From owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Thu Nov 27 10:13:51 2008 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Thursday, November 27 2008 Volume 01 : Number 2914 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: Re: [db] '83 300SD ball joint replacement fun [db] only remotely diesel related Re: [db] only remotely diesel related Re: [db] only remotely diesel related Re: [db] only remotely diesel related RE: [db] only remotely diesel related Re: [db] only remotely diesel related 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: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:46:12 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] '83 300SD ball joint replacement fun with a torch, sledge hammer, sawzall, duct tape and perhaps a bit of bailing wire... yes... anything can be made to fit... functional is optional... being able to recognize the make when done... questionable. ;) ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://johnmeister.com/fotomeister - Trust Jesus: http://freegift.com SAVE power, avoid viruses, use LINUX: http://johnmeister.com/tmcp.pdf SAVE fuel, use synthetics: http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ On Thu, 27 Nov 2008, Stephen Rigley wrote: # would the 6lt fit in the engine bay of a w201? ;-) # # On Wed, Nov 26, 2008 at 9:24 PM, john wrote: # # > that 2.2L Diesel was fine once rolling, but like Scott sez... don't # > pull out into traffic... :) that car needs an airbag in the headrest. ;) # > # > in seattle traffic it was challenging to keep up with the surges in # > traffic... # > you'd get it in the happy zone and traffic would slow... # > # > it was happiest out on the road, or a nice country backroad... nimble # > little economy car... see a couple of the 190s on CL... if I could # > snag one with a 2.5L TD... hmmmm... ;) # > # > oh, the temptations... if only I were wealthy and had a big garage... ;) # > # > no need for popcorn, I just had a sudden attack of reality... ;) # > # > ----- # > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ # > Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold # > http://johnmeister.com/fotomeister - Trust Jesus: http://freegift.com # > SAVE power, avoid viruses, use LINUX: http://johnmeister.com/tmcp.pdf # > SAVE fuel, use synthetics: http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 # > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ # > # > # > On Wed, 26 Nov 2008, Scott Haaland wrote: # > # > # I replaced both of the lower ball joints in my 190D (W201) about 6 # > months # > # ago. I "borrowed" a ball joint press from AutoZone (they charge the # > value # > # of the tool on your credit card, then refund it when you return the # > # tool---so it's zero cost as long as you have the credit limit--I think # > it # > # was $150 or $200). # > # # > # I nearly gave up after banging and struggling for over an hour to remove # > the # > # first one, but eventually got them out by banging on it with a large # > hammer, # > # and tightening the press by screwing it down a fraction at a time using # > the # > # largest 1/2" breaker bar that I have. Bang, bang, bang, Tighten with # > all my # > # might, bang, bang, bang, tighten with all my might, repeat until out. # > # # > # As I recall, the second one came out in just a few minutes because it # > took # > # me a while to figure out the method during the first one. I didn't # > remove # > # the control arm from the car...the press was able to fit in there and I # > had # > # some restrictions on how much I could swing the hammer, but made it # > work. # > # # > # I don't know how different the W116 is to the W201....I know it's a much # > # beefier car and the W201 just has a lower ball joint...no upper. # > # # > # Hope that helps. If you do have the control arm out already, you may # > # consider just taking it to some machine shop to have them press it out # > and # > # press in the new one....probably would only charge you $20 or $30 to do # > # that.... # > # # > # Take Care, # > # Scott # > # 1985 190D - 2.2L Naturally Aspirated - 72 horsepower of raw, brute, # > diesel # > # strength (don't pull out in front of traffic, going up hills at 50 is # > fun! # > # And getting 460 miles on 13 gallons of Diesel is the best!) # > # # > # # > # -----Original Message----- # > # From: owner-diesel-benz-at-digest.net [mailto:owner-diesel-benz-at-digest.net] # > On # > # Behalf Of mscham # > # Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 10:40 AM # > # To: diesel-benz-at-digest.net # > # Subject: [db] '83 300SD ball joint replacement fun # > # # > # along about 3 months ago we took our 300SD to our favorite local # > mechanic, # > # Performance Motors, complaining about noises during left turns. their # > # diagnosis: # > # right inner tie rod end loose, # > # right balljoint bad, # > # steering damper poor, # > # right front tire bad, # > # needs an alignment # > # # > # of course the cost for fixing these there was not in the budget so, home # > # to be parked, it came. I did take a look at these items and agreed that # > # they needed work. # > # # > # less than 10 days later, thanks to some fine web research by she who is # > # obeyed, we got # > # left & right tie rod assemblies, # > # left & right control arm assemblies, & # > # steering damper # > # for a little over 25% of what they wanted to do the job. # > # # > # at the time, we had both parental sets visiting so I had well wizened # > # oversight while digging into the replacement of said parts. all went # > very # > # well. so well in fact, all parts were installed 10 days after our # > # estimate. :) # > # # > # more research sent us to Discount Tire for a set of tires [the old set # > # were more than warn out... two were warn almost to chord =:o] & # > alignment. # > # they indicated: # > # right lower ball joint needed replacement & # > # the idler arm had some play in it # > # # > # This is when we realized our research had missed the fact that we had # > # both upper & lower ball joints. doh! We had replaced both uppers without # > # doing the lowers. so more parts got ordered. and that gets us to the day # > # before yesterday when I got the car under cover, up on jack stands and # > # started working to replace the lower ball joints. yup, you'll have # > # realized, I get to replace the uppers again as I can't get the lowers # > # off without disconnecting and thus damaging the uppers. oh well. lesson # > # learned. # > # # > # now comes the fun part. according to the manual, I get to use what I've # > # seen called a "Lower Wishbone heavy duty Ball Joint extractor" to # > # separate the Steering Knuckle from the Control Arm. Then, I get to use # > # good ole fashoned muscle with hammer and a "suitable mandrel" to remove # > # the ball joint from the Steering Knuckle followed by use of MB tool # > # 116 589 04 62 00 to press the new ball joint back into the Steering # > # Knuckle. I've seen prices of $110 & $350 respectively for these tools # > # which aint in the budget either. =:o # > # # > # thus the question(s): # > # 1)does anyone have these tools I can borrow in the North Seattle area? # > # [I can rake leaves... ;-)] or # > # 2)any suggestions where to rent them? or # > # 3)Can I remove & install the lower ball joints without these tools? # > # 4)or other suggestions? # > # # > # thanks # > # Mike # > # '83 300SD # > # # > # [demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type application/ms-tnef which # > had a # > # name of winmail.dat] # > # # ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:52:52 -0500 From: Wiard Pless Subject: [db] only remotely diesel related My PC, OS Windows XP needs probably a clean-up as slow and sometimes web sites getting switched without my input. Feel it's time to buy a commercial program, disc clean and defrag brought no changes. Which program should I buy??? TIA for suggestions. Wiard ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:33:28 -0500 From: Edward Pomeroy Subject: Re: [db] only remotely diesel related Hey Wiard, I have the same problem currently. Once tried PC Tools and was not happy with the results, too complicated to work as it kept asking me what to remove and what to keep and not knowing the answers was pretty frustrating. Maybe the program has improved by now as this was about 4 or 5 years ago. Maybe someone on list that is more literate may have a good suggestion. Freeware that works well is always a plus.... :-) I run XP on most of my machines. The Mac that my son uses never seems to need any tweaking, it just runs and runs. Wiard Pless wrote: > My PC, OS Windows XP needs probably a clean-up as slow and sometimes > web sites getting switched > without my input. Feel it's time to buy a commercial program, disc > clean and defrag brought no changes. > Which program should I buy??? TIA for suggestions. Wiard ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:33:44 -0500 From: Wiard Pless Subject: Re: [db] only remotely diesel related Ron, thanks for your msg. Have seen these programs but not sure whether I should trust them. Wiard Renaud (Ron) OLGIATI wrote: > On Thursday 27 November 2008, my mailbox was graced by a missive > from Wiard Pless who wrote: > > >> My PC, OS Windows XP needs probably a clean-up as slow and sometimes web >> sites getting switched >> without my input. Feel it's time to buy a commercial program, disc >> clean and defrag brought no changes. >> Which program should I buy??? TIA for suggestions. Wiard >> > > Plenty free stuff out there that does the job. > > Google for "registry optimizer", "anti-virus" and for "malware removal", and > download a few recent versions; install, run and remove, and you'll be > surprised with the difference they can make. > > Just did it for the box of a teacher at my daughter's school, she was quite > pleased with the result. > > Or for even better performances and security, you might switch to Linux ! > > Cheers, > > Ron. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.9.10/1814 - Release Date: 11/26/2008 8:53 PM ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:43:21 +0000 From: "Stephen Rigley" Subject: Re: [db] only remotely diesel related Hey Wiard, I've tried most of these applications (and even had a stab at writing one) but in the end I backed up my files and reinstalled XP. Nothing like a fresh install TBH.. If you go this route, reinstall all your applications and then take an image of the harddisk to make this process MUCH easier in the future! Steve P.S. Would you consider moving to something like SuSe linux? I've been using it on the other half of my dual boot system for a while. Windows apps can be run on linux now via "wine" too if you feel the need. On Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 3:33 PM, Wiard Pless wrote: > Ron, thanks for your msg. Have seen these programs but not sure whether I > should trust them. Wiard > > Renaud (Ron) OLGIATI wrote: > >> On Thursday 27 November 2008, my mailbox was graced by a missive >> from Wiard Pless who wrote: >> >> >> >>> My PC, OS Windows XP needs probably a clean-up as slow and sometimes web >>> sites getting switched >>> without my input. Feel it's time to buy a commercial program, disc >>> clean and defrag brought no changes. >>> Which program should I buy??? TIA for suggestions. Wiard >>> >>> >> >> Plenty free stuff out there that does the job. >> >> Google for "registry optimizer", "anti-virus" and for "malware removal", >> and download a few recent versions; install, run and remove, and you'll be >> surprised with the difference they can make. >> >> Just did it for the box of a teacher at my daughter's school, she was >> quite pleased with the result. >> >> Or for even better performances and security, you might switch to Linux ! >> Cheers, >> Ron. >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >> >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: >> 270.9.10/1814 - Release Date: 11/26/2008 8:53 PM ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:49:09 -0600 From: "Alec Cordova" Subject: RE: [db] only remotely diesel related If it's gotten bad enough that it bothers you, I honestly suggest reinstalling Windows and all your applications. Best is if you have a second hard drive to save all your data files, then reformat the boot drive. Just be sure you have all the installation media for your programs, and expect to spend more than a few cycles applying all the Windows updates. Add some decent protection programs (I use the free version of AVG) to try to avoid reinfection. Prevention is sometimes MUCH easier than cleaning up after the fact. On the other hand, Fry's usually has some major brand cleanup suites available for nearly nothing after rebates. Something from Symantec, for example, should probably work fine. I just don't like that the major brands often only provide free updates for a limited time. Alec Cordova Taylor, Texas 08 smart fortwo, 12K > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-diesel-benz-at-digest.net > [mailto:owner-diesel-benz-at-digest.net]On Behalf Of Wiard Pless > Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2008 9:34 AM > To: Renaud (Ron) OLGIATI; diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net > Subject: Re: [db] only remotely diesel related > > > Ron, thanks for your msg. Have seen these programs but not sure whether > I should trust them. Wiard > > Renaud (Ron) OLGIATI wrote: > > On Thursday 27 November 2008, my mailbox was graced by a missive > > from Wiard Pless who wrote: > > > > > >> My PC, OS Windows XP needs probably a clean-up as slow and > sometimes web > >> sites getting switched > >> without my input. Feel it's time to buy a commercial program, disc > >> clean and defrag brought no changes. > >> Which program should I buy??? TIA for suggestions. Wiard > >> > > > > Plenty free stuff out there that does the job. > > > > Google for "registry optimizer", "anti-virus" and for "malware > removal", and > > download a few recent versions; install, run and remove, and you'll be > > surprised with the difference they can make. > > > > Just did it for the box of a teacher at my daughter's school, > she was quite > > pleased with the result. > > > > Or for even better performances and security, you might switch > to Linux ! > > > > Cheers, > > > > Ron. > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com > > Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.9.10/1814 - Release > Date: 11/26/2008 8:53 PM ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:12:48 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: [db] only remotely diesel related Wiard, et. al. I deal with this daily in my lab... have about 70 windows systems I manage that are used for development and testing... in addition I've been teaching CS & operating systems for a long, long time... hardware/software... Steve's suggestions are of the best... reload/reimage... but that's also the most painful for Windows as you have to reinstall all the apps... I replied to this thread instead of the last one by mistake, but taking an image of the system once built is pretty good, except for all the folow on patches and such. Speaking of microsoft patches, be careful which ones you install, they can actually DEGRADE or break your system... best to contact the pc/laptop maker and see if they have recommendations for the patches... When installing microsoft updates and patches make a restore point... I would recommend NOT installing SP3, initial press suggested it would improve performance, but in reality it didn't... impacted many systems... I have a few suggestions on my server: http://wagoneers.com/CS/MSinfo/ specifically http://wagoneers.com/CS/MSinfo/Temp-space-setup.txt move the temporary space variables OUT of the local settings directory... do NOT use the desktop for files, do NOT use "my documents". Make a separate directory for TEMP and for files, FILES should go on an other partition in fact, keep it away from the OS... if you dual boot to Linux as I do, create a large FAT32 partition to keep your files on, that way you can use them in Linux. I have powerpoints showing how to install both OSes, and the best way to dual boot: http://wagoneers.com/CS/LINUX/ Avoid using internet explorer and outlook... do a disk clean up and defrag once a week... I could write a book on this stuff... well, I have, mostly for training material, and do plan on putting it into a self-published book along with a few others... The best thing you can do to keep XP limping along right now is move your temp variables and files out of the default settings... clean all temp spaces out, do a defrag and disk cleanup... remove unneeded windows "features" like messenger and outlook express... avoid the lastest version of Microsoft office, it'll kill performance on your system like putting gear lube in your crankcase... it'll work but not very well... If you've got vista... sorry.... add memory, add cpu, add graphics... so when you finally get fed up with it Linux will run like a scalded cat. ;) Dual-booting to Linux is a good idea, helps you recover your files from the system when windows finally seizes up... you can not write to NTFS, but you can read it... I'm working on two other pcs for friends right now, went to the allergist last night and he wanted to hire me to improve performance on his office system... in other words, the issue you're having is not unique to you... simple suggestions that may help: - - temp space - out of local settings - - move files out of defaults - - do not use defaults - - do not install extra bells and whistles - set xp to windows classic, remove graphic eye candy - - defrag - - clean up disks - - clean up cache in IE and firefox - - do NOT place files on the desktop (gets loaded into memory space) - - careful with patches, avoid if possible, they will slow you down. - - use a firewall package, not microsofts... proventia is what I use, get it from work for free... worth the money - - virus s/w is outdated, it's a reactive s/w - many ISPs provide this free, load it, try to keep it up to date, but it's not the answer - - registry cleaners may help... seem to do little really... used to be able to export and import registry, doesn't seem to work - - avoid file sharing sights - - do NOT use Internet Explorer unless you have to... it's high risk - - do NOT use default locations for your files or microsoft apps if you can (reduces script kiddie impacts) - - do NOT use Outlook or Outlook Express - high risk, use Thunderbird - - do NOT open attachments - - make sure your windows explorer is set to show extensions and hidden/system files - - do NOT let others use your system... - - try OpenSuse Linux or Ubuntu... WINE, and also, CodeWeavers Crossover works to load Office, etc. There is a version of Linux that includes Crossover... I have a copy, will sell if haven't sold already... can't remember the name for anything right now... :) I am considering starting a consulting service for this sort of thing... but as a UNIX/Linux CAD type consultant you might be better off buying a new system... if you could get linux... because I have a day job and this takes so much time I have charged a lot to help folks out... usually an hour or two gets them back on their feet... I'd feel better if I wrote a book and had people do it themselves, it would be much less costly for them... but since I'm so busy I don't feel terribly guilty charging a very steep fee... it's more for self-protection than greed. ;) my website has a myriad of technical info... I'll add more... my systems seem to be holding up fine... I haven't had to reimage any of my boxes... performance is about the same as when I got them... hope this helps. it's miserable having a slow pc... john ----- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://johnmeister.com/fotomeister - Trust Jesus: http://freegift.com SAVE power, avoid viruses, use LINUX: http://johnmeister.com/tmcp.pdf SAVE fuel, use synthetics: http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ On Thu, 27 Nov 2008, Stephen Rigley wrote: # Hey Wiard, # # I've tried most of these applications (and even had a stab at writing one) # but in the end I backed up my files and reinstalled XP. Nothing like a fresh # install TBH.. # If you go this route, reinstall all your applications and then take an image # of the harddisk to make this process MUCH easier in the future! # # Steve # P.S. Would you consider moving to something like SuSe linux? I've been # using it on the other half of my dual boot system for a while. Windows apps # can be run on linux now via "wine" too if you feel the need. # # On Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 3:33 PM, Wiard Pless wrote: # # > Ron, thanks for your msg. Have seen these programs but not sure whether I # > should trust them. Wiard # > # > Renaud (Ron) OLGIATI wrote: # > # >> On Thursday 27 November 2008, my mailbox was graced by a missive # >> from Wiard Pless who wrote: # >> # >> # >> # >>> My PC, OS Windows XP needs probably a clean-up as slow and sometimes web # >>> sites getting switched # >>> without my input. Feel it's time to buy a commercial program, disc # >>> clean and defrag brought no changes. # >>> Which program should I buy??? TIA for suggestions. Wiard # >>> # >>> # >> # >> Plenty free stuff out there that does the job. # >> # >> Google for "registry optimizer", "anti-virus" and for "malware removal", # >> and download a few recent versions; install, run and remove, and you'll be # >> surprised with the difference they can make. # >> # >> Just did it for the box of a teacher at my daughter's school, she was # >> quite pleased with the result. # >> # >> Or for even better performances and security, you might switch to Linux ! # >> Cheers, # >> Ron. # >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ # >> # >> # >> No virus found in this incoming message. # >> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: # >> 270.9.10/1814 - Release Date: 11/26/2008 8:53 PM # ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #2914 **********************************