Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Diesel Discussion

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-07-2008, 11:56 AM
babymog's Avatar
Loose Cannon - No Balls
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Northeast Indiana
Posts: 10,765
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?

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-07-2008, 11:59 AM
TheDon's Avatar
Ghost of Diesels Past
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 13,285
overkill... what's overkill

heh
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-07-2008, 12:11 PM
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Blue Point, NY
Posts: 25,396
Quote:
Originally Posted by babymog View Post
Am I the only one who has this problem, or are there others out there with several overkill projects bogging them down?
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.........

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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 06-07-2008, 12:14 PM
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Blue Point, NY
Posts: 25,396
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDon View Post
overkill... what's overkill

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

You definitely wouldn't know about that............
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-07-2008, 12:18 PM
Jeremy5848's Avatar
Registered Biodiesel User
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sonoma Wine Country
Posts: 8,408
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
__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 06-07-2008, 12:41 PM
babymog's Avatar
Loose Cannon - No Balls
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Northeast Indiana
Posts: 10,765
Hey Jeremy, you know the vacuum pump gives you access to the front of the IP doesn't it?

;~)
__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-07-2008, 01:41 PM
forkintheforest's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Homestead, fl
Posts: 34
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Carlton View Post
Overkill is when you buy $1200. worth of parts to do a $500. job.

You definitely wouldn't know about that............
Pssh, I don't even have the $500
__________________
'84 300D w/ 120,___
I wish I had money to buy new shocks.
:-(
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-07-2008, 01:43 PM
bgkast's Avatar
Rollin' on 16s
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Vancouver WA
Posts: 6,528
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.
__________________
1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-07-2008, 02:05 PM
lutzTD's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Lutz, Florida (N of Tampa)
Posts: 2,461
Quote:
Originally Posted by babymog View Post
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

"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
__________________

1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-07-2008, 02:20 PM
TheDon's Avatar
Ghost of Diesels Past
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 13,285
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Carlton View Post
Overkill is when you buy $1200. worth of parts to do a $500. job.

You definitely wouldn't know about that............
I could just take one of those SDL's off your hands.. you don't need... 3.. do you?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bgkast View Post
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.
reason why I sold them.. I saw what I had to do and crap... meh...
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-07-2008, 06:09 PM
Jeremy5848's Avatar
Registered Biodiesel User
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sonoma Wine Country
Posts: 8,408
Quote:
Originally Posted by babymog View Post
Hey Jeremy, you know the vacuum pump gives you access to the front of the IP doesn't it?

;~)
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.
__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-08-2008, 12:38 AM
babymog's Avatar
Loose Cannon - No Balls
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Northeast Indiana
Posts: 10,765
We're a twisted bunch.
__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-08-2008, 04:49 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 233
If it is not broke and running -it does not have enough features
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-08-2008, 04:53 PM
Hatterasguy's Avatar
Zero
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Milford, CT
Posts: 19,318
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDon View Post
I could just take one of those SDL's off your hands.. you don't need... 3.. do you?


Stay back, I have been trying to get him to part with one for awhile now.
__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 06-08-2008, 04:55 PM
Hatterasguy's Avatar
Zero
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Milford, CT
Posts: 19,318
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.

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

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:23 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page