Should I drive this car? - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Peter Kraft · #61 05-03-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbobenz

You must be an old prude. Your distaste for adventure is overwhelming. have a little fun for once.

To each his own..... I guess that's why some people have assets to protect and some don't.

Old prude, eh? Lol, another highschooler.....

#62 05-03-2008, 05:43 PM

Dumb idea, just have it towed.

kerry · #63 05-03-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorSmoothie

One of the pieces that was connected to a rod thats about a half inch thick that goes all the way accross the body had broken and was hitting against the inside of the wheel. i strapped this rod down and took the car for a test drive.

You don't suppose that MB intended that rod to provide stability to the car?

DoctorSmoothie · #64 05-03-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Kraft

To each his own..... I guess that's why some people have assets to protect and some don't.

Old prude, eh? Lol, another highschooler.....

Mr. Kraft,

Although I refuse to engage in name calling on an internet forum, unless you can give me a better understanding of the logic behind your position, then all I see behind your idealology is a position based in fear. I am young... 27 years old. But, age has nothing to do with this situation.

I am interested in understanding why you believe that this car would be illegal to drive. Thats why I posted on this forum... to gain understanding and knowledge. If you can give me a lagitamate reason, I will certainly take that into account.

You calling me a teenager is not going to help me learn why this car is illegal to drive.

*side note for people who are interested. After running the new gas line, I have come to the conclusion that the reason the diesel was not getting through was that the small inline fuel filter was clogged with sediment which was stirred up in the collision. It was a bran new fuel filter so that never crossed my mind.

When I bypass the inline filter, the car seems to have no trouble getting adequate gas. So, I may actually be able to switch back to the primary fuel line.

Does anyone know if this is really bad to bypass the inline fuel filter? I know the other filter is much more robust, but the last thing I want to have happen is to let some of that sediment junk get up into the IP.

Chri

300SDog · #65 05-03-2008, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

That is how the roads are in Kentucky, but not everywhere.

Tom W

Yeah i know what ye mean..... And laws and customs vary too. Seems specially weird to hear folks whine about "callin the law" to stop this perfectly legal road trip from happening.

Here in midwest there's nothin unusual about seein sloow moving vehicles even overloaded unregistered farm trucks'n trailers with nobody battin an eye. And if somebody's hobblin the slow lane in crippled car with flashers on - then nobody gets bent outa shape and those with cb radio will offer whatever assistance might be needed. Y'all be pressed to find anybody here in midwest haint been in similar situation themself.

Does anybody doubt this old Benz will make it?? Oughta be no prob gittin from point to point over 8-10 hr drive. Just keep an ear on left rear axle says me. And even then axles die verrry sloooow over several hundred miles.

rcounts · #66 05-03-2008, 06:03 PM

Just for the record, in Smoothie's shoes, if I could afford to have it towed or hauled, that is what I'd do. HOWEVER, some of the folks around here with the "assets" to afford that option seem to have forgotten what it is like to be young and/or broke and not have the means to exercise that option.

I get the distinct impression that is the case in this situation, and were I in that kind of fix, I personally would give it a try. I'm no highschooler - I'm 45 years old, and I DO have assets to protect. That is why I have insurance. But I'm also not a wussy who's so risk-sensitive as that I border on being scared of his own shadow. I can also remember what it is like to be in a situation where I had no other choice but to do something like what he's attempting.

One good point that has been made is that I probably wouldn't go soliciting advice on the internet first. If something were to go wrong, then having heard and ignoring the warnings of those who are advising against it could be used against you.

Peter Kraft · #67 05-03-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorSmoothie

Mr. Kraft,

Although I refuse to engage in name calling on an internet forum, unless you can give me a better understanding of the logic behind your position, then all I see behind your idealology is a position based in fear. I am young... 27 years old. But, age has nothing to do with this situation.

I am interested in understanding why you believe that this car would be illegal to drive. Thats why I posted on this forum... to gain understanding and knowledge. If you can give me a lagitamate reason, I will certainly take that into account.

You calling me a teenager is not going to help me learn why this car is illegal to drive.

*side note for people who are interested. After running the new gas line, I have come to the conclusion that the reason the diesel was not getting through was that the small inline fuel filter was clogged with sediment which was stirred up in the collision. It was a bran new fuel filter so that never crossed my mind.

When I bypass the inline filter, the car seems to have no trouble getting adequate gas. So, I may actually be able to switch back to the primary fuel line.

Does anyone know if this is really bad to bypass the inline fuel filter? I know the other filter is much more robust, but the last thing I want to have happen is to let some of that sediment junk get up into the IP.

Chri

Like I said, a LEO will hopefully stop you before you endanger others with that unsafe pos.

Bio300TDTdriver · #68 05-03-2008, 06:04 PM

Then stop calling it gas! It is a fuel tank, it is fuel line. AARRRRRRRRRRH.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorSmoothie

Mr. Kraft,

Although I refuse to engage in name calling on an internet forum, unless you can give me a better understanding of the logic behind your position, then all I see behind your idealology is a position based in fear. I am young... 27 years old. But, age has nothing to do with this situation.

I am interested in understanding why you believe that this car would be illegal to drive. Thats why I posted on this forum... to gain understanding and knowledge. If you can give me a lagitamate reason, I will certainly take that into account.

You calling me a teenager is not going to help me learn why this car is illegal to drive.

*side note for people who are interested. After running the new gas line, I have come to the conclusion that the reason the diesel was not getting through was that the small inline fuel filter was clogged with sediment which was stirred up in the collision. It was a bran new fuel filter so that never crossed my mind.

When I bypass the inline filter, the car seems to have no trouble getting adequate gas. So, I may actually be able to switch back to the primary fuel line.

Does anyone know if this is really bad to bypass the inline fuel filter? I know the other filter is much more robust, but the last thing I want to have happen is to let some of that sediment junk get up into the IP.

Chri

Peter Kraft · #69 05-03-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcounts

Just for the record, in Smoothie's shoes, if I could afford to have it towed or hauled, that is what I'd do. HOWEVER, some of the folks around here with the "assets" to afford that option seem to have forgotten what it is like to be young and/or broke and not have the means to exercise that option.

I get the distinct impression that is the case in this situation, and were I in that kind of fix, I personally would give it a try. I'm no highschooler - I'm 45 years old, and I DO have assets to protect. That is why I have insurance. But I'm also not a wussy who's so risk-sensitive as that I border on being scared of his own shadow. I can also remember what it is like to be in a situation where I had no other choice but to do something like what he's attempting.

One good point that has been made is that I probably wouldn't go soliciting advice on the internet first. If something were to go wrong, then having heard and ignoring the warnings of those who are advising against it could be used against you.

Assets or no assets, putting others in danger because you can't afford to have a car towed isn't right. Insurance isn't going to cover this kind of thing, it's obvious the car was wrecked some time ago.

All you people who talk about "wussy" and "sense of adventure" would probably be the first people to sue if someone driving "brand X" in the same condition lost control and hit them and caused medical injury.

kerry · #70 05-03-2008, 06:13 PM

I'll give you a reason. The suspension is visibly bent. You just described a broken suspension part.
I can sympathize with a tight economic situation but if you could drive back to Nashville for the key, perhaps you could have found a buddy with a truck and trailer who could have brought it home for you or rented a Uhaul for a day to drive back to Indiana to get it. One day Uhaul rentals are pretty cheap compared to one-way rentals.

Matt L · #71 05-03-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Kraft

Man, what the h*** do I pay unisured motorist coverage for? For people like this? Who get away with this ...

Every car insurance policy that I have ever had gave me automatic full coverage on any car that I buy, as long as I pay for the policy in the first thirty days. Even when I had liability only, full coverage was applied as long as that's what I actually buy.

This lets me buy a car on the spot and drive it home, fully insured. Read your own policy; I would wager that yours also has this clause.

rcounts · #72 05-03-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorSmoothie

On a side note, I have taken the wheel off, and found out what was causing the noises when I took a right turn. One of the pieces that was connected to a rod thats about a half inch thick that goes all the way accross the body had broken and was hitting against the inside of the wheel. i strapped this rod down and took the car for a test drive. The vehicle doesn't make any noises anymore. Also, I hit 55 on smooth road before the shakes came on. Even then, it still felt as though I had control.

From that description it sounds like the sway bar (rod going accross the car) connecting link (the broken piece) got snapped in the accident. Definitely NOT a big deal at all. It will mean the car leans harder in high speed turns, and the rear end will "waggle" a bit more when making abrupt steering corrections. Just take it easy and slow and it will be a non-issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

You don't suppose that MB intended that rod to provide stability to the car?

Yeah, they did - HIGH SPEED stability. We're talking about limping the thing home here - not driving the autobahn.

I swear, some of the folks on this forum sound like a bunch of frightened old WOMEN! LOL! So the rear wheel is leaning in a few degrees at the top? BFD! As long as the suspension components that hold the wheel in place aren't broken - or cracked to the point of breaking - it isn't that big of a deal. Hell, I see cars that have more and worse safety issues than that passing me at 70 on the freeway almost every day!

Like I said a couple of posts ago, my main concern would be the tire getting shredded by the damaged sheetmetal. Make sure that can't happen and keep it down to around 50 mph, and driving it 300 or 400 miles is not endangering himself or the public to any significant degree.

Smoothie, I would see if I could replace that secondary filter. Pick up 3 or 4 of the $0.79 ones they sell for for the old carbed VWs at any auto parts store. That way you're keeping the junk out of your primary filter, and if enough stuff gets trapped in there to plug it up, it is a 10 minute pit stop to change the secondary.

Bio300TDTdriver · #73 05-03-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcounts

From that description it sounds like the sway bar (rod going accross the car) connecting link (the broken piece) got snapped in the accident. Definitely NOT a big deal at all. It will mean the car leans harder in high speed turns, and the rear end will "waggle" a bit more when making abrupt steering corrections. Just take it easy and slow and it will be a non-issue.

Yeah, they did - HIGH SPEED stability. We're talking about limping the thing home here - not driving the autobahn.

I swear, some of the folks on this forum sound like a bunch of frightened old WOMEN! LOL! So the rear wheel is leaning in a few degrees at the top? BFD! As long as the suspension components that hold the wheel in place aren't broken - or cracked to the point of breaking - it isn't that big of a deal. Hell, I see cars that have more and worse safety issues than that passing me at 70 on the freeway almost every day!

Like I said a couple of posts ago, my main concern would be the tire getting shredded by the damaged sheetmetal. Make sure that can't happen and keep it down to around 50 mph, and driving it 300 or 400 miles is not endangering himself or the public to any significant degree.

Smoothie, I would see if I could replace that secondary filter. Pick up 3 or 4 of the $0.79 ones they sell for for the old carbed VWs at any auto parts store. That way you're keeping the junk out of your primary filter, and if enough stuff gets trapped in there to plug it up, it is a 10 minute pit stop to change it.

Wow, you are good. You can tell from what he wrote that the car will be fine and that nothing else is broken from that collision with an 18 wheeler.

Can you tell me the lotto numbers for tonight too?

I wouldn't want my wife and kids to meet a car like that on the road. I guess you wouldn't have a problem with it.

This is how I imagine his encounter goes with a LEO.
LEO: I pulled you over because I noticed a little damage to your vehicle.
Smoothie: oh that little scrape, a couple clowns on a Mercedes forum told me it was fine to drive.
LEO: Are they mechanics? Did the actually look at the car?
Smoothie: Eh, no, but I did show them a picture. LEO

LEO: In my opinion it is not road worthy. Please step out of the car and I will call you a tow truck.

Geez, I guess I'm clairvoyant too.

cphilip · #74 05-03-2008, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

Every car insurance policy that I have ever had gave me automatic full coverage on any car that I buy, as long as I pay for the policy in the first thirty days. Even when I had liability only, full coverage was applied as long as that's what I actually buy.

This lets me buy a car on the spot and drive it home, fully insured. Read your own policy; I would wager that yours also has this clause.

I suspect it contains a clause about due diligence and or the car must be maintained in a safe manner and roadworthy. This one ain't.... And I betcha you will find an out somewhere in that policy that lets them deny coverage for willful negligence and requires any car covered to be, at the very least, roadworthy. I believe this one would qualify for denial. He knows it probably is not roadworthy, it even is obvious to most observers it should not be on the road and yet. No reasonable person would take this out on the highway and risk others lives knowing it has serious suspension problems. Its simply not roadworthy nor safe to drive this car more than up onto a trailer.

Peter Kraft · #75 05-03-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip

I suspect it contains a clause about due diligence and or the car must be maintained in a safe manner and roadworthy. This one ain't.... And I betcha you will find an out somewhere in that policy that lets them deny coverage for willful negligence and requires any car covered to be, at the very least, roadworthy. I believe this one would qualify for denial. He knows it probably is not roadworthy, it even is obvious to most observers it should not be on the road and yet. No reasonable person would take this out on the highway and risk others lives knowing it has serious suspension problems. Its simply not roadworthy nor safe to drive this car more than up onto a trailer.

Bingo. He won't get very far, I can't see other motorists turning a blind eye to his pos deathmobile.

Maybe he will get the 2008 Darwin award....