Expedition Checklist - Spares - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tbomachines · #16 08-06-2012, 11:01 AM

From the whole list above, you can pretty much assemble an entire spare car. I'd stick to the things that can and will leave you stranded, and stuff that you can use on the side of the road to get you back safely.

funola · #17 08-06-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I would pare away the heaviest stuff like a starter for example....starters rarely give trouble. Parts should be available along the way or within a day or so by fed ex or ups. I imagine there are quite a few old benzos down in south america.

Dragging along all that weight will really get tiresome after a while. I suggest reading Sideways to Sidney a book by Innes Ireland from the seventies in which they did a cross country race in Austrailia in a mid seventies mercedes. They were traveling at racing speeds and took loads of spares. They never used any of them and eventually started tossing them away to reduce weight.

I just looked again at your list and the starter is really the only heavy part on it.

x2 on leaving the starter and other heavy stuff out. Do preventive maintenance before you leave. Since it's such a difficult job, I'd take the starter motor out, check and replace loose bushings/ bearings, brushes if too short and lube it up including the solenoid,which can jam if there is corrosion. Same goes with the alternator. New belts before you leave. Rebuild brakes with new seals and pads. How many miles is your trip going to be total, from that you can pare down wear item parts such as brake pads, alternator brushes etc. I'd also suggest installing a new vacuum pump before you leave. It's a lot of money but it can stop your trip real quick if it lets go.

bustedbenz · #18 08-06-2012, 12:18 PM

Some of the things I've seen listed (not making fun of anybody) are not on my personal list of "stuff I'd attempt to change at a roadside" no matter what the circumstances were. I would not attempt a vacuum pump (it's hard enough not to drop parts down the chain cavity when you're in a well-lit garage with jacks and optimal tools)... nor can I really imagine using "spare axles."

The one argument in favor of such spares is that if you find a mechanic and a shop and a tow truck but parts can't be physically obtained there, then having them in the car already might make a difference.

vanastro · #19 08-06-2012, 01:29 PM

Most the stuff you guys mentioned is not needed. The worst enemy is an overloaded car. I did an expedition from Europe to India (Nepal) in the '70. Round trip was 12,500mi in a 1966 Mercedes 319 (google it) The vehicle was good prepared so we did not need any, none of the parts we carried. On the way, we met other people coming back and some of them had break-downs but all repairs could be done by local mechanics. Mercedes diesel cars are very common around the world. Starters and alternators can be repaired anywhere.
Install new brake pads before you leave and forget them. Install new hoses and belts all around.
My suggestion:
water pump (1),fan belt (1),oil filter(4), air filter(4), fuel filter(2), glow-plugs(2), set of bulbs, tube of red silicon(1), duct tape(2)

panZZer · #20 08-06-2012, 01:51 PM

Ive got lots of small bits here Delibus, see what you still dont got. and there are the yards here--but I dont really do the yard thing in august.

whunter · #21 08-06-2012, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delibes

Hello everyone,
As you all know, I am about to depart in a long expedition from Kansas to the Southernmost tip of Argentina in Livingstone, my trusty 1981 300TD wagon. I estimate it will take about a year or so.

I am currently in the final planning process for the big trip, and I am gathering most of the supplies I need. Amongst these supplies, I have a bunch of consumables and spares that I may need along the way. Here's a few of the ones I plan on taking...

- TONS of fuel/oil filters
- TONS of fuses (all three kinds)
- A few spare bulbs
- Spare set of engine mounts
- Spare starter
- Spare set of sealed headlights
- Two reverse light lenses
- Extra set of brake pads
- Two caliper rebuild kits
- Three valve cover gaskets
- Spare vacuum lines/connectors
- Set of alternator brushes

For those with experience in heavy W123 use (hehe), what else would you recommend taking with me? Please be conscious that the space in a W123 wagon is limited and will be shared with my "life support" supplies!

Thanks to all!

Knowing the natural terrain (no roads) you will cross.

I suggest you have someone fabricate a serious shield for the engine and transmission oil pan.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/147821-gruesome-617-engine-pics-dont-look-if-you-have-weak-stomach.html

W123 Skid Plate Install w/pix

Steel belly pan for W124

.

giff · #22 08-06-2012, 05:20 PM

Oh dear, my stomach.......skid plate was my 1st & 2nd thought.

strelnik · #23 08-06-2012, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Flat tire repair kit/patches, some sort of inflation device (even a bike pump will work), maybe some grease and spare wheel bearing or two since they're small enough. Silicone rtv tube or two, a small section of bypass hose (that 3 inch long section below water pump...it's small enough to throw it in the box). JB weld and duct tape!

don't forget a spare voltage regulator!

funola · #24 08-06-2012, 05:35 PM

Satelite phone

GregMN · #25 08-06-2012, 06:52 PM

Increase ground clearance.
Taller tires, bigger wheels, spring spacers. What ever it takes and you can afford.

Skid plates to protect drive train and suspension. It doesn't do any good to have the engine still running if your lower suspension arm is bent or broken.

I think I remember reading on one travel log that there were no MB W123's, or parts available for them, in many of the countries you will be traveling through.

Delibes · #26 08-06-2012, 08:13 PM

Wow, this thread has EXPLODED! Thanks to everyone for the many suggestions so far!

I shall update the list very, very shortly...

t walgamuth · #27 08-06-2012, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregMN

Increase ground clearance.
Taller tires, bigger wheels, spring spacers. What ever it takes and you can afford.

Skid plates to protect drive train and suspension. It doesn't do any good to have the engine still running if your lower suspension arm is bent or broken.

I think I remember reading on one travel log that there were no MB W123's, or parts available for them, in many of the countries you will be traveling through.

With this in mind I have a tall set of springs that came on my 84 280e euro which was ordered for a big SA to Alaska ralley in 1984. I'll sell them cheaply. The fronts will set the front up 2". I am not sure about the rears, they are less.

Delibes · #28 08-07-2012, 02:05 AM

New list...

-TONS of fuel/oil filters
-TONS of fuses (all three kinds)
-A few spare bulbs
-Brake hoses
-Belt set
-Spare set of engine mounts
-Spare set of sealed headlights
-Two reverse light lenses
-Extra set of brake pads
-Two caliper rebuild kits
-Three valve cover gaskets
-Spare vacuum lines/connectors
-Set of alternator brushes
-Exhaust hangers
-Wiper blades
-Radiator cap(s)
-Water pump
-Wheel bearings (F & R)
-1 gallon of Coolant
-Few quarts of Engine Oil
-Few quarts of ATF
-1 gallon of JB Weld

-1 gallon of Apoxy

-RTV Silicone
-Duct tape

...and, obviously, my W123-biased toolset.

Check my parts-for-sale thread and, if you have anything mentioned above, I will gladly trade with you!

eatont9999 · #29 08-07-2012, 01:29 PM

Heads up cheap dealer part - W123 skid pan / skid plate

Good luck. You better bring a trailer if you want to take everything these guys come up with. LOL

vstech · #30 08-07-2012, 01:57 PM

... manual transmission installed...