Got the 1985 300TDT - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Adriel · #31 12-21-2012, 08:50 PM

Drove a total of two and a half hours to go to a vet appointment. The amount of rain fall varied from none to torrential downpour which the wipers on high speed couldn't keep up. Apparently the wipers needed to be used to work better, though in sprinkling still streaks. At least now I know they don't need to be replaced, just need to apply Rain-X to the windshield.

I am also happy to report the sunroof no longer leaks!

I kept reaching over and feeling because I couldn't believe it!

With the slack taken out of the linkage, there is more responsiveness and feels like a tad bit of power which we all know any increase is welcomed!

Also, the turbo wines a lot less, only when romping it up fairly steep grades. I even managed to get the back end to step out a tad when accelerating through a turn, across heavy traffic. Oops...

unkl300d · #32 12-21-2012, 09:10 PM

Hey get the windshield wipers from Costco. Firestone or something like that.
$7 a pair.

They are EXCELLENT.

no streaking.

Adriel · #33 12-22-2012, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

Hey get the windshield wipers from Costco. Firestone or something like that.
$7 a pair.

They are EXCELLENT.

no streaking.

Bummer, as could have used that on the Volvo I need to unload. Think I will keep these for now and see if I can make it though the winter. Summer in the desert is hard on blades so hate to get some now and have them go to waste.

Oh, and I prefer using Rain-X rather than wear out the wiper motor for light rain.

Sometimes I wonder if others wonder why I don't have my wipers on in the rain.

tram · #34 12-24-2012, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriel

Drove a total of two and a half hours to go to a vet appointment. The amount of rain fall varied from none to torrential downpour which the wipers on high speed couldn't keep up. Apparently the wipers needed to be used to work better, though in sprinkling still streaks. At least now I know they don't need to be replaced, just need to apply Rain-X to the windshield.

I am also happy to report the sunroof no longer leaks!

I kept reaching over and feeling because I couldn't believe it!

With the slack taken out of the linkage, there is more responsiveness and feels like a tad bit of power which we all know any increase is welcomed!

Also, the turbo wines a lot less, only when romping it up fairly steep grades. I even managed to get the back end to step out a tad when accelerating through a turn, across heavy traffic. Oops...

Hey Adriel- sounds like the car has accepted you now, LOL. Nice work on the throttle and sunroof drain!

According to my notes, the front wipers were replaced in September and I put a new rear one on it just before it went on transport- all Bosch. Try wiping the rubbers down with rubbing alcohol to clean the sweeping surface.

Where the transport guy had it positioned on the truck could have allowed the W/S to pick up a lot of diesel particulate as it was just behind the cab.

Adriel · #35 12-24-2012, 04:33 PM

Missed this because of frosting several dozen sugar cookies I baked last night, both from scratch! First time, so not the prettiest, but do taste good! All ready for the Christmas meals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram

Hey Adriel- sounds like the car has accepted you now, LOL. Nice work on the throttle and sunroof drain!

According to my notes, the front wipers were replaced in September and I put a new rear one on it just before it went on transport- all Bosch. Try wiping the rubbers down with rubbing alcohol to clean the sweeping surface.

Where the transport guy had it positioned on the truck could have allowed the W/S to pick up a lot of diesel particulate as it was just behind the cab.

Yep, think der Wagen has! Or at least learning its quirks...

Thank you for the complements! I felt so good that the R.T.V. worked despite what the guru said!

Now I can do it on the Squareback.

On that thought, I did notice there is a damp moldy smell now that we have gotten several inches of rain in the last couple days. Not finding anything wet, so not sure what is going on, but must not worry.

As I said, they are fine, but will clean them since you do have a good point about the particulate.

I did drive it today to run a couple errands (though Biggs was shut down so will have to go back). I needed to make a U-turn so cranked a tad hard, and discovered W123s have a good turn radius! Almost got into a fender bender because I was doing a maneuver in the parking lot and the minivan was in a hurry. Thank goodness these autos have good brakes! I was so shook up I got out of Dodge and most likely looked like an idiot...

Adriel · #36 12-29-2012, 03:13 PM

Figure one is in order, as on the 26th drove from Gridley to San Diego California.

What I found the day before going to Bangor is the Mercedes does real well on the curves, even in rain, though not going to get cocky. Just glad it is comfortable. Wish I knew what type of front shocks are on the front, but suspect touring from the reading I have done in the past.

The Mercedes is a great touring auto! Set it to about 70M.P.H. and relax in the comfort. Did have trouble with the Grapevine because traffic prevented me from getting a running start.

Around town with ambient temperature in the 40s got 21M.P.G. and mostly highway getting 26M.P.G., so not bad especially the mostly highway which the P.O. was averaging 25M.P.G..

The only issues were the turbo whine (eventually we got used to it), the bar at the base of the back support (adjusted the tilt and could be resolved with a seat cover), the cracks in the vinyl came back with a vengeance (seat cover again), and no rear speakers. The later is going to be a major pain, as new speakers were wired into the rear and have to figure out where the wires are and how come the factory fader is still hooked up (from what I read they do fail fairly easy). I really don't like how they were screwed into the side panels and get in the way. Some day will upgrade the stock rear speakers and get replacement side panels.

Yesterday I was called on to haul a wash tray because it wouldn't fit in Vater's sedan. Felt good using the wagon for hauling something a sedan couldn't possibly do.

Also yesterday tightened up the lighter socket. Now I can charge the telephone.

tram · #37 12-30-2012, 06:39 PM

Front shocks are Bilstein B36703 with about 60K. Rear speakers are wired into where the OEM ones went up top, and the wires go behind the palomino trims on either side of the rear hatch down to the speakers in the boxes.

Those speakers worked fine last time I drove the car. Wonder if the fader could have gotten unplugged?

Adriel · #38 12-31-2012, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram

Front shocks are Bilstein B36703 with about 60K. Rear speakers are wired into where the OEM ones went up top, and the wires go behind the palomino trims on either side of the rear hatch down to the speakers in the boxes.

Those speakers worked fine last time I drove the car. Wonder if the fader could have gotten unplugged?

Hey Tram, thank you for the reply!

Well from what I was able to find, they are touring! I don't race, but do like to get out of the way if needed.

Did a slalom this morning in the turn circle and were quite snappy. Vater wasn't to thrilled...

I wonder why the rear speakers quit. The fader in the center does work and turns off the sound when shifted to the rear. Seems the wires be under the head liner. Gotten used to the front, so going to wait until I am back home and use my V.O.M..

We been having a good amount of rain , and found the windshield is still leaking today (got a magazine SOGGY). I am really bummed as it shouldn't be and don't have the funds to fix it.

I have disabled the A.R.V. and has made the turbo whine almost disappear. The transmission shifts a bit harder when cold, but the smoothness of the engine! Maybe a bit more power, but not going to trust my seat of the pants. Trying to drive similar to the prior tank and see if it helps mileage, though doubt be noticeable. I be just happy with the smoothness and reduced whine especially in the higher revolutions.

That reminds me, I was reading on here that about 60 to 65M.P.H. with a 3.07 differential is turning 2.500R.P.M., but for me 70M.P.H. equates to about the same. Am I missing something?

I am quite happy with this, as on long trips nice to keep up with some of the traffic (no way would I try to keep up with those going above 85M.P.H.). Around town I like 60 to 65M.P.H. as best for mileage in a gasser, though think a bit more might be better for a diesel?

I did take the long way home for extra time and test the suspension to learn how to drive her. The route requires going though a neighborhood riddled with what are labeled as 15M.P.H. bumps which most can only go 10M.P.H.. I could easily go 20M.P.H. and was not overly uncomfortable! Even my Sister who was with me was surprised! I am majorly falling in love with the auto! It just keeps on surpassing my expectations and strutting her stuff. I don't think I had an auto that has made me this happy!

Last night I ordered machine washable sheepskin seat covers, center armrest cover to protect it from my dog's claws (think she already got it), and since it was inexpensive a steering wheel cover. Not sure how the latter will work, but black steering wheels don't work in the desert sun. I used the Christmas money from both Grandmothers, though now wish I found the leak sooner. Oh well, so be it.

Oh, and forgot to say I got my birthday/Christmas gifts from Vater the other day, and most were tools, including 22mm, 24mm, and 27mm deep sockets, 22mm combination spanner, and a metric set of crow's feet spanners.

tram · #39 12-31-2012, 03:03 AM

On the radio speaker issue, use the instructions and go thru the settings on the radio/ CD unit itself. I didn't install it, so it's possible that the stereo shop *may* have it wired funkily and some setting got inadvertently futzed with.

In the desert, the W/S might not be that urgent an issue. Keep in mind that those OEM carpets are like very thick damp sponges, and they were *still* damp from the detailer's shampooing when I put the car on transport. Unless you are seeing a definitive leak, don't condemn my sealing job on the W/S till you get her completely dried out.

Also... as much as you don't like the California setup- the best kept secret is that, if memory serves, your Cali model came with a 2,88 diff and not the 3,07. Check the numbers when you get a chance, but I'm absolutely certain that your car has the 2,88. This was a U.S.- Cali Spec Turbo W123 1985 only factory fitment if I recall correctly.

Adriel · #40 12-31-2012, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram

On the radio speaker issue, use the instructions and go thru the settings on the radio/ CD unit itself. I didn't install it, so it's possible that the stereo shop *may* have it wired funkily and some setting got inadvertently futzed with.

In the desert, the W/S might not be that urgent an issue. Keep in mind that those OEM carpets are like very thick damp sponges, and they were *still* damp from the detailer's shampooing when I put the car on transport. Unless you are seeing a definitive leak, don't condemn my sealing job on the W/S till you get her completely dried out.

Also... as much as you don't like the California setup- the best kept secret is that, if memory serves, your Cali model came with a 2,88 diff and not the 3,07. Check the numbers when you get a chance, but I'm absolutely certain that your car has the 2,88. This was a U.S.- Cali Spec Turbo W123 1985 only factory fitment if I recall correctly.

I did try the radio settings, and all I was able to do is shut off the sound when just the rear speakers were turned on. Since you said it was done professionally maybe I might have to look at what was done.

Oh! Sorry I was out of line. Didn't think of them as sponges. Maybe they need to go in the dryer on low heat? Or by the stove when I attempt to bake bread?

I am an environmentalist so keeping smog down is a good thing, but when it is done just because and ruins the original design, I have an issue. I would love to find a Federal exhaust manifold, especially if I could keep the oxidizer, and have better easier flow. I would wrap the exhaust to help the turbo to cool slower, match port the manifold, and get new gaskets which might eliminate the whine/whistle. Be a help on mileage too!

Why would Mercedes use a different differential in one year for a fairly small market? If it is a 2,88 hate to feel what a 2,47 be like! I will check it when it is more dry. If it is, nice balance between power and speed/R.P.M.. Itching so much to get out in the desert with no one around and see what the higher speeds are like. Never know when you need to do an emergency pass.

Adriel · #41 12-31-2012, 05:57 PM

Use the Mercedes to take out my Sister to lunch on the beach. Beautiful day! Anyway, came back and needed to let the engine idle and the station started to play "Brother Louie". I like the song, so decide to see if I could figure out the rear speakers. The left had a tad bit of sound but nothing from the right. I had moved both panels trying to find the missing snow chain and figured I must have bumped something. So I wiggled the right's wires around and nothing. Then I remembered what I did on the old home stereo: turn up the volume to almost three quarters. Bam! Now I have functioning rear speakers!

charmalu · #42 12-31-2012, 08:50 PM

You have a nice looking TD.
All 85 300D and 300SD have the 2:88 Differential, not just the Calif model.
scrape off the grease and grime off the left lower side of the Diff case and the ratio number will be stamped. It will be the last three numbers.

If you want to use Federal Manifolds, then you won`t be able to use the Trap Oxidizer that you want to keep. keep in mind, the Trap will need to be replaced every 30K miles. If you go beyond this and you start loosing power, it may be plugging up. this is a dealer replaced item paid for by MB.

If you go to a higher elevation, say 9 - 10K ft and have no exceleration, you will be riping that trap off. It chokes the engine down. been there, done that.

Check all your carpet for dampness, remove them and dry them and also make sure the floors are dry. the tar insulation pads will trap water under them and could cause the floors to rust.

I agree with letting Turbo cool before shutting down, if you have been working the engine like coming off the Hwy, or pulling up a long grade. they turn at speeds of excess of 100K RPM`s and have fire on one end and cold aire on the other side. you want to let the eng temps stabilize and the oil to cool the Turbo bearing.
Putzing around town and in stop and go traffic I wouldn`t worry too much with the cooling down.

Don`t know what the problem is with your drivers seat, the vinal or the seat springs. but if broken springs. get the seat spring box from a later w126, 86 -91. Preferably the pass seat, it has the up graded springs, and the pass side gets less use. it will fit into a W123, done it. just change the seat rails and install your padding and MB Tex.

Charlie

Codifex Maximus · #43 12-31-2012, 10:25 PM

Wow. No visible cracks in the dash, seats look good, no rust - I'd say it's a keeper.

Adriel · #44 12-31-2012, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

You have a nice looking TD.
All 85 300D and 300SD have the 2:88 Differential, not just the Calif model.
scrape off the grease and grime off the left lower side of the Diff case and the ratio number will be stamped. It will be the last three numbers.

If you want to use Federal Manifolds, then you won`t be able to use the Trap Oxidizer that you want to keep. keep in mind, the Trap will need to be replaced every 30K miles. If you go beyond this and you start loosing power, it may be plugging up. this is a dealer replaced item paid for by MB.

If you go to a higher elevation, say 9 - 10K ft and have no exceleration, you will be riping that trap off. It chokes the engine down. been there, done that.

Check all your carpet for dampness, remove them and dry them and also make sure the floors are dry. the tar insulation pads will trap water under them and could cause the floors to rust.

I agree with letting Turbo cool before shutting down, if you have been working the engine like coming off the Hwy, or pulling up a long grade. they turn at speeds of excess of 100K RPM`s and have fire on one end and cold aire on the other side. you want to let the eng temps stabilize and the oil to cool the Turbo bearing.
Putzing around town and in stop and go traffic I wouldn`t worry too much with the cooling down.

Don`t know what the problem is with your drivers seat, the vinal or the seat springs. but if broken springs. get the seat spring box from a later w126, 86 -91. Preferably the pass seat, it has the up graded springs, and the pass side gets less use. it will fit into a W123, done it. just change the seat rails and install your padding and MB Tex.

Charlie

Charlie, thank you for the complement and post.

From the information I have found, trap oxidizers used to be under warranty and had to be replaced, however now they are replaced with a catalytic oxidizer that doesn't need replacement and is supposed to be a better design. What I really like to know is the differance in pollution with and without the oxidizer, plus difference in fuel economy. When considering the whole environmental impact one has to consider the whole picture. If I am using a gallon or two less diesel at the cost of slight increase in particulate, I see it better to save fuel which is limited and the pollution is mostly eventually absorbed.

The only carpet that is wet is the front passenger. I had trouble getting it up but from what I can see there is no obvious rust. Does scare me though...

I thought I always had to let the turbo cool? It reduces the shut down kick, I just never know how long to let it idle. I was looking today, and there is no place to put gauges without spoiling the design of the interior.

The issue is the vinyl is cracking. The springs are brand new, and I love them! Not only do I have dampers on the suspension I have them in the seat!