The rise and fall of a typical project
 

So I'm looking at some recommended maintenance: vacuum pump, injector test, fresh glow-plugs, ... and here's how it typically goes:

If I'm going to do the glow-plugs and injectors, I'll need to pull the intake. While that's off, good idea to R&R the cruise actuator, clean it and lube it. With that off, the IP is a straight shot, should I "run the rack" or maybe tweak a little more power into it? The engine mount looks easy with that off too, hmm.

Actually, if I'm that far into it, why not put on a fresh head, it's close to 200kmiles, have the head, ... and that'll give me the chance to upgrade the turbo, and the other engine mount is right below that, ... if the mounts are off anyway, why not pull the engine and do it on a stand, be able to get to the vacuum pump and have the radiator rodded while it's out, plus you never know, the transmission is probably due for a refresh, and pulling the pan on the engine will give me a good look inside, might even pull the caps and look the journals over well, a new oil pump and chains is never a bad idea, ...


So I finally decide to acquire an engine and transmission to go over, and leave the original alone until the fresh units are ready, it still is running the original vacuum pump, ... hope it lasts long enough for me to have the swap ready.

I used to have a sign over my desk (as an Engineer) that said:
"In the evolution of any project, it eventually becomes necessary to shoot the Engineer, and begin production." - anon

Am I the only one who has this problem, or are there others out there with several overkill projects bogging them down?

overkill... what's overkill

heh

I wish I had the time to get into an overkill project. The SD still sits in the garage waiting for me to start the overkill project on the front end. I've got all the parts but don't have the motivation. I'm sure it will take three months of on again........off again........work.

Weekend comes around and I'm tired.........time to take it easy........not work on cars.........:o

I'm a bit frustrated about it..........might have to get out there on weekday evenings and get started...........I miss driving the SD.

I don't need to discuss the '87..........or the new arrival..........another '86...........simply don't want to talk about them.

Overkill is when you buy $1200. worth of parts to do a $500. job.

You definitely wouldn't know about that............:D

They shoot engineers, don't they?
 

Actually, it was horses. But yes, I had the same sign, and have the '87 in the garage with its hood at the vertical, waiting for me to begin putting on the new vacuum pump. Who knows what I'll find when I start pulling off stuff? I need to replace the green coolant with M-B stuff (now $19.70/gallon including the 15% MBCA discount but before sales tax), put on a new overflow reservoir, etc., etc. "The list goes ever on . . ."

Getting the 123 car ready to sell is my big priority so the '87 sits and waits.

Jeremy

Hey Jeremy, you know the vacuum pump gives you access to the front of the IP doesn't it?

;~)

Pssh, I don't even have the $500
:D

I will be starting a "might as well" project soon. Installing my new springs lead to new LCA bushings, then new ball joints, UCAs...etc. I just ordered $350 worth of parts to rebuild the front end. :o

"good enough" is the toughest concept to quantify in the engineering world. it becomes easier with experience and particular industry knowledge, but it is also why a good engineer uses analyses, test and safety factors. As none of us are Mercedes engine designers, rebuilding a new engine is certainly not beyond the realm of good preparation for a long lived vehicle

I could just take one of those SDL's off your hands.. you don't need... 3.. do you?

reason why I sold them.. I saw what I had to do and crap... meh...

Yeah, but what I really need is access to the rear of the IP so I can adjust the max output screw. The engine is running a lot better lately (even though I have done nothing except drive it). But I see where you're going . . . with the vacuum pump off I can pull the IP and install the spare, see if it works better. Yeah, and then I can . . . and so it goes. :D

We're a twisted bunch.

If it is not broke and running -it does not have enough features

:sword2:

Stay back, I have been trying to get him to part with one for awhile now.:D;)

I have been trying to flush the brakes on the SDL for the past two months, can of brake fluid still sits...it will happen someday.:D

I have a bad case of "might as well", very expensive words indeed!