What's the most difficult job you did... - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

babyjames · #46 12-28-2009, 12:00 AM

This car is still in pieces after a month! I don't have much time to work on it, but I am getting there. There are many things I'll do differently if/when I have to do it again. Live and learn?

I've done engines and/or transmissions on 123's, converted auto climate control to manual systems on 123's, removed SLS from a few wagons, rebuilt the (totally rusted) SLS on an '87 TD, overhauled the rear suspension on this 124 sedan, upper and lower ball joints on 123's and 126's, LCA bushings on the same, axle shafts on the same, rear wheel bearings on a 126, brake boosters, brake light switches (!!!!), all of which were difficult. Nothing, though, has been as frustrating as the head gasket job, mainly because I can't just take the time and DO it. A few hours here, a few there. Hard to make any real headway.

Anybody tried this without removing the turbo? I think it can be done. Pulling the radiator and heatshield/burp bottle/air filter box seems unnecessary, too. Next time....

FYI the lockring tool and slidehammer adapter for the prebuckets are the same on this 14 head as the ones for the OM617.

Jay.

Archdukeferd · #47 12-28-2009, 02:53 AM

I'm sure I'm just begging to get some sort of catastrophe for this but...

The reason I like the 300 so much is because its easy to work on.

After spending a long time dealing with heavy equipment, 4x4s, and subarus (abomination to god), every time I crawl under the MB I giggle a little.

I've only replaced a bit of fuel line and put in the new CV axles, both of those were dead-simple jobs. I know these cars have their quirks and I'm sure this is going to get me some sort of ignition switch tumbler failure or something else good...

But that's okay, because it won't be as hard to fix as a lot of other cars/trucks...and when you button it all up, you know your work went into something substantial, durable, and worthy of your efforts.

Hardest non-MB job is hard to pick, typically compounding factors make a nightmare out of a job that *would* be easy if you had your tools, were in your shop, and weren't knee-deep in water, under a tarp in 50 mph winds or some other such BS...

Aquaticedge · #48 12-28-2009, 03:34 AM

Hmm... The hardest thing I've done so Far. I fought the brake servo line to relinquish it's grasp on my fuel filter... the next Project is to get a 84/85? 300SD back on the road.

WhoWhat · #49 12-28-2009, 09:07 AM

- Oil cooler lines w/o jacking up engine
- rebooting both rear axles
- any simple job where I try to fix it w/o the proper tools, and end up ruining something and buying the proper tool anyway (removing alternator cooling fan, for example)

JEBalles · #50 12-28-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

Actually, without trying to sound too belligerent, I haven't found any task to be that daunting.

I admit the stripped-out hex sockets on the Motor Mounts bolts were a bit trying. I have done a fair amount of work on my W126, and a W123 before and since that.

My lasting impression is that the engineers actually had consideration for whomever was going to make repairs. Not like some Asian makes I could name that required fingers and hands much smaller than mine for some routine operations.

I definitely agree. The lower ball joint was supposed to be super hard, but I think you just gotta know what to do. When my trans went out, it took me months to get the car back on the road, but that was the first repair I've done on a car. When I did it again, it took a day, and that included switching out the clutch slave. When I have to do the passenger side ball joint, it'll be easy.

chasinthesun · #51 12-28-2009, 12:00 PM

Transplanted motor with trannie in one of the coupes ,the donor car then got cut into 4 x4 sections for the recycler to take ,mercedes are built with very good metal . 15 metal cutting blades were beaten ,the 16th barely hung on .All took 3 days from the donor being dropped off til the last metal was sent to the recycler ,I sleep 24 hrs straight after that job.The outcome was tons of bolts and parts and a new life for the coupe,that engine rocks with 134k on it.The donor car was the best candidate I could hope for ,slight wreck in frt was just enough to break the lines for the trans and oil cooler thus putting off the road ,no interior and bad body dents gave it a thumbs done for restorability.I got it from the man that bought it for a dead end project that never got off the ground.Before we got started I put a battery to it and a can for fuel ,started right up and zero blow by .No interior had my looking for a spare seat to throw in her for a trannie shift or 2 after some line mending,shifted fine .The coupe still has a little TLC to go but now its a driver and will go another 200k .

colincoon · #52 12-28-2009, 12:03 PM

Replacing the starter on my wagon. NOT fun.

funola · #53 12-28-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasinthesun

Transplanted motor with trannie in one of the coupes ,the donor car then got cut into 4 x4 sections for the recycler to take ,mercedes are built with very good metal . 15 metal cutting blades were beaten ,the 16th barely hung on .All took 3 days from the donor being dropped off til the last metal was sent to the recycler ,I sleep 24 hrs straight after that job.The outcome was tons of bolts and parts and a new life for the coupe,that engine rocks with 134k on it.The donor car was the best candidate I could hope for ,slight wreck in frt was just enough to break the lines for the trans and oil cooler thus putting off the road ,no interior and bad body dents gave it a thumbs done for restorability.I got it from the man that bought it for a dead end project that never got off the ground.Before we got started I put a battery to it and a can for fuel ,started right up and zero blow by .No interior had my looking for a spare seat to throw in her for a trannie shift or 2 after some line mending,shifted fine .The coupe still has a little TLC to go but now its a driver and will go another 200k .

If only you had a dualsaw. www.dualsaw.com
I saw a TV info-mercial about it and it is amazing what it can do. It has 2 counter-rotating carbide blades so it does not pull while cutting, allowing plunge cutting anywhere on the work piece. A car body was cut in half in under 2 minutes. If it works as good as they say and is durable I want one.
Anyone seen the info-mercial and what do you think?

truckinik · #54 12-28-2009, 08:01 PM

Installed complete engine, and 5-speed trans, out of a 93 5.0 litre Mustang GT, into a Mazda Miata. Everything as far as engine and trans was stock, as well as moving all computer and harness components. Lots of fabrication work was involved in the job, but when she was done she screamed, and she looked like the factory had put her together. She's like a Mini Cobra, as far as power to weight ratio is concerned. Biggest problem to solve, was the suspension issues, and braking problems. All the extra weight changed the entire dynamics of the car. Once worked out, she performed like a champ, but it took a year or two to do the job, start to final finish.

rcounts · #55 12-28-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckinik

Installed complete engine, and 5-speed trans, out of a 93 5.0 litre Mustang GT, into a Mazda Miata. Everything as far as engine and trans was stock, as well as moving all computer and harness components. Lots of fabrication work was involved in the job, but when she was done she screamed, and she looked like the factory had put her together. She's like a Mini Cobra, as far as power to weight ratio is concerned. Biggest problem to solve, was the suspension issues, and braking problems. All the extra weight changed the entire dynamics of the car. Once worked out, she performed like a champ, but it took a year or two to do the job, start to final finish.

I'm impressed. Pictures?