From owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Wed Nov 7 23:11:54 2007 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Thursday, November 8 2007 Volume 01 : Number 2585 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: Re; [db] Dead battery Re: [db] fuel prices! Re: [db] fuel prices! [db] Re: xj: removing steering shaft? Re: [db] fuel prices! RE: fsj: Re: [db] fuel prices! Re: [db] fuel prices! Re: [db] fuel prices! [db] OT: Cow Falls Off Cliff and Hits Van (fwd) Re: [db] OT: Cow Falls Off Cliff and Hits Van (fwd) Re: [db] OT: Cow Falls Off Cliff and Hits Van (fwd) Re: fsj: Re: [db] fuel prices! Re: fsj: Re: [db] fuel prices! 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, 08 Nov 2007 14:02:58 +1300 From: Euan Subject: Re; [db] Dead battery A partially retracted aerial mast draws current and can drain a tired battery overnight. Euan Christchurch New Zealand >Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2007 18:55:10 -0500 (EST) From: ejpomeroy-at-qtm.net Subject: RE: [db] dead battery... John - look for simple explanations first, such as the wire that goes from the alternator to the battery (charging terminal), is it connected or loose? Corroded terminals? A battery with a cracked internal connector could be possible but really rare. Good hunting. Edward ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:33:10 -0800 (PST) From: Jim Hoffman Subject: Re: [db] fuel prices! Wow, EXACTLY the same as here in S.E. Wisconsin... Jim - --- Edward Pomeroy wrote: > Update > > Diesel just hit 3.499/gal Regular up to 3,199 (not > that I use any) and > premium has matched diesel in Northern Indiana and > Lower SW MI/ . We > are in for a looong winter folks. Glad I am hooked > up to natural gas for > heat and not oil for heat. > > Edward ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:36:00 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] fuel prices! heard a rumor from a friend who heard on the radio... or something like that... that gas in CA/OR and WA would be over $4/gallon by year end... Diesel ranges from a low of $3.69 to a high of $3.84 already, gas is all over the map, $2.99 to $3.29 for unleaded... guess my plans for a WJ/XJ are quickly unraveling... need to keep Shadowfax and hope that Omega makes it home... need to start thinking about a fuel heater setup... may run down to centralia to see what's going on... john ----- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- On Wed, 7 Nov 2007, Edward Pomeroy wrote: # Update # # Diesel just hit 3.499/gal Regular up to 3,199 (not that I use any) and # premium has matched diesel in Northern Indiana and Lower SW MI/ . We are in # for a looong winter folks. Glad I am hooked up to natural gas for heat and # not oil for heat. # # Edward # # ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:44:49 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: [db] Re: xj: removing steering shaft? hope you don't mind, but I used wget -l1 -r to scarf these images down to my server, parked them at: http://wagoneers.com/XJ/tech/EuroDiesel/head_removal_2.5TD/ looks a lot like my 2.1L TD, only thing is your exhaust manifold looks more substantial than the french version. :) Glad that Jim pointed out about that pin... then the I was able to remember the rest... yep, we make a good team... one of us will usually remember... Jim has an excuse, I don't though... other than old(er) age... he's about the same age as my kid sister... ;) maybe younger... ah yes... next week is my birthday and 32nd wedding anniversary, and the start of the next quarter in grad school... only TWO classes left to get my degree!!! a class on quality management starts next week, then after new years a project management course and I are a graduate. :) john ----- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- On Wed, 7 Nov 2007, Stephen Rigley wrote: # Nice one Jim (and John), managed to get it out in under an hour using this # method then was able to move the header off the studs (which was my goal, I # don't actually have to remove it). # Some pics up here for those interested.. its a very tight working space on a # RHD as the header + turbo are in the way. # # http://www.mx5ireland.com/members/srigley/jeep/head%20removal/ # # Steve # # On Nov 7, 2007 6:10 PM, john wrote: # # > it'll NOT come out of that floor pan easily... it'll be # > sealed well... make sure that all the bolts are removed... # > oh, and YMMV GREATLY since this is probably on the WRONG # > side of the Jeep, right? dang, I can't even visualize what # > that would look like... ;) # > # > happy wrenching... # > # > john # > # > ----- # > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # > Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold # > http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** # > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # > # > On Wed, 7 Nov 2007, Stephen Rigley wrote: # > # > # so no more than 6 bolts and a few connectors? ah now come on.. too good # > to # > # be true? ;-) heheh # > # Thanks loads folks, will give it a go in about an hour # > # Cheers # > # Steve # > # # > # On Nov 7, 2007 5:48 PM, john wrote: # > # # > # > ok, this part I know... (thanx Jim). # > # > # > # > there are usually 4 bolts on the firewall holding it to # > # > the floor, maybe only 2, YMMV, there will be two holding # > # > a clamp that holds the column to the bottom of the dash. # > # > # > # > There will be a few connectors for the steering electrics. # > # > # > # > Then lower and pull straight out after making sure the bolts # > # > holding the plate to the steering box coupler are removed... # > # > the entire column and shaft will come out from under the dash. # > # > # > # > I'm thinking about using a '96 XJ column in my '91 Grand Wagoneer # > # > because of the electrics on it... major project, will need # > # > to fabricate a shaft extension, rewire a lot of stuff, etc... no # > # > biggie. ;) # > # > # > # > john # > # > # > # > ----- # > # > # > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # > # > Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold # > # > http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** # > # > # > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- # > # > # > # > On Wed, 7 Nov 2007, Stephen Rigley wrote: # > # > # > # > # oh oh easier?? I like the sound of that! ;-) So.... could I be # > cheeky # > # > and # > # > # ask how? ;-) A quick "run down" will do.. till I get stuck heheh # > # > # I'll do it this eve # > # > # Cheers # > # > # Steve # > # > # # > # > # On Nov 7, 2007 4:55 PM, Jim Blair wrote: # > # > # # > # > # > That is the section that is pinned in the even of an accident so # > the # > # > # > steering # > # > # > column doesn't spear you through the chest like earlier vehicles # > did. # > # > If # > # > # > it's # > # > # > rattly, then someone had an accident with it or pried too hard # > on it # > # > for # > # > # > some # > # > # > reason. (the column comes out the top easier than taking off the # > box) # > # > # > # > # > # > Jim Blair, Lynnwood, WA '87 Comanche, '83 Jeep J10, '84 Jeep J10 # > # > # > # > # > # > From: "Stephen Rigley" # > # > # > Subject: Re: xj: removing steering shaft? # > # > # > # > # > # > Hi John, # > # > # > # > # > # > Its the intermediate shaft, the one between the steering box and # > the # > # > # > steering column, it looks telescopic, I can get it to move with # > a big # > # > # > screwdriver about a half inch, but it needs another half inch.. # > # > # > Is it possible to compress it that extra bit or do I need to # > drop the # > # > # > steering box? I REALLY don't want to have to do that.. # > # > # > Ordered a 36mm fan wrench + a 27mm deep well socket on ebay # > today, # > # > # > that should get me back on track, I'd gotten VERY frustrated # > with it # > # > # > all on Sat... I guess it was mostly down to a lack of correct # > tools.. # > # > # > # > # > # > Steve # > # > # > # > # > # > # > # > # > # > _________________________________________________________________ # > # > # > Windows Live Hotmail and Microsoft Office Outlook together at # > last. # > # > Get # > # > # > it # > # > # > now. # > # > # > # > # > # > # > # > # > http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/HA102225181033.aspx?pid=CL100626971 # > # > # > 033 # > # > # # > # # ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:56:24 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] fuel prices! wow. $4.06/gal of premium in CA ...of course our friends in Canada and Europe are probably have little sympathy for us... ;) I remember the bay area having the highest prices around... especially in SF itself... It was quite a bit cheaper over on the east bay side... what's driving the prices up??? last I heard we've got 60 years of oil left... we're already making reasonable progress on finding alternative fuel sources and with electric vehicles... within 20 years will clearly have viable alternatives in place... john ----- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- On Wed, 7 Nov 2007, Brian Knowles wrote: # john wrote: # > heard a rumor from a friend who heard on the radio... or something like # > that... # > # > that gas in CA/OR and WA would be over $4/gallon by year end... # > # News this PM that a Shell station in Oakland (CA) is asking $4.06/ga for # premium now.. # # bk # ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 19:02:58 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: RE: fsj: Re: [db] fuel prices! 4BT in an XJ... :) Actually a 4BT in a Wagoneer would be a nice setup... will get better mileage than my 6.2L Diesel will, if I ever get it... thinking of driving down to Centralia to see what's up... no phone calls, no emails... argh. looks like I need to spend some quality time with my nice, paid for, fully functional 1991 Mercedes 300D... :) john ----- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- On Thu, 8 Nov 2007, michel balea wrote: # # # I do not think that it is a rumor..... at $98 a barrel today... it will go to $4 after new year, it is about $3.35 at the cheapest (low cost outlets) and $3.70 at the shell's (they are always the most expensive)... I have not look at diesel.... # # I tuned the motorcycle today.... i was getting 80 mpg, it is was too lean.... It was jetted for high altitude. # # So what do we buy? Mercedes diesel.... or put a 4BT in the wagoneer! # # The tough part is going to be the economy.... It is about $1.45 per euro...... # # not too cheerful today, at least I had my flu shot..... # # Michel # # > Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:36:00 -0800 # > From: john # > heard a rumor from a friend who heard on the radio... or something like that... # > # > that gas in CA/OR and WA would be over $4/gallon by year end... # > # > Diesel ranges from a low of $3.69 to a high of $3.84 already, gas # > is all over the map, $2.99 to $3.29 for unleaded... # # _________________________________________________________________ # Climb to the top of the charts! Play Star Shuffle: the word scramble challenge with star power. # http://club.live.com/star_shuffle.aspx?icid=starshuffle_wlmailtextlink_oct ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 19:44:42 -0800 From: chuck goolsbee Subject: Re: [db] fuel prices! >what's driving the prices up??? We're no longer the only big consumers of it. - -- - --chuck goolsbee 02 Jetta TDi & 06 Liberty CRD arlington, wa, usa ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 19:54:33 -0800 (PST) From: Jim Hoffman Subject: Re: [db] fuel prices! > that gas in CA/OR and WA would be over $4/gallon by > year end... My wife said she heard the same thing for our area (S.E. Wisc). But I've heard the same thing in the past few years and it's never materialized... I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't this time either... Jim ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:16:34 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: [db] OT: Cow Falls Off Cliff and Hits Van (fwd) ah yes, life in the Pacific Northwest... :) this is just over the pass from us... just one more reason to have a sunroof... ----- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sent from Express News MANSON, Wash. - Charles and Linda Everson were driving back to their hotel when their minivan was struck by a falling object - a 600-pound cow. The Eversons were unhurt but the cow, which had fallen off a cliff, had to be euthanized. The year-old cow fell about 200 feet from the cliff and landed on the hood of the couple's minivan, causing heavy damage. A Chelan County fire chief, Arnold Baker, said the couple missed being killed by a matter of inches in the accident Sunday on a highway near Manson. The Eversons, visiting the area from their home in Westland, Mich., to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, were checked at Lake Chelan Community Hospital as a precaution. Everson, 49, said he didn't see the cow falling and didn't know what happened until afterward. He said he kept repeating: "I don't believe this. I don't believe this." The Associated Press ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:43:58 -0500 From: Mike Frank Subject: Re: [db] OT: Cow Falls Off Cliff and Hits Van (fwd) Cow extreme sports? Lacticide? Udder despair? Mike Frank At 11:16 PM 11/7/2007, john wrote: >ah yes, life in the Pacific Northwest... :) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 20:58:17 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] OT: Cow Falls Off Cliff and Hits Van (fwd) you've been here then... :) ----- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- On Wed, 7 Nov 2007, Mike Frank wrote: # Cow extreme sports? Lacticide? Udder despair? # # Mike Frank # # At 11:16 PM 11/7/2007, john wrote: # >ah yes, life in the Pacific Northwest... :) # # ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 22:51:23 -0800 From: Kevin Subject: Re: fsj: Re: [db] fuel prices! Actually, a 6.2 is a fairly efficient engine, surprisingly enough. With a clutch, 2wd, and reasonable gearing, you'll pull down high twenties. This is as good of time as any to mention it. I got the black 87 K30 crew cab dually back on the road. Turns out the 6.2 was fine. The oil slick was created by a piece of torque converter bolt that went through the oil filter. After replacing the starter and one battery (yes, I am running one battery now, gotta love california), it lit right off after sitting a year and a half. Good oil pressure, no vibrations, no leaks. I had it towed to a shop to have the flexplate replaced, since the torque converter bolts were ovalled out badly - about an inch wide now (25.4 mm for you civilized nations). Torque converter had bolts broken off in it, and the snout that goes into the crank was broken off. There was a superficial crack along the top of the transmission as well. So, new flexplate, new torque converter, and it's back on the road. Runs quite well, and after putting new tires on the front, it looks like I'm getting 17 mpg with a stuck wide open thermostat. This thing spins pretty hard going any higher than 65, it has a TH-400 which has no overdrive, and no lockup, and both axles have 4.10:1 gears. Really not bad at all for what it is. I think your 6.2 wagoneer will do quite nicely. Lessons learned which are most certainly applicable here: - the previous owner might not have thoroughly looked at something before deciding it was beyond repair - there really is something to be said for the simplicity of old iron - drugs are BAD. The PO's stepson was all cranked out when the thing let go. I can't believe he didn't hear the racket, but then again, I've never messed with that stuff (and don't intend to), so what do I know? So, unfortunate as it may seem, the K30 isn't going to get a monster garage swap just yet. Why pull an engine that runs so well? If I want to pass duramaxes with a load of wood in the bed and a car on the trailer, I can just use the truck with the cummins (http://www.punk.net/~kevin/dodgeatwork.jpg). The K30 will make a good ranch truck, and a good truck for fooling around in. That's okay, though, John will keep the popcorn flowing with his tales of monster garage, even if I have to drag the turbodiesel pacer wagon up to snohomish for him :) On Wed, Nov 07, 2007 at 07:02:58PM -0800, john wrote: > 4BT in an XJ... :) > > Actually a 4BT in a Wagoneer would be a nice setup... will get better mileage > than my 6.2L Diesel will, if I ever get it... thinking of driving down to > Centralia > to see what's up... no phone calls, no emails... argh. > > looks like I need to spend some quality time with my nice, paid for, fully > functional > 1991 Mercedes 300D... :) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 23:11:32 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: fsj: Re: [db] fuel prices! waiting for that pacer... my son wants to put his '74 javelin on a wagoneer chassis... I'll either fix up the pacer and make it a 4x4 or use the engine in an XJ. :) the rumor of 4 bucks per gallon of fuel reeled me back in... full speed ahead with Shadowfax and Omega... might do 6.2/6.5 conversion on superdawg at some point in time as well... first have to get these vehicles back home and in one piece, not necessarily in that order... put together, then home. ;) what's the price of pure veggie oil at costco these days? :) ----- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://freegift.com ** http://wagoneers.com ** - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- On Wed, 7 Nov 2007, Kevin wrote: some snippage... # Actually, a 6.2 is a fairly efficient engine, surprisingly enough. With # a clutch, 2wd, and reasonable gearing, you'll pull down high twenties. # (http://www.punk.net/~kevin/dodgeatwork.jpg). The K30 will make a good ranch # That's okay, though, John will keep the popcorn flowing with his tales of # monster garage, even if I have to drag the turbodiesel pacer wagon up to # snohomish for him :) some snippage... ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #2585 **********************************