Rudolf's first big trip... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

LUVMBDiesels · #1 05-05-2008, 10:57 AM

This past weekend I fixed Rudolf's problem shutting down by replacing the shut off valve on the IP and removed his ALDA (part of the SOV R&R process)

I then took him on his first big trip to NY and back to WV.

We averaged 74mph according to my GPS and got a little over 28mpg! Not bad for a BIG heavy car from 1986 with 290K on the odometer!

We ran up to NY Saturday night, did some locval driving and ran back to WV on Sunday evening with a trunk full of belongings and 10 gallons of relatively cheap NJ diesel ($4.23) as opposed to $4.40 in WV

I am amazed at the difference between this car and the 1981 300SD. The SDL is altogether a much better animal on the highway running up to and over 80mph without feeling like the car was going to explode - OM617 drivers know that feeling

at speeds over 75!

It was also more comfortable for passengers due to the bigger back seat area.

The only drawback was my daughter broke the recliner on the passenger seat! Well actually, she reclined the seat and now it will no longer go back to a fully upright and locked position. I am going to have to get into the door panel and check the switch.

Oh, and just to make you guys jealous -- the cruise control worked like a dream holding the car at 74mph for miles and miles

Now to get the AC working before the heat sets in around DC...

chasinthesun · #2 05-05-2008, 11:46 AM

Great to hear ,this is a gift that keeps on giving ,you give maintinence to the mb and it gives you many ,many ,many miles of trouble free driving.On your seat problem ,it might be something down in the seat ,its common for pins etc to get down into the rides ,just a thought.

Johnhef · #3 05-05-2008, 09:50 PM

clean the seat switch contacts

LUVMBDiesels · #4 05-06-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

clean the seat switch contacts

My thoughts also... I just hate opening a virginal door panel up.

I will also look in the seat itself for anything jamming the gears, but I don't hear the motor trying to go so I think it is the switch. I have not tried using the memory buttons yet ( I am hoping that one of the settings has the seat fully upright

)

Second tank of ALDA less fuel -- 27.6mpg at average speed of 71mph

I LOVE THIS CAR!

Dee8go · #5 05-06-2008, 08:01 AM

The SDL seems like a terrific car. I'd like to have one of those. Listen to me! It took me forever to buy the first one, and now I have two. Where will it end?

Congratulations on having a fine examle of an SDL.

Actros617 · #6 05-06-2008, 08:48 AM

this will make you jelous my A/C works and its converted to R134a

, anyways SDL are great cars but has a down fall when comes to overheating

...

Chad300tdt · #7 05-06-2008, 09:13 AM

Congratulations LUVMBDiesels!

I went for a highway cruise this past weekend myself. It wasn't nearly as long as your trip, but it was the first one since I drove the wagon home when I bought it. I finally finished enough of the work needed to keep it on the road while I do the rest.

I still have no cruise or AC, but I WAS able to cruise effortlessly at 85 mph. I love the 617.

Johnhef · #8 05-06-2008, 07:49 PM

Dont take the whole door panel off, just take the switch out!

LUVMBDiesels · #9 05-06-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

Dont take the whole door panel off, just take the switch out!

I thought you needed to remove the panel to get to the switch. I think that was what I needed to do on the 300SD. I will check out the switch as soon as I can get to it.