I usually don't go that long, I typically change my synthetic at least once a year and usually only see about 10,000 miles or so... :) Still, it's nice to know that I can go that long and not do damage. On my Diesels I usually only go about 8,000 miles, even though the synthetic under the right conditions can go to 15,000 miles. One thing I found interesting in Mike's note... that he's rarely had a vehicle body outlast the engine... where in the heck do you live? :) Don't want to go there... salt on the roads or just the climate??? I'll live with clouds and mold... and rust free vehicles. ;) john At 09:28 AM 5/13/2003 -0500, Mike wrote: >I first saw this article about a year ago, but never the quote from the >Fram guy (I don't know how much credibility I can put in him either). I >emailed the author regarding the HP series and no reply or update in these >regards. >I personally have never seen nor seen anything concrete saying that any >particular brand caused a premature death to an engine. I worked the >quick lube business on the store level for 10+ years (just shy of 1/4 >million oil changes) and the #1 cause for failure was lack of or improper >maintenance. The only oil filters that actually failed were a result of >faulty oil pumps pushing hundred of psi at startup. Product quality was >not an issue. Valvoline & Penzoil both used Champion Lab filters while >Quaker State used Fram. Kind of funny, as Penzoil owns both QS and >Purolater. GM had an issue with their first IFS full size trucks and >recommended Fram over their own AC-Delco filters. I have Champion Lab >filters on my Jeep and Oldsmobile, and Fram on my Suburban. The only >reason for the disparity is I got cases when I got the vehicles, and still >worked for QS when I got the Chevy. None of my vehicles have had a body >outlive the engine. > >Wix produced filters are easy to find, they make the NAPA line of filters. > >Mike > >john wrote: >: I have a cross reference guide, might be able to cross >: some of >: the filters the author mentions to wix and amsoil and >: hastings... >: >: john >: >: At 11:41 AM 5/12/2003 -0500, Black, Waylon wrote: >:: This is a good read on oil filters - great story. Author >:: was even threatened with legal action. >:: >:: http://minimopar.net/oilfilterstudy-mopar.html >:: >:: If you have trouble with the site, it is mirrored all >:: over the web. >:: >:: >http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstu >:: dy.html >:: >:: Search google for : oil filter study Knize >:: WB >:: >:: -----Original Message----- >:: From: Jon Filina [mailto:jfilina-at-surfbest.net] >:: Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2003 6:24 PM >:: To: diesel-benz-at-digest.net >:: Subject: Re: Air filter recommendation? >:: >:: Paul wrote: >:: >::: Can someone help me separate the hype from the useful >::: information in selecting an air filter for my 240D? >::: What do y'all use in your Benz? Do I go the Fram or >::: Purolator route, or is there something to K&N's claims >::: to be the "best" (albeit fragile) filter available? >::: For what >::: its worth, there does not appear to be an Amsoil filter >::: for this application. >:: >:: I'm a bit late on this, but wanted to throw my 2 cents >:: in. >:: >:: I have been using Wix for several years. The local >:: parts store where I >:: get my Delo 400 oil carries this brand. My mechanic >:: tells me he used to use Wix because their filters (air, >:: fuel and oil) are just as good as >:: the OEM ones (Mann and Knecht). He went back to Mann >:: when the Wix >:: products became more expensive. >:: >:: When it comes to air filters, as others have mentioned, >:: it doesn't much matter. I have used Fram and Purolator >:: with no problems. The Wix brand >:: is just as good, if not better. >:: >:: But, oil filters are a different thing. I refuse to use >:: Fram. Their >:: spin on for my '81 Rabbit was junk. Purolator was >:: acceptable. My 240D, may she rest in peace...., >:: received Fram filters when I used the local quickee oil >:: change place. I didn't notice any problems with them, >:: but started using Wix filters when I got my Topsider and >:: started doing the >:: oil changes myself. That decision was based on my >:: irritation with the dorks at the lube center constantly >:: trying to remove the spin on fuel filter thinking it was >:: the oil filter.... >:: >:: My 300SD has received Wix filters since I got it, with >:: an occasional >:: Mann if I was able to get it from my mechanic. I have >:: had no problems >:: with their product. The combination of Chevron Delo400 >:: (15w40) and Wix filters has worked for me for 2 MB >:: diesels. In fact, I changed Bruno's >:: oil this last tuesday after, and I'm ashamed to admit >:: this, almost 7000 miles. The Wix filter appeared to be >:: still doing it's job (which I >:: don't think would have been the case with a Fram) and >:: the Delo400 had >:: not started to break down, based on hot oil pressure >:: readings (Shell Rotella broke down around 1500 miles...). >:: >:: When it comes to air filters, take your pick but stay >:: away from K&N. When it come to oil filters, you can do >:: far better than Fram. >:: >:: Jon >:: '84 300SD 158,000 mi. "Bruno" >: >: ------------------------------------------------------------------ >: http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ >: Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they >: mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, >: please! >: ------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 14:48:05 -0400 From: "J.B. Hebert" Subject: A Couple Questions Hello: First, let me say that I've been away from Diesel Benzes for a few years. My parents had an '84 Euro spec 300TD that they sold with 350,000 miles on it. I've been tossing the idea of an engine swap around for another vehicle, and the OM617.95 variant of the 5 cylinder turbo diesel seems to be the perfect choice. Availability, reliability, simplicity, and price all seem good. However, I do have some questions. I have had a hard time finding detailed specifications for HP, torque, size, weight,etc. for various years. The sites that I can find all appear to conflict with one another. Does anyone have this information handy? Also, what car model(s) should I look at for the donor? It appears that the 300SD has a different engine part number than the 300TD. What was the most powerful variant of this engine? I would likely be keeping the 4 speed auto and was wondering about gear ratios, dimensions, and weight for this item as well. Finally, I know this engine can be tuned for much more power than it makes from the factory. Are there any good resources out there for proper tuning techniques? Thanks in advance. I'm sure I'll have more questions as the project progresses. J.B. Hebert ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 14:52:16 -0400 From: "Aimino, Michael" Subject: RE: Topsider, WAS: Air filter recommendation? OK, dumb questions. Do you have to be the original owner to get a badge? And do you just call MB-USA? Or do you have to go to a dealer? - -----Original Message----- From: Kevin Pekarek [mailto:kevin-at-mordred.punk.net] Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 2:40 PM To: Jon Filina Cc: diesel-benz-at-digest.net Subject: Re: Topsider, WAS: Air filter recommendation? On Tue, May 13, 2003 at 03:10:16AM -0500, Jon Filina wrote: > Jon > '84 300SD 158,100 mi. "Bruno" An E-code and Topsider weiney ^^^^^^^^^^^ Get your grille badge yet? you qualify for the 250k km badge. :) K - -- Kevin Pekarek Redwood City, CA (near San Francisco) and Los Osos, CA (near San Luis Obispo) ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 11:55:19 -0700 From: john Subject: RE: badges? we don't need no... ;) At 02:52 PM 5/13/2003 -0400, Aimino, Michael wrote: >OK, dumb questions. Do you have to be the original owner to get a badge? And >do you just call MB-USA? Or do you have to go to a dealer? no, anyone, call mb-usa... I need to do the same for ludwig... :) john - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 14:24:20 -0500 From: "Black, Waylon" Subject: Interesting DIY Waste oil conversion/tips I have been chatting with this fellow on his recent DIY conversion. Will pass along his pics/ideas. I removed his name/email until he is ready to receive Q's. Talk about low cost and simple. Anybody in the North Carolina area got some job leads? Waylon "Black, Waylon" wrote: > > Pics would be great. > > I was thinking of using four, 55 gallon drums. 2 for storage, 2(in the back > of the pick-up) for transfer but was concerned about what to do with the > sediments. Do you lust take the 'leftover' back? How much is left over? It has not been a problem for me so far. First off, the input line of my pump system has a 50 micron strainer on it, so no big chunks get in to begin with. I plan to get the oil only when the dumpster is more than half full, so the junk and water has settled to the bottom of the dumpster and I can avoid dealing with it to begin with. I submerge the strainer a few inches below the top oil level--not too deep, as you'll get junk then. Currently I collect in 5 gallon paint buckets loaded on my utility trailer (I have 14 of them...) because they are easy to carry. I noticed a distinct cloudiness in the oil as I lowered the strainer deeper into the dumpster because I was picking up more junk. After collecting, I let the oil sit for about a week before any further processing. When I'm ready to filter, I only suck the top 3/4 of each pail. I then recombine the last 1/4 of the pails together and let it settle for another week. When you recombine them, you can see the junk at the bottom. For me, it was only a very thin (< 1/4 inch) layer of very dark sediment. I have observed no water content on the bottom of my containers so far. I keep repeating this process. Eventually if I get a pail with a non-negligible amount of junk, I plan to dump it back into the dumpster on my next collection run (AFTER collection!) I've been scoping out dumpsters for a few months, peeking into them. I've seen some that have a solid mess in them at around 50-60 degrees (a local steak house). I'd steer clear of these--it would be too much trouble to deal with that mess. It seems that Chinese and mexican restaurants around here have beautiful golden oil. I got mine from a mexican restaurant. The exhaust of the car smells unbelievable! It has a distinct smell of grilling hamburgers. It'll get you hungry in a hurry. I'll try to get you some pictures in the near future. There will be a slight delay, though, as my office is about to be axed and I'll probably get laid off > > "Black, Waylon" wrote: > > > > Amazing - got a website or some pics of the conversion? > > No website yet, although hopefully I will eventually. I have > pictures, but not here at work. > > > Would like to see your process/setup for gathering/straining the waste > oil. > > It is very simple. It is a 12V diesel transfer pump that I bought at > Northern with a bunch of fittings & hose T's with integrated shut-off > valves. I can use the pump to either transfer oil without filtering > (from the restaurant grease dumpster) at around 5 gallons per minute, > or I can flip the shut-off valves to pump the oil through a 5 micron > filter after I had allowed the oil to settle. The main problem with > this pump is it is clunky in size with the pump, filter, fittings, and > three hoses dangling from it and it is messy after you use it--it > always leaks oil out when in storage right now--I need to install some > end caps to solve this. Eventually I'll take a picture of this > thing. I can pass it your way if you are interested. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 12:28:55 -0700 From: john Subject: tree attacks benz; need parts... viscous PNW tree hits benz... ouch... need front end parts. (tree branch blew down in storm and attacked this car... :( http://www.wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/79-300CD/ http://www.wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/79-300CD/P3290001.JPG john - ------------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 15:38:16 -0400 From: Robert Chase Subject: Re: Topsider, WAS: Air filter recommendation? Nope, As well you still can get Mercedes Roadside assistance for "free" (if you dont need a tow) just because your car has a three pronged star on the hood. I had to call the other day when one of my 3 month old Michelens exploded on the highway. The slipped a belt and there was a minefield of metal near the wheel. They were more than happy to send someone out to help even though I decided to get brave and do it myself. Needless to say when I arrived with bloody hands at the tire place I got 4 new Michelens at no charge (with a little prodding). Robert... Aimino, Michael wrote: >OK, dumb questions. Do you have to be the original owner to get a badge? And >do you just call MB-USA? Or do you have to go to a dealer? > >-----Original Message----- >From: Kevin Pekarek [mailto:kevin-at-mordred.punk.net] >Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 2:40 PM >To: Jon Filina >Cc: diesel-benz-at-digest.net >Subject: Re: Topsider, WAS: Air filter recommendation? > > >On Tue, May 13, 2003 at 03:10:16AM -0500, Jon Filina wrote: > > >>Jon >>'84 300SD 158,100 mi. "Bruno" An E-code and Topsider weiney >> >> > ^^^^^^^^^^^ > >Get your grille badge yet? you qualify for the 250k km badge. :) > >K > >-- >Kevin Pekarek >Redwood City, CA (near San Francisco) and >Los Osos, CA (near San Luis Obispo) ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #1017 **********************************