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-   -   Well I'm still alive and still have the Mercedes (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/268852-well-im-still-alive-still-have-mercedes.html)

dmorrison 01-07-2010 01:49 AM

Well I'm still alive and still have the Mercedes
 
Just an update. I'm still alive and still have the following cars.

82 300TD
83 240D ( my Daughters)
88 560SL
65 Mustang Fastback ( my Sons)

Life has continued and a couple of decisions will be made

The last time we left you on " As the Stomach turns" I had been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. Low thyroid output. Well the medicine has helped tremendously and I do feel better. My first concern was maintaining my FAA medical for my job. If I lose that I'm out of a job, or retired in my case. The cars have been sitting for a while and a decision will be made about what to do with them. About the company, American Airlines, Sully ( the Captain who landed the aircraft in the Hudson river ) said it right when talking to Congress, "I know of no one in my industry who wants there children to follow them in their footsteps". My son and I had a long talk about flying, he gave it up and is now in the finance division of an upstart company, he has an MBA and Masters in Finance and will earn more than I can ever hope to earn. 2 years out of college and he is earning what my copilots earn after 10 years with the company. So, on to the cars

The 300TD when we last talked about it, was driven by my son who reported " no power and I have pulled over to the side of the road" it took 5.5 quarts of oil and I was certain the turbo seal blew and pissed out all the oil, ruining the engine. I have not dropped the oi pan and checked the bearings. It has been sitting with the cover on it waiting patiently for me. It could be the turbo seal blew and the turbo seized, but the engine may be OK. A seized turbo could explain a lot. I need to look into it

The 240D. My daughter bought a new car, her 240D has a very small head gasket leak. I need to pull the head and replace the gasket. We will then sell the 240D. It really is a beautiful car, very clean and absolutely 0 rust.

The 560SL I had a strange noise after starting. A sound which I thought was valves hitting the piston. I was afraid the timing chain guides broke and it skipped a tooth. I also thought maybe it was the emissions air pump. Disconnected the the air pump relay and started it. No sound, a good sign. Reconnected the relay and " no sound" Great, so what was the sound?
Let the car sit while I was not feeling well. Steering box developed a leak and pissed all the power steering fluid out. So the car has sat for 2 years. Dead battery, Old fuel, etc.
Finally found out that the noise was a air pump control unit. Discovered that here on Mercedeshop.com or when it WAS Mercedesshop.com.
So now have to change all fluids and get the steering box seal replaced and get her going. I'm thinking of getting my brother to come out 1 weekend to help me (motivate me) He's a Mercedes mechanic in Columbia, South Carolina. See!!!!!! I have no excuse.

The 65 Ford Mustang Fastback, my sons. My son is now working and living in San Francisco. So the Mustang is here since he does not have a garage for it in SFO. The reason he started to drive the 300TD is because the mustang got caught in a flood here in DFW. The left rear fender was hit while he was waiting for a tow truck. Months prior he had creased the front right fender and the hood scoop area bondo was cracking. He needed to stop driving this classic Mustang as a daily driver. That is when I found the 85 300D for him ( which is long gone). So the Mustang needs work. It's sitting in the back with it's cover on it. I give him 3 years. Then I will let him know that he really has to do something with the Mustang. The bottom line??? He is really happy in his new job in SFO and he and his fiance are really having a good time there. Again I give him 3 years.


So I have a lot of work ahead of me with the cars I have. When it warms up I will first get the 240D ready to sell and let you guys know when it is ready. It is a beautiful car.

The 300TD I just don't know. If the engine is fine I may restart it and get her going ( I really do love the car,and have owned it since 1992, 18 years). But I may also just let her go. I have not decided yet.

The SL will definitely be fixed, I need to get it moving so my wood shop can be used completely. I pull the car out to expand the shop when needed. And then there is the brother who is a Mercedes mechanic!!!!!!! As well as all of you guys and gals here at the Forum


The wood shop is more of a priority to me right now. I have upgraded 4 of my tools. And I am interested in producing some furniture, which my wife has requested. With this economy some of the upgrades have been really fantastic. A new $650 Jet Drill press for $300. A 2 year old $650 Jet 6 inch jointer for $350. A $250 6 inch belt/9 inch disc Sears sander for $129. And a 2 year old $1600 Jet 18 inch band saw for $600. The current economy has produced buying opportunities, at least in the woodworking field.


Well enough ranting.

It's good to see the forum is still the best forum around, and that is compared to some of the wood forums I frequent. Everyone here is helpful, professional and truly do love these cars.


Dave

PS It's amazing how many DIY articles have been made, It's just amazing. What a great bunch of people

Aquaticedge 01-07-2010 01:52 AM

Welcome back! I hope you start feeling better soon

thebenzbar 01-07-2010 01:58 AM

Welcome back Dave, your illustrated DIY writeups are a legend and very helpful/educational as well. :)
Cheers! :beerchug:

billhard 01-07-2010 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmorrison (Post 2376383)
About the company, American Airlines, Sully ( the Captain who landed the aircraft in the Hudson river ) said it right to Congress, "I know of no one in my industry who wants there children to follow then in their footsteps".

My Dad was a pilot for American 30 plus years. His advice to me was the same as you gave your son. Needless to say I am not a pilot. He was sick of what had become of the profession he'd had once been so proud of.

charmalu 01-07-2010 02:27 AM

Dave, good to see you back, glad to hear you are on the mend. we are all getting old like our beloved Diesels, we like the cars need some diagnosis now and then.

too bad you have to sell the MB`s, but life must move on.

most industries/professions change and not always for the better. maybe for those at the top it does.
We don`t fly anymore since I don`t like the way Iam treated in the airports. so the old 123 get`s us there in good style.

I too like your DIY write ups. I will be using your a/c heater removal DIY this coming summer. have plans to make the 85 300D a 240D manual system. looks easy enough :rolleyes:.

your son is not too far north from where we are.

Charlie

dmorrison 01-07-2010 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billhard (Post 2376392)
My Dad was a pilot for American 30 plus years. His advice to me was the same as you gave your son. Needless to say I am not a pilot. He was sick of what had become of the profession he'd had once been so proud of.

When did he retire?? What a difference a few years makes in the attitude of the retired pilot. Pre 9/11/01 vs. post 9/11/01. Sept 11 really changed our profession. And it has never recovered.

We have a pilot that joins us here at our parties, he retired in 1984, the year I was hired. He just can't believe the stories we tell him about our company and what is going on in the industry today. He and his wife are the nicest couple you'll ever meet. 85 and still going, not very strong, we worry about them and make sure they get home safely, but what a wonderful couple.



Dave

dmorrison 01-07-2010 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu (Post 2376397)
Dave, good to see you back, glad to hear you are on the mend. we are all getting old like our beloved Diesels, we like the cars need some diagnosis now and then.

too bad you have to sell the MB`s, but life must move on.

most industries/professions change and not always for the better. maybe for those at the top it does.
We don`t fly anymore since I don`t like the way Iam treated in the airports. so the old 123 get`s us there in good style.

I too like your DIY write ups. I will be using your a/c heater removal DIY this coming summer. have plans to make the 85 300D a 240D manual system. looks easy enough :rolleyes:.

your son is not too far north from where we are.

Charlie

Yes my son lives in downtown SFO on Sacramento street. Just loving it. Walks to work, 25 minutes each way. Not like here, drive hot or cold.

Funny, he used to work in the finance department here at American. I used to ask how work was. ---Now remember this is a kid, who graduated Suma Cum-Laude in 3 years from OSU and an Honors MBA program at UT Dallas with an A average, A- average for his MBA, he was tired of school. His reply to how is work going at American was, "I die just a little bit every day". So now he is very happy where he is. Wonderful people, challenged, and loving it.

Dave

300dOwner 01-07-2010 06:10 AM

Welcome back..
 
Though you were never really gone....this stuff gets in one's blood....

And when you get the woodshop going maybe you can specialize in wood trim refinishing and cup holder creation....all for our Mercedes of course...:D

Brian Carlton 01-07-2010 10:22 AM

Hey Dave,

Good to see you back again.

Yep, I fully know the experience of parking a vehicle and just not able to "get back to it". But, when it's finally done (the SD), it's a very satisfying result.

Hope you're up to getting the SL rolling again............the accomplishment is always beneficial to the psyche.

dagObx 01-07-2010 01:28 PM

Dave,

We don't know each other, but I can identify with the thyroid problem. I had my thyroid removed in '03 due to cancer & have been on the meds ever since & will be for the rest of my life. That low or lack of thyroid hormones is a real b**ch. Reminds me of what an old black guy told me when he was diagnosed: "This crap takes all the man out of manhood".

Glad you're on the meds & feeling better. I can assure you that continued use of the meds will continue to help until you hit the normal level. Hope you have a good endocrinologist - a good one will make ALL the difference.

Graplr 01-07-2010 02:04 PM

Dave,
Good to hear from you.

I read many of your AC threads a few years ago when I was getting the AC funtional in my SD again.

Glad to have your wisdom back on the forum.

Codifex Maximus 01-07-2010 02:16 PM

Here's to your health dmorrison!:beer:

Sorry to hear that you are selling some of your cars. I already have two but I might have room for another 240D. I'm in NE Texas so I'm not far from you.

I also like the idea of REAL wood trim for MB's as 300dOwner suggested... If you decide you might like to try it, I may become one of your customers. I'm considering doing leatherwork myself.

dieseldiehard 01-07-2010 02:27 PM

Welcome back, Dave I remember your well-prepared DIY articles. too bad about pilots not earning what they used to. I had a friend that was a flight engineer (remember those?) retired from UAL and moved to Hawaii mid 80's.
Hey, welcome to the Hypothyroid crowd, its not unusual to see reduced T3 T4 levels as one ages, of course DNA has a lot to do with it. Just take the right dose, get it calibrated evry year to see if it needs trimming and you'll be fine.

Hey, a wood refinishing program would serve a lot of folks maybe myself included, I've got aspirations about refinishing a few pieces someday.
Reid DDH


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