Subject: diesel-benz-digest V1 #1889 From: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net (diesel-benz-digest) Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 02:13:04 +0000 To: diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net diesel-benz-digest Tuesday, July 12 2005 Volume 01 : Number 1889 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: [db] diesel-benz-digest V1 #1888 [db] diesel-benz-digest V1 #1888 [db] RE: Perky Surges [db] Adjusted the Valves [db] Aha! / Sigh! and A/C 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: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 21:55:36 +0000 From: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net (diesel-benz-digest) Subject: [db] diesel-benz-digest V1 #1888 diesel-benz-digest Sunday, July 10 2005 Volume 01 : Number 1888 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: [db] wagoneers.com? Re: [db] perky surges Re: [db] perky surges [db] Automatic Transmission Fluid change on a 190D 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: Sat, 09 Jul 2005 14:15:46 -0700 From: john meister Subject: [db] wagoneers.com? I'm about ready to take the plunge and get a fixed IP address via comcast and host wagoneers.com here in my office. I will be able to offer "wagoneers.com" email addresses and web space with ftp/ssh/mail access. They will permit me to have three domains. I've got two now: wagoneers.com and JohnMeister.com If we can figure out another domain that is available that would be equally attractive as an email address I will register and offer that as well. Anyone interested in a wagoneers.com (or JohnMeister.com) email address/web address? The server will have 5M down, 512K up, space shouldn't be a problem, I'll start out with 1 gig of web space per user and add on from there. Before I proceed I need at least a few folks willing to subscribe for a year. I'm thinking in the area of $5/month for basic email/web and add on for additional features/services. I'll need at least 10 subscribers at that rate, less of course will require a higher monthly amount... if you're willing to pay more, make a suggestion on what you think is fair. let me know, john meister - ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 01:17:35 +0000 From: Bruce Caruthers Subject: Re: [db] perky surges I'm currently running with whatever oil Barrier Motors in Bellevue used several months ago. (Mobil 1?) Probably about due for a change, based on age (nowhere near 3000 miles yet since then). When I checked the oil today after a brief highway run (which had a brief "perky" moment) it was at the "full" level. Haven't noticed any unusual amounts of smoke, other than occasionally on startup (but my startup routine may vary a bit, depending on impatience) Jim Startup said everything seemed to be good when he replaced the master brake cylinder, but that perhaps I should consider a valve adjustment in not too long. When the car was new, in relatively flat Long Island (New York) it got 26 mpg. It dropped to 23 mpg in California, and then to 21 mpg when they switched to the reformulated diesel down there. Popped back up to 23/24 after a few fillups up here, now is pushing 25 mpg. - - -bkc Lynnwood, WA '76 MB 240D/W115.117 '00 MB ML320/W163.154 On Fri Jul 08, 2005, John Meister wrote: >> >> what kind of oil are you using? >> is it being consumed? >> extra smoke out the tail pipe? >> >> could be that your rings and injectors were slightly gummed up >> and are now free... >> >> you're only getting 25mpg??? - ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 02:13:07 +0000 From: dieseljohn-at-comcast.net Subject: Re: [db] perky surges some days shadowfax feels perkier than others... :) went up to schucks to get jeep parts today and he really felt frisky... not sure if it's the veggie oil or just a nice day. :) enjoy it when it's there. john >> I'm currently running with whatever oil Barrier >> Motors in Bellevue used several months ago. >> (Mobil 1?) Probably about due for a change, based >> on age (nowhere near 3000 miles yet since then). >> >> When I checked the oil today after a brief highway >> run (which had a brief "perky" moment) it was at the >> "full" level. >> >> Haven't noticed any unusual amounts of smoke, other >> than occasionally on startup (but my startup routine >> may vary a bit, depending on impatience) >> >> Jim Startup said everything seemed to be good when >> he replaced the master brake cylinder, but that >> perhaps I should consider a valve adjustment in not >> too long. >> >> When the car was new, in relatively flat Long Island >> (New York) it got 26 mpg. It dropped to 23 mpg in >> California, and then to 21 mpg when they switched to >> the reformulated diesel down there. Popped back up >> to 23/24 after a few fillups up here, now is pushing >> 25 mpg. >> >> -bkc >> Lynnwood, WA >> '76 MB 240D/W115.117 >> '00 MB ML320/W163.154 >> >> On Fri Jul 08, 2005, John Meister wrote: > >>> > >>> > what kind of oil are you using? >>> > is it being consumed? >>> > extra smoke out the tail pipe? >>> > >>> > could be that your rings and injectors were slightly gummed up >>> > and are now free... >>> > >>> > you're only getting 25mpg??? - ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:53:50 -0400 From: "wmpless" Subject: [db] Automatic Transmission Fluid change on a 190D Hi, Considered to change the tranny fluid on my car but decided to have it done by an independent garage as I was not sure how easy it would be turn the torque converter from underneath. I was able to observe and can say that in future I could do it myself. Here are a few details: After jacked/hoisted up remove the drain plug from the pan. Next remove remove screws from pan and remove pan. Then remove filter from tranny - big flat metal piece and install new one. Clean pan very carefully, replace gasket and reinstall pan. Torque converter is in front of this pan. If drain screw not at the bottom you turn the t.conv. with a large screw driver or small breaker bar. A fair amount of tr.fluid will drain out there and this step should not be skipped. You will need a larger container to catch the tr. fluid. Transmission will need very close to 5 1/2 litres fluid. It is not difficult to do and a DIY job will save you around US$ 100.00 Cheers - ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #1888 ********************************** ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 21:55:36 +0000 From: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net (diesel-benz-digest) Subject: [db] diesel-benz-digest V1 #1888 diesel-benz-digest Sunday, July 10 2005 Volume 01 : Number 1888 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: [db] wagoneers.com? Re: [db] perky surges Re: [db] perky surges [db] Automatic Transmission Fluid change on a 190D 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: Sat, 09 Jul 2005 14:15:46 -0700 From: john meister Subject: [db] wagoneers.com? I'm about ready to take the plunge and get a fixed IP address via comcast and host wagoneers.com here in my office. I will be able to offer "wagoneers.com" email addresses and web space with ftp/ssh/mail access. They will permit me to have three domains. I've got two now: wagoneers.com and JohnMeister.com If we can figure out another domain that is available that would be equally attractive as an email address I will register and offer that as well. Anyone interested in a wagoneers.com (or JohnMeister.com) email address/web address? The server will have 5M down, 512K up, space shouldn't be a problem, I'll start out with 1 gig of web space per user and add on from there. Before I proceed I need at least a few folks willing to subscribe for a year. I'm thinking in the area of $5/month for basic email/web and add on for additional features/services. I'll need at least 10 subscribers at that rate, less of course will require a higher monthly amount... if you're willing to pay more, make a suggestion on what you think is fair. let me know, john meister - ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 01:17:35 +0000 From: Bruce Caruthers Subject: Re: [db] perky surges I'm currently running with whatever oil Barrier Motors in Bellevue used several months ago. (Mobil 1?) Probably about due for a change, based on age (nowhere near 3000 miles yet since then). When I checked the oil today after a brief highway run (which had a brief "perky" moment) it was at the "full" level. Haven't noticed any unusual amounts of smoke, other than occasionally on startup (but my startup routine may vary a bit, depending on impatience) Jim Startup said everything seemed to be good when he replaced the master brake cylinder, but that perhaps I should consider a valve adjustment in not too long. When the car was new, in relatively flat Long Island (New York) it got 26 mpg. It dropped to 23 mpg in California, and then to 21 mpg when they switched to the reformulated diesel down there. Popped back up to 23/24 after a few fillups up here, now is pushing 25 mpg. - - -bkc Lynnwood, WA '76 MB 240D/W115.117 '00 MB ML320/W163.154 On Fri Jul 08, 2005, John Meister wrote: >> >> what kind of oil are you using? >> is it being consumed? >> extra smoke out the tail pipe? >> >> could be that your rings and injectors were slightly gummed up >> and are now free... >> >> you're only getting 25mpg??? - ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 02:13:07 +0000 From: dieseljohn-at-comcast.net Subject: Re: [db] perky surges some days shadowfax feels perkier than others... :) went up to schucks to get jeep parts today and he really felt frisky... not sure if it's the veggie oil or just a nice day. :) enjoy it when it's there. john >> I'm currently running with whatever oil Barrier >> Motors in Bellevue used several months ago. >> (Mobil 1?) Probably about due for a change, based >> on age (nowhere near 3000 miles yet since then). >> >> When I checked the oil today after a brief highway >> run (which had a brief "perky" moment) it was at the >> "full" level. >> >> Haven't noticed any unusual amounts of smoke, other >> than occasionally on startup (but my startup routine >> may vary a bit, depending on impatience) >> >> Jim Startup said everything seemed to be good when >> he replaced the master brake cylinder, but that >> perhaps I should consider a valve adjustment in not >> too long. >> >> When the car was new, in relatively flat Long Island >> (New York) it got 26 mpg. It dropped to 23 mpg in >> California, and then to 21 mpg when they switched to >> the reformulated diesel down there. Popped back up >> to 23/24 after a few fillups up here, now is pushing >> 25 mpg. >> >> -bkc >> Lynnwood, WA >> '76 MB 240D/W115.117 >> '00 MB ML320/W163.154 >> >> On Fri Jul 08, 2005, John Meister wrote: > >>> > >>> > what kind of oil are you using? >>> > is it being consumed? >>> > extra smoke out the tail pipe? >>> > >>> > could be that your rings and injectors were slightly gummed up >>> > and are now free... >>> > >>> > you're only getting 25mpg??? - ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 17:53:50 -0400 From: "wmpless" Subject: [db] Automatic Transmission Fluid change on a 190D Hi, Considered to change the tranny fluid on my car but decided to have it done by an independent garage as I was not sure how easy it would be turn the torque converter from underneath. I was able to observe and can say that in future I could do it myself. Here are a few details: After jacked/hoisted up remove the drain plug from the pan. Next remove remove screws from pan and remove pan. Then remove filter from tranny - big flat metal piece and install new one. Clean pan very carefully, replace gasket and reinstall pan. Torque converter is in front of this pan. If drain screw not at the bottom you turn the t.conv. with a large screw driver or small breaker bar. A fair amount of tr.fluid will drain out there and this step should not be skipped. You will need a larger container to catch the tr. fluid. Transmission will need very close to 5 1/2 litres fluid. It is not difficult to do and a DIY job will save you around US$ 100.00 Cheers - ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #1888 ********************************** ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2005 08:15:21 -0700 From: "Nick Eckert" Subject: [db] RE: Perky Surges Bruce, I have an 81 240D, with a manual tranny. I regularly get 33 plus when I behave myself. I usually cruise I-5 at around 75mph which gets me around 28-29mpg. I can easily bury the needle (85mph). I would do several things: Change your fuel filters Change your air filter (you would be surprised how much this affects performance) Change your injectors. Buy them online, about $200 for all 4 Adjust your valves This should take about 2 hours and you will need a 27mm deep well socket for the injectors. After you have done all that, here is the most important thing with any diesel...run it hard! Diesels love to be driven hard, it keeps the carbon from building and they don't smoke as much. Cheers, Nick 1981 240D manual 1961 2.5TD 88" Hybrid Land Rover 1967 Land Rover 109.....waiting for the 110 chassis and Cummins 6at conversion. BRUCE WROTE: Subject: Re: [db] perky surges I'm currently running with whatever oil Barrier Motors in Bellevue used several months ago. (Mobil 1?) Probably about due for a change, based on age (nowhere near 3000 miles yet since then). When I checked the oil today after a brief highway run (which had a brief "perky" moment) it was at the "full" level. Haven't noticed any unusual amounts of smoke, other than occasionally on startup (but my startup routine may vary a bit, depending on impatience) Jim Startup said everything seemed to be good when he replaced the master brake cylinder, but that perhaps I should consider a valve adjustment in not too long. When the car was new, in relatively flat Long Island (New York) it got 26 mpg. It dropped to 23 mpg in California, and then to 21 mpg when they switched to the reformulated diesel down there. Popped back up to 23/24 after a few fillups up here, now is pushing 25 mpg. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2005 08:16:30 -0700 (PDT) From: Jerome Kaidor Subject: [db] Adjusted the Valves ...on my 300D. I got the wrench kit from mercedessource.com. A lot of thought went into that kit. The wrenches are basically a pair of store-bought 14mm open-end guys, bent to the appropriate shape, the box end cut off, and a piece of pipe welded on. One wrench points a bit to the right, the other one a bit to the left. That way, there's always a wrench that works. They even included a pair of nitrile gloves. I did have to grind the heads down a bit - they were just a tad too thick. The kit came with some good advice, maybe worth as much as the wrenches - he advised to draw a diagram of the valves, and check them off as you do them. And to put a daub of paint on each feeler blade that you use. I painted the exhaust one red and the intake one white.... I had clicked on the 240D kit by mistake, and emailed him - he said "no problem", and included the 300D gasket, even though the list price of that kit was a buck or so more than the 240D one. The 300D valve train is extremely short & stiff. Basically, the cam lobe presses on a hinged follower, which presses on the valve itself. The top of the valve is threaded, and a pair of nuts on the valve adjust the lash. The effect of having such a stiff valve train is that there is very little slop or flex in it - so it can be challenging to get the adjustment right. Either it's too tight or too loose. BTW, all but one valve were too tight. Tight valves are of course serious bad mojo for any four-stroke engine. They can cause the exhaust valves & seats to burn, because the valve doesn't seat properly, and never gets too cool off. Maybe that's not as critical on a diesel, because they're not as hot.... Anyway, I found that the adjustment with the locknut loose was meaningless: it would change from "way too loose" to "way too tight" when I locked it. So I found that the way to get the adjustment was to 1. loosen the locknut. 2. Tighten the cap onto the locknet 3. Measure the lash 4. If not correct, goto 1 That way, the cap & locknut would proceed down the stem of the valve until the lash was right, with each measurement being done with them locked together. The car runs noticeably smoother now, and I deem it ready for its new life as a Fresno airport car. Unfortunately, the weather in the valley is forecast in the 100's this coming week. And there are no shelters available at the airport - the lady said "maybe in August". Sigh. Gues I'll just enjoy the car in town for a while. - Jerry Kaidor ( jerry-at-tr2.com ) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2005 22:08:42 -0400 From: Edward Pomeroy Subject: [db] Aha! / Sigh! and A/C Dear fellow listers: After getting the engine oil leaks, timing chain, cracked chain area cover and a lot of other small things repaired by a pro - I decided to tackle the non working A/C on my own. This is a 93 W124 series 300D with the 2.5 engine. After putting the day glow green UV reactive dye and one bottle of R134 with lubricant and sealant into the system, the pressure gauge read spot on and THERE WAS COLD AIR for the first time since I have owned this beastie. I ran the system for about 10 minutes, shut it down and went in to have a celebratory beer. As dusk approached I went out with my trusty UV lamp and searched in vain for any sign of leaks. None in the condenser (where I expected it), none at the expansion chamber, none on the exposed pipes. I was almost ready to call it a day, when I see "smoke" curling out of the vents inside and out of the area by the monowiper and the air intake vents along the outside of the windshield.I opened the windows, no smell so it is not electrical in origin (good), I now suspect the freon leak is inside the dash (sigh!!!). The manual on disk is most obscure and unhelpful. Does any one have a better (English) description on how to get a look at the inside where the heat exchange core is? How to remove it? How is it constructed and why would it leak? Any pictures on a server anywhere? After the major outlay on the engine, I would like to try and tackle this one myself. Thanks for any pointers or directions to source of info. Edward in hot drought parched Michigan. ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #1889 **********************************