From owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Sun Feb 5 22:20:11 2006 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Monday, February 6 2006 Volume 01 : Number 2091 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: [db] 4.7 stays... saturday snohomish [db] Dodge Caliber [db] The trouble with locks [db] Hello??? Re: [db] Hello??? Re: [db] Dodge Caliber Re: [db] Dodge Caliber [db] strange traffic in seattle... Re: [db] The trouble with locks Re: [db] The trouble with locks Re: [db] The trouble with locks Re: [db] The trouble with locks Re: [db] The trouble with locks Re: [db] Hello??? 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, 4 Feb 2006 19:56:07 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: [db] 4.7 stays... saturday snohomish spent several hours driving wj's around today... deciding which one was noisier, etc. the silver 4.7 wj won. It lost in a few areas, but won overall. I'm happy, otherwise I would have had to move all the stuff to the other wj... now, just need to get the white 4.0 in autotrader... seattle is at the end of a big windstorm, cable internet is out. acessing email from treo 650 using pssh client (thanx chuck) in bash shell using pine and vi. :) cleaned up the carport a bit today. need to figure out which mb filters go w/ my 124, any p/n sources on line? Have a bunch of small FSJ parts like door handles and armrests. Also XJ wiring harness, dash part. Still need to part the 87. later, john ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://JohnMeister.com **** http://wagoneers.com ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold ** http://freegift.net *** http://greatcom.org/laws/languages.html ** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 01:56:02 -0500 From: "wmpless" Subject: [db] Dodge Caliber Read today a fairly positive report about the Dodge Caliber. It mentioned that the car would be offered in Europe with VW TDI engine. No such plans for NA. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 13:20:05 -0600 From: Jon Filina Subject: [db] The trouble with locks Y'All, Yesterday started out and ended badly.... I'll start out with the ending, first. My daughter has been driving my '84 300SD for the last few weeks since her '94 Chevy Cavalier decided to overheat, warp the head and crack the block. It runs, but only about 10 minutes before the temp gauge hits the red zone. The Chevy's demise was fine by me as that has to be one of the biggest pieces of junk I have ever worked on. Actually, I only worked on it once or twice before refusing any additional requests. That piece of junk appears to have been designed by committee using off the shelf parts. There is not a shred of "engineering logic" in the whole car.... Then again, I've driven German cars since '76 and have become used to a certain "logic" in the way things work and are assembled. VW's and MB's are the same, they just use different parts in a similar perspective. But, as they say, I digress... I held off allowing my daughter to drive the SD until it became apparent that she needed "wheels" for a bit before she could buy a replacement. When I finally gave in to everyone accusing me of being a bad dad, I gave her a tour of what to do, and not to do, when she was using "Bruno". Using the power windows were out. The driver's rear and passenger front were ok. But, only lower them a few inches, just in case... The passenger's rear is inop, blocked in the up position according to my mechanic due to a bad lift rail, and the driver's window switch doesn't spring back when you press it. So, don't use the windows and only open the sunroof a few inches, just in case.... The push button climate control is about toast. Try to make it work, but don't get your hopes up... And, lastly, when you park "Bruno", turn the wheel to a 30-45 degree angle and leave it there. That was the recommendation of my mechanic when I had the ignition tumblers replaced. He wanted to do the steering column lock at the same time, which worked just fine, but I didn't want to spend the money since I wasn't sure I'd be keeping "Bruno". I did keep the car and should have... So, yesterday afternoon I get a call from my daughter. She can't turn the key because the steering wheel won't turn. I tell her to rock the wheel, but nothing works. She finds a way to work... When I get home, I try it. Nothing works... It's apparent that the steering column lock has gone south. When I asked her if she'd headed my advice, she said yes. She'd turned the wheel to 30-45 degrees, turned off the ignition, and turned the wheel to the horizontal position......... I helped bringing her into this world, I can take her out of it! Is there any way that "lock bolt" can be removed short of taking everything apart? I don't think so and will probably have to talk my brother into removing his '57 Chevy from his flatbed trailer so we can take it to Dennis' to be repaired. The '57 has been a restoration project of his for almost 20 years, so I may have to resort to alternative measures... As for problem number one... Yesterday morning, on the way to work, I stopped to refuel. The trip meter on my '95 E300D was at about 600 miles, showing a quarter tank left, but I didn't want to run the tank much lower. I went to open the trunk to get my glove and it wouldn't open. No matter what I did, no go... I fueled up and headed for the office, some 50 miles away. After further checking, I noticed that the trunk lid was slightly crooked. Pushing the lock button didn't do any good no matter what position it was in. It appears that someone had tried to break into the trunk, but no damage was done except for a slight chip in the paint. Is there a way on this W124 to get into the trunk and pop the lid open? I thought there might be a release behind the back seat, but the owner's manual makes no reference to one. I had a similar problem with my '90 Jetta when the trunk lock went south, but I can't remember how I got into it. The older Jetta's are similar in design to the W201's and W124's so the procedure might be similar. Anyone have any experience with either of the above. It hasn't been a good weekend and I could use some good news... Jon '95 E300D "Ernestine" She's got her rear end in a bind.. '84 300SD "Bruno" He's standing pat and refusing to move... '48 Dieselhead "Jon" Not happy with either of the above... ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 19:59:57 -0600 From: Jon Filina Subject: [db] Hello??? It sure is quiet here this weekend. Are there problems with our server? Did John finally drop an MB diesel into a Jeep? Did it freeze over in you know where?? Inquiring minds and all that stuff... Jon ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 21:27:38 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Hello??? three things happened: 1) it was windy in seattle (internet cable was down) 2) john was out working in the wind instead of at the computer cleaned up shop a bit more... now I need to sort out which filters are for my 124 as opposed to the 201... :) 3) there was something on tv, that I probably shouldn't have bothered watching... :) I did notice that my emergency post via treo 650/secure shell, etc. didn't make it to the list until late Sunday... hmmm... wonder why that happened? john On Sun, 5 Feb 2006, Jon Filina wrote: > -->It sure is quiet here this weekend. > -->Are there problems with our server? > -->Did John finally drop an MB diesel into a Jeep? > -->Did it freeze over in you know where?? > -->Inquiring minds and all that stuff... > -->Jon ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://JohnMeister.com **** http://wagoneers.com ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold ** http://freegift.net *** http://greatcom.org/laws/languages.html ** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 21:12:03 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Dodge Caliber On Mon, 6 Feb 2006, wmpless wrote: >-->John, sorry NA - North America I know, I know... ;) but not available seems more appropriate when it comes to Diesels. ;) john >-->----- Original Message ----- >-->> >-->> sounds like NA = not available... ;) >-->> john >-->> >-->> On Sun, 5 Feb 2006, wmpless wrote: >-->> >-->Read today a fairly positive report about the Dodge Caliber. >-->> >-->It mentioned that the car would be offered in Europe with VW TDI >-->engine. No >-->> >-->such plans for NA. ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://JohnMeister.com **** http://wagoneers.com ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold ** http://freegift.net *** http://greatcom.org/laws/languages.html ** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 20:32:39 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Dodge Caliber sounds like NA = not available... ;) john On Sun, 5 Feb 2006, wmpless wrote: >-->Read today a fairly positive report about the Dodge Caliber. >-->It mentioned that the car would be offered in Europe with VW TDI engine. No >-->such plans for NA. >--> ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://JohnMeister.com **** http://wagoneers.com ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold ** http://freegift.net *** http://greatcom.org/laws/languages.html ** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 21:50:04 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: [db] strange traffic in seattle... decided to drive into Snohomish for a quick meal around 7pm or so... man, oh man... there were headlights stringing across the snohomish valley for about 4 miles... and taillights heading the other way to match... worse than the normal morning or afternoon rush hour because it's usually only one way... this was twice as much... it was hysterical... you'd think some big sports event had just ended or something... ;) john ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://JohnMeister.com **** http://wagoneers.com ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold ** http://freegift.net *** http://greatcom.org/laws/languages.html ** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 20:51:31 -0800 From: Greg Fiorentino Subject: Re: [db] The trouble with locks Jon Filina wrote: Yesterday morning, on the way to work, I stopped to refuel. The trip meter on my '95 E300D was at about 600 miles, showing a quarter tank left, but I didn't want to run the tank much lower. I went to open the trunk to get my glove and it wouldn't open. No matter what I did, no go... I fueled up and headed for the office, some 50 miles away. After further checking, I noticed that the trunk lid was slightly crooked. Pushing the lock button didn't do any good no matter what position it was in. It appears that someone had tried to break into the trunk, but no damage was done except for a slight chip in the paint. Is there a way on this W124 to get into the trunk and pop the lid open? I thought there might be a release behind the back seat, but the owner's manual makes no reference to one. I had a similar problem with my '90 Jetta when the trunk lock went south, but I can't remember how I got into it. The older Jetta's are similar in design to the W201's and W124's so the procedure might be similar. Anyone have any experience with either of the above. It hasn't been a good weekend and I could use some good news... Hi Jon: I would try getting a heavy friend or two to sit on the high side of the trunk lid. That could unjam the latch enough to free the lock. Greg about 265# in Vancouver WA No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.2/251 - Release Date: 2/4/2006 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 21:37:10 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] The trouble with locks Jon, It's going to be sunny in Seattle this week... that's about the best news I can provide you at this time... - - get the sawzall ready for the lock. - - unless you can fit through one of the speaker openings there is no way into that trunk... john ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://JohnMeister.com **** http://wagoneers.com ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold ** http://freegift.net *** http://greatcom.org/laws/languages.html ** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 23:30:17 -0600 From: Jon Filina Subject: Re: [db] The trouble with locks Greg offered: > I wrote: > >> >> Is there a way on this W124 to get into the trunk and pop the lid open? > > > > I would try getting a heavy friend or two to sit on the high side of > the trunk lid. That could unjam the latch enough to free the lock. > I hadn't thought of that. My 155 lbs. might do the trick. Once I get it open I'll see what really caused the problem. We've only had one vehicle broken into in our parking lot in the last year and a half that I've been there. That one may have been done by someone who knew the owner. So, there might be another reason the lid is jammed such as a broken spring on the passenger side. I'll find out. > Greg > > about 265# in Vancouver WA Ya wanna come down to DFW for a day? Wait a minute.... you outweigh me by 110#... I'm not sure I'd want to sit on the deck of this W124 for fear of bending it. The SD, no problem, but it's a bit more stout. Thanks for the tip, Jon ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 23:41:38 -0600 From: Jon Filina Subject: Re: [db] The trouble with locks Big John feebly offered: >It's going to be sunny in Seattle this week... >that's about the best news I can provide you at this time... > >- get the sawzall ready for the lock. > >- unless you can fit through one of the speaker openings there is no >way into that trunk... > > > You're getting to be a real stick in the mud.... I'll probably take the SD down to Dennis and let him work on it at his leasure. I'm still looking at a few hundred greenbacks to get it done. I'll also hear Dennis laugh because I didn't replace it when I had a chance.... After a little research, it appears that I can remove the first aid kit from the '95 to at least see what's going on with the trunk lock. I should be able to free it up enough to open the lid. Then I'll figure out what caused the problem in the first place. Thanks for you uplifting suggestions.... ;-) We'll be sunny here in Texas... '60's and '70's with a slight chance of rain late in the week. We don't mold down here, we dry rot... Jon ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 22:10:13 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] The trouble with locks speaking of mold... I washed the white '99 WJ and shadowfax today... noticed something green growing out of the passenger side fender on the wj... :) john On Sun, 5 Feb 2006, Jon Filina wrote: > -->Big John feebly offered: > --> > -->> It's going to be sunny in Seattle this week... > -->> that's about the best news I can provide you at this time... > -->> > -->> - get the sawzall ready for the lock. > -->> > -->> - unless you can fit through one of the speaker openings there is no > -->> way into that trunk... > -->> > -->> > -->> > -->You're getting to be a real stick in the mud.... > --> > -->I'll probably take the SD down to Dennis and let him work on it at his > -->leasure. I'm still looking at a few hundred greenbacks to get it done. > -->I'll also hear Dennis laugh because I didn't replace it when I had a > -->chance.... > --> > -->After a little research, it appears that I can remove the first aid kit > -->from the '95 to at least see what's going on with the trunk lock. I > -->should be able to free it up enough to open the lid. Then I'll figure > -->out what caused the problem in the first place. > --> > -->Thanks for you uplifting suggestions.... ;-) > --> > -->We'll be sunny here in Texas... '60's and '70's with a slight chance of > -->rain late in the week. > --> > -->We don't mold down here, we dry rot... > --> > -->Jon > --> > --> ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://JohnMeister.com **** http://wagoneers.com ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold ** http://freegift.net *** http://greatcom.org/laws/languages.html ** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 23:58:37 -0600 From: Jon Filina Subject: Re: [db] Hello??? John surmised: >three things happened: > > 1) it was windy in seattle (internet cable was down) > 2) john was out working in the wind instead of at the computer > cleaned up shop a bit more... now I need to sort out > which filters are for my 124 as opposed to the 201... :) > 3) there was something on tv, that I probably shouldn't have > bothered watching... :) > > > And just how much wind did you have? It's always windy around these parts... I should have been out cleaning the garage. I've still got parts for the Rabbit there, somewhere... I tuned in to watch the Stones, but ended being too late. There were only a couple of minutes left... Did you really expect a panty waist team like the Seahawks to actually WIN? I'm a Browns fan, first, and a Cowboys one otherwise. Usually the best game in Cleveland is the home one against the Steelers. So, I had to root for them. But...the real reason the Seahawks lost is Starbucks. Huh??? I suspect the Seahawks players are regulars at that "supposed" coffee shop. No self respecting Clevelander (west side, at least) would be caught dead drinking those overpriced coffee flavored drinks. Clevelanders drink their coffee strong and black. OK...I've met a few that took cream and sugar, but they all appeared to be a few bricks shy of a full load.... ;-) Pittsburgh is quite a bit like Cleveland. No wonder they won! ;-) >I did notice that my emergency post via treo 650/secure shell, etc. didn't >make it to the list until late Sunday... hmmm... wonder why that happened? > > My original message was timed at 7:59, but it showed up on the list around 11:00 PM. The messages from the Easley/Ritter list continued to come in, but not in any great volume. Jon ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #2091 **********************************