Nervous about potential '85 cali W123 - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

scoodidabop · #16 07-29-2009, 08:06 PM

I see... I see...

Where does this straight pipe get installed? I'm not very familiar with the plumbing of the system...

I'm not too concerned about the veggie. It's a pretty nice car overall, and the engine runs really well. She's only put a total of appx 5k miles on the car in the last 4 years, and only a portion of that has been veggie. All the shifts are firm, but a little vacuum work and perhaps a new tranny modulator will fix this. I think I'd put a new RD bolt in it, idle is a little shaky. Could be engine shocks I suppose.

I think it's a good car.

Again, slim pickins here in H-town right now... I found a listing for a pastel blue with the parchment interior (don't kill me for using the wrong names) in REALLY nice condition. Needed only a starter... $700. Sold fast. I wish I found a deal like that!

scoodidabop · #17 07-29-2009, 08:41 PM

Is there a visual difference between the ox-cat and the trap-ox so I can assess what's on this one?

blackestate · #18 07-29-2009, 08:47 PM

Search on the forum, there is a thread, I bought manifolds and everything cheap and swapped it over to fed. No other issues related to the emissions stuff.

scoodidabop · #19 07-29-2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackestate

Search on the forum, there is a thread, I bought manifolds and everything cheap and swapped it over to fed. No other issues related to the emissions stuff.

Do you remember how much the parts ran? I think I'd like to make the swap to fed also. Am I looking at $200? $300?

barry123400 · #20 07-29-2009, 09:11 PM

Cheaper pick and pull yard parts perhaps to convert it? I usualy prefer cheap if there are no major comprimises.

::matthew · #21 07-29-2009, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoodidabop

Is there a visual difference between the ox-cat and the trap-ox so I can assess what's on this one?

there is a part number on the side of it. I think the ox-cat starts with 126, but I don't have the full number handy. Not sure if the trap-ox starts 123, but if your does, then it most likely hasn't been converted.

Jeremy5848 · #22 07-29-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoodidabop

Is there a visual difference between the ox-cat and the trap-ox so I can assess what's on this one?

I've never seen the trap oxidizer. It was designed to be replaced on warranty by the dealer every 30,000 miles. Then they came out with the trap catalyst, a one-time permanent replacement. So in theory, all 1985 W123 and W126 cars with the OM617 California engine should have been converted.

The trap ox and the trap cat are probably identical in outward appearance. My trap cat carries the part number 126 490 34 14. I've never seen a trap ox, do not know the part number. Your dealer can run your VIN and tell you if a particular car has had the trap cat recall performed. AFAIK, the recall is still valid.

When I did my straight-pipe conversion I posted a thread with pictures. Search for my ID and keywords "trap cat" or something like that and you'll find the thread and can see what the conversion looks like.

Jeremy

Jeremy5848 · #23 07-29-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoodidabop

Do you remember how much the parts ran? I think I'd like to make the swap to fed also. Am I looking at $200? $300?

You should be able to find a 617 with a Federal set-up at a junkyard for $200 or so. The turbo is the expensive part and people here have said that you can use your existing turbo by taking it apart and "clocking" (rotating) the parts with respect to one another so the inlet and outlets will face the right direction. Then all you'd need are the manifolds (intake and exhaust are one piece, I think, in the 617). Some people even go so far as to find a version so old that it has no EGR. The first turbo 617s (in 300SD) were that way, I believe. You also need the turbo oil feed and drain and the downpipe from the turbo exhaust to the exhaust system, you need the air filter housing and bracketry (often hard to find, gets ripped off and damaged right away in the junkyards) and the rubber piping from the air cleaner to the turbo intake.

scoodidabop · #24 07-29-2009, 11:39 PM

Does the cali have the little tube sticking out of the top of the lower oil pan? I know the federal has this tube for the run-off to wick back down into the pan.

Jeremy5848 · #25 07-30-2009, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoodidabop

Does the cali have the little tube sticking out of the top of the lower oil pan? I know the federal has this tube for the run-off to wick back down into the pan.

The California version has a drain tube for the turbo but does NOT have one for the air cleaner since there isn't one. Three years ago it was frustrating to me as a noob with my '85 to read about this drain and be unable to find it!

JimmyL · #26 07-30-2009, 12:54 AM

Don't worry yourself about the Cali/non-Cali differences, and don't fear the tach in the '85 either. In some ways it is an easier system. And you can run a jumper wire for the AC to work should the tach become inop. [jumper on the Klima relay]
With a rare color and uber rare black interior, the Cali stuff wouldn't be given a second thought.
The Lovecrap system might give me pause, but for the $$$$ your talking I would remove the already bypassed system and act like I'd never seen it.
You can always change from the Cali emissions, but is sure isn't necessary. There are always bigger fish to fry......

marybeth · #27 07-30-2009, 05:07 AM

Lovecrap would make me RUN in the other direction-unless yopu wish only a parts car.

First the motor oil will be like maple syurp from contanimation from unburnt veggie-so excess wear on moving engine parts(think running without any motor oil)
2nd the injectors will spray like ketusp bottle due to clogged with veggie
3rd the cylinder walls will be scarred coated with coked with burnt WVO as will the piston rings.
4th Fuel tank screener and IP (among other parts) will have clogged WVO in them.

Lots of good Benz out there-this is not one of those.

Offer $ 700 (if you REALLY want it) run some diesel purge thru the engine then run car until engine fails (It will be slow death. Have a AAA car and cell phone handy. Hopefully you will have $1500 saved for a engine swap.

ImBroke · #28 07-30-2009, 06:59 AM

I'd hit it. Get rid of the Lovecrap stuff as has been said. I have both Cali and Federal 85's, and don't fear either. I can get you a trap ox part number if you really need it. I know mine has not been converted to the new trap cat. 1500 seems like a fair price, especially since you don't have to worry about rust and all.

scoodidabop · #29 07-30-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marybeth

Lovecrap would make me RUN in the other direction-unless yopu wish only a parts car.

First the motor oil will be like maple syurp from contanimation from unburnt veggie-so excess wear on moving engine parts(think running without any motor oil)
2nd the injectors will spray like ketusp bottle due to clogged with veggie
3rd the cylinder walls will be scarred coated with coked with burnt WVO as will the piston rings.
4th Fuel tank screener and IP (among other parts) will have clogged WVO in them.

Lots of good Benz out there-this is not one of those.

Offer $ 700 (if you REALLY want it) run some diesel purge thru the engine then run car until engine fails (It will be slow death. Have a AAA car and cell phone handy. Hopefully you will have $1500 saved for a engine swap.

Is it possible for WVO to do this much damage in just a couple thousand miles?

I planned on doing a purge, cleaning the tank filter and sender unit, then replacing the injector nozzles.

I'm going to go look at the car again this morning. I'm bringing ramps, a flashlight and a camera... If she's down with $1k, I might buy it on the spot.

scoodidabop · #30 07-30-2009, 05:43 PM

I bought it!

Thanks for all the advise guys. Naysayers, I love you; but up yours!!

Runs great. Oil pressure levels off just under 2 bar. Temp sits a tick above 80c. Oh noes! Green coolant! That's getting changed straight away.

EVERYTHING works. Antenna. Locks. Lights. Tach. Sunroof. CRUISE CONTROL (!!!). Windows.

A couple of immediate concerns; The AC blows cold, but sometimes under heavy acceleration, the front vents decrease blowing speed. The defrost (always on... okay so not EVERYTHING works!) never slows in intensity, even when the front vents slow. When I release the accelerator, the blow-speed kicks right back up. This happens only under HEAVY acceleration, no other times.

Kickdown button isn't functional. I like to use it. I want it to work. Possible short somewhere?

Oh! One more thing; remind me which direction I turn the pin on the tranny modulator to soften shifts? They're all pretty firm at the moment. The modulator holds a good vacuum. I have yet to check the quantity of vacuum going to the modulator, but I think it's within spec.

So far, I'm very happy with this purchase.

If I decide to swap the Cali air components out for Federal, where could I tie in the drip tube that's supposed to go back to the oil pan?

I ran by LKQ and grabbed a Federal air cleaner housing. I tried to pull the manifolds, but I think I missed a bolt. I couldn't break it free before I felt the heat exhaustion setting in.