From owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Tue Apr 13 17:18:53 2004 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Tuesday, April 13 2004 Volume 01 : Number 1414 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: Re: [db] Re: used car adventures (was the phoenix benz, now the phoenix benz... ;) Re: [db] thoughts on Diesel conversions - the DEAL of a lifetime... [db] Re: used car adventures (was the phoenix benz, now the phoenix benz... ;) Re: [db] thoughts on Diesel conversions - the DEAL of a lifetime... [db] Check your tachometer! [db] RE: 95 E300D Re: [db] [DIESEL] Purchasing Cars (was 87 300TD in Phoenis) [db] Parting with my 300 SDL 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: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 23:30:39 +0000 From: dieseljohn-at-comcast.net Subject: Re: [db] Re: used car adventures (was the phoenix benz, now the phoenix benz... ;) well, that would be a fair statement... funny thing is I'd driven the car to Eugene, OR and back, and around Seattle for over three weeks with no problems, everything had been working dandy... heading out to dinner I smelled burning plastic, the area we were in doesn't permit outdoor burning so I figured someone's car was having an electrical problem and went to hit the air recirculation thing... and what's this? it was already on??? it got worse from there... :) most of the smoke smell is out of the car now, I bought one of those air ionizer things at a truck stop on my last trip down to Oregon. I still need to fix the cruise control, traction control, tie rod, brake rotors, and clean the bugs off the windshield... otherwise life is good with my Diesel. :) john > None the less, > > I bet you were not expecting smoke to be pouring out of your dashboard. > > Robert Chase > > > dieseljohn-at-comcast.net wrote: > > >Actually, the electrical fire was the result of trying to save > >$20 on the aux. heater pump... replaced the pump with a bosch > >and the computer and all is fine... won't deal with that vendor > >again... although he did try to make it right... I've heard of > >others using aftermarket aux water pumps w/o trouble... :( > > > >my '91 is doing quite well... very happy with it. around 30mpg > >in town and actually seen almost 38mpg on the freeway... > > > >john > >----------- > > > >John, > > > >You don't think that electrical fire you had was unexpected or serious? > > > > > >Robert Chase ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 23:23:37 +0000 From: dieseljohn-at-comcast.net Subject: Re: [db] thoughts on Diesel conversions - the DEAL of a lifetime... I just swapped email with Derick, he's letting me off the hook because we've been going back and forth with this deal because of title and schedule problems. I'd like to see him sell it and get clear of it. It's a good car overall, a little rough, but driveable and certainly worthy of being repaired instead of parted. Derick posted pictures of it, but I can't find the link... anyway, it's a screamin' deal at $800 and I hear that Derick will deal as he needs to get rid of it... ;) It's over on the penisula, that's near Bremerton, WA, west of Seattle for you non-Puget Sound types... I think Derick could arrange to have the car waiting at the SeaTac airport... might involve a trip permit or tow dolly or registration, not sure... My plan was to haul it to my friend's shop on a car trailer and dissect it there... :) We did have some thoughts of putting the remains on a Jeep Wagoneer chassis as we have a few of those laying around along with a couple of drivelines... (I've been gathering parts for a few years for the SuperDawg project... ;) So, get in touch with him... (he's the list mom for the diesel benz list - DerickAA The car runs and drives, but has a bad turbo or setup... also the hood flew open and did some damage, it does have a new windshield. The pictures show a few other issues, but for less then a grand this thing would be a splendid daily driver... it'll get mid to upper 20's without doing anything to it... I think Derick was keeping the stereo, big deal... ;) FWIW, just that engine ALONE, without a turbo or injection pump sells for around $1,500!!!! The transmission alone is worth that as well. I've been shopping for an engine like this for several years... the best deal on the combo of engine/trans was $1500. I'm having a VERY, VERY, VERY hard time walking away from this deal... I trust Derick and know that this engine/trans is good, the turbo would run about $300 to get it rebuilt. Someone pay the man and get this deal off of my plate before I have to explain to my wife why there is another car in the driveway. :) I've decided that the current plan of using the '96 4.0L in my '83 J10 makes the most sense. The '87 XJ is getting tired at 249,600 miles and if it dies it'll be buried and given the rest it has earned. ;) So, please, please... someone help Derick (and me) out and buy this thing before I start another project that I don't have time for. :) thanx, john > John, I am interested in the 300D. Please let me know. > Tom > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "john" > To: "diesel-benz list" ; "xj-list" > ; "full size jeep list" > Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2004 9:19 PM > Subject: [db] thoughts on Diesel conversions ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 23:02:22 +0000 From: dieseljohn-at-comcast.net Subject: [db] Re: used car adventures (was the phoenix benz, now the phoenix benz... ;) Actually, the electrical fire was the result of trying to save $20 on the aux. heater pump... replaced the pump with a bosch and the computer and all is fine... won't deal with that vendor again... although he did try to make it right... I've heard of others using aftermarket aux water pumps w/o trouble... :( my '91 is doing quite well... very happy with it. around 30mpg in town and actually seen almost 38mpg on the freeway... john - ----------- John, You don't think that electrical fire you had was unexpected or serious? Robert Chase ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2004 18:06:40 -0700 From: Kevin Pekarek Subject: Re: [db] thoughts on Diesel conversions - the DEAL of a lifetime... On Mon, Apr 12, 2004 at 11:23:37PM +0000, dieseljohn-at-comcast.net wrote: > So, get in touch with him... (he's the list mom for the > diesel benz list - DerickAA My last note said that derick uses derick-at-amburgey.us now, so if he doesn't respond to one, try the other. K - -- Kevin Pekarek Redwood City, CA (near San Francisco) and Los Osos, CA (near San Luis Obispo) 85 190D (601, 5spd) ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 12:17:38 -0400 From: Mike Frank Subject: [db] Check your tachometer! Looking for a cheap calibration reference for your tachometer? Follow this link: http://www.sherline.com/rpmgage.pdf (requires Acrobat reader) All you need is a printer, some rubber cement, and a fluorescent light! I haven't tried this yet, but I may try a permanent version on self-adhesive mylar for my Diesel. Maybe someone can come up with a version for 50-cycle folks. Mike Frank ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 12:42:02 -0400 From: clwhitney-at-dmv.com Subject: [db] RE: 95 E300D Below is a post I made to another list recently. It's interesting that both '95 E300D's I have bought each had 140K +/- on them! In addition to what I wrote below, based on what I see on other lists and my own experience I would say that fuel leaks are becoming common on this year E300D. Most seem related to the plastic lines to and from the fuel filter. There are a few down there, all hard to see due to the intake manifold. If you have any fuel smell other than just a faint whiff, you have a fuel leak somewhere. Pulling the manifold is not a bad job at all on this car, if needed. Make sure the car tracks straight, no wander. The W124 has a multi link rear suspension which can get tired (rubber bushings wear out) and cause rear steer. Front ball joints may be shot too unless replaced, not too bad to fix by a mechanic, probably not a DIY unless you are skilled. Also, motor mounts may be gone if not done already. The car should start very smooth, idle very smooth and no banging or bumping when shutting off. Otherwise the motor mounts may be collapsed, not a big deal, but just mo-money to fix... Begin copied post below >>> I was in your position about 6 months ago. Same car, a '95 E300D. Since then, I managed to total the one I did buy, and bought another just like it! So I've got a bit of E300D experience now. That said, I don't think there is anything in particular to worry about with these cars. As with any used car, the usual "rules" apply. A detailed Pre Purchase Inspection by a trusted mechanic is worth it. And hopefully the owner has the service records. Tell the current owner that you would like to witness a "cold" start, so he shouldn't warm it up prior to your inspection. My GP lamp stays lit for maybe 10 - 15 seconds at temps from 20 - 35 F, and the car starts instantly after the lamp goes off. Look for a lot of smoke on startup - a little is normal but not a lot. Some nailing/clattering is normal on a cold start, but it should go away after a few seconds (depending on the temp). Oil pressure gauge should rise almost instantly. Test cruise control, make sure trip odometer works (reset it), make sure clock works. There should be NO diesel smell around the car unless the fuel filter was just changed. Strong diesel smell = leak somewhere. Test radio, make sure antenna goes up and down. Test headrest motors and seats. Observe wiper for smooth operation. Ask about fuel mileage. Minimum for this car is 30 on mostly highway driving, should be more like 30 - 35. Test HVAC control. Put on auto, econ position. See if heat starts by itself when car shows about 50C on temp gauge. (assuming you are in a cold place!) Select defrost - fan should go to high and air should be routed to windshield. Make sure air comes out dash vents when A/C is selected. When the car is fully warm (mine shows about 80 - 85C in this cold weather), floor it on the highway when you are already traveling at 60 or so - some smoke is normal but you should not see black clouds. Make sure tranny kicks down when you floor it. You can feel the kickdown switch at the bottom of the pedal travel, but it should probably downshift before that. Look for plastic belly pan under engine - they are often discarded when they get damaged. Also they are often saturated with old diesel and the sound insulation is a diesel sponge. It's not a crisis not to have one, but it's some real money to replace. All I can think of for now. Let us know if you buy it! Rgds, Chris Whitney - ------------------------------------------------------ This message was sent using Delmarva Online's Webmail. http://www.dmv.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 12:48:34 -0400 From: Robert Chase Subject: Re: [db] [DIESEL] Purchasing Cars (was 87 300TD in Phoenis) Heh heh, Understandable. Im no master mechanic but I do understand how a car works and I am able to make an informed decision if I want to buy a car or not. So far I have never been screwed and so far I have never used a mechanic to inspect a car and never done a compression test. A sick engine is extremely easy to spot if you look for the telltale signs and sounds. My attitude in regards to Pre Purchase Inspections is they are really combination of two scams. They are designed so some sleazy mechanics can do more work regardless if it needs to be done or not and its designed for buyers to have negotiating leverage with sellers. The simple fact of the matter is ANY 10+ year old car has worn our parts that you can say "need" replacement. Hell most of us with 20+ year old cars could rebuild our cars with parts that "show wear". Mechanics typically put the scare into uneducated car owners by making the suggestion that a part is about to fail. The simple fact of the matter is a 10 year old vehicle has 10 years of wear on it and is not going to be "like new". There are lots of things that are probably working fine but are within the mechanical limits of replacement. You can tell the part is worn but there is no telling when the part will actually start to act up or fail. The mechanic that I use (very rarely as I do a lot of my work myself) informs me of things the right way. Stuff like "you may want to keep an eye on that rear differential seal and have it replaced if the leak gets worse" is much better than "your rear differential seal is shot and is going to leak out all your fluid and kill your differential if you don't have it fixed". When a car ages the priority of part replacment changes. If you had a 2 year old Mercedes with a leaking rear differential you would want to have that fixed ASAP because a leaking seal would be the sign of a defect in Manafacture rather than just age related issue. We all use the flaws to negotiate a better deal with the seller but the simple fact of the matter is all the cars on the market have a combination of these flaws and the seller with the perfect low mileage car can ask a premium well above and beyond the book value of a vehicle and someone (a very stupid person) will come and pay it no questions asked. To be honest with you I have purchased brand new cars with flaws. My 2002 Honda Accord was scratched in two places when they took off the protective plastic coating before I took delivery. My first walk around the car with the dealer I missed the scratches. So why is it suddenly the sellers fault because you dont know your stuff about your cars? Its not their duty to take you around the car and point out every flaw it has. Its your job as the buyer to find these flaws and make a decision to buy the car or not. All the seller needs to do is advertize the car for sale and make arragements for you to see it and take your money and sign the paperwork in the event you decide to buy the vehicle. Regardless if they knew and did not tell you or did not know and sold you a car with mechanical problems its your responsibility to check out these things. Personally I dont like to let buyers PPI cars because most of them want to take the cars themselves which I am very uncomfortable with. Additionally if the car is 10+ years old and even if everything works and it runs great there is some problem lurking around that a buyer will use to try and leverage the price. The simple fact of the matter is every car on the road that is 10+ years old has something wrong with it. You can't have your cake and eat it too you know. There is a reason why people pay 100K+ for a new Mercedes. Robert Chase ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2004 13:20:13 -0700 From: "Randy Eisenhardt" Subject: [db] Parting with my 300 SDL Fellow Listers I am parting with my '87 300 SDL due to a move from CA to ND (company relocation). The car is in great shape. First $4,000 takes it. The particulars: Dark charcoal paint (glossy, can still see a good reflection in it), grey leather interior 310,000 miles Tranny rebuilt at 265k miles (previous owner) Head gasket replaced at 275k miles (PO - Benz mechanic) New radiator at 275k (PO) Turbo rebuilt at 275k (PO) Transmission fluid, filter, gasket at 282k Front end steering work done at 293k including thrust rod bushings, steering shock, idler arm bushings, drag link cable New battery at 300k Fan clutch replaced at 302k Most things work: the cruise control does surge on occasion dash center vents do not blow cold during AC use, although AC does work and side vents and defrost vents do blow cold air Driver and passenger seat cushions have been swapped out Oil & filter done every 5k miles (since my commute is 31 miles, all freeway) Car is consistently getting 23 - 25 mpg (better when I ease off the pedal) - 95% of the mileage after 275k has been freeway (don't know about before) Photos and additional information upon request. The car is located in Morgan Hill, CA during the week and Prunedale, CA on the weekends. Randy Eisenhardt Alien Technology 18220 Butterfield Blvd. Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 782-3971 reisenhardt-at-alientechnology.com ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #1414 **********************************