Getting my newly acquired 350SDL back on the road - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #46 12-31-2014, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

I hope I'm wrong and you're right.

Just speaking from experience when I replaced the oil pan gasket on my 617 with a VR.

The difference between a 603 and 617 as far as the oil pan gasket is concerned, the 603 has only one sealing surface= oil pan to block. The 617 has two= oil pan (upper) to block, and lower pan to upper pan. I too have used nothing but V R gaskets for lower pans, but have not really had any problems there. In the beginning I was not even aware that an actual gasket was used on a 603 oil pan, and was going to just use anaerobic sealant like I always have. However, I found out that a gasket is used and ordered one. I had no idea what brand would be provided, as I got it from my local Euro car repair place that gets parts everyday. I ordered it one day, and it was there the next morning (I thought I was going to have time to work on the car soon after I got the gasket). Either way, I plan to use some kind of sealant on the pan gasket, probably Copper Coat.....Rich

ROLLGUY · #47 01-02-2015, 02:11 AM

I got time to replace the pan today. All tolled, it only took about three hours.
The pan came off easier than I thought:

I used Copper Coat spray to seal the gasket:

I put the pan in place and noticed that it would not fit tight to the block. The pan is from a 3.0 and the fins inside are different. In comparing the two pans, I figured I would need to trim the fins inside the 3.0 pan to match the 3.5 pan. I used a cereal box to make cardboard templates of the 3.5 pan to mark the 3.0 pan for cutting:

I chipped the fins with vice grips first to remove most of the material:

After finish grinding and cleaning, the pan was ready to put on:
(modified 3.0 pan top, 3.5 pan bottom)

The finished product. I had to use silicone for the gasket on the inspection cover, as I did not have a replacement on hand. I will probably order one and have it for the next time I change the oil:

Tomorrow I will get an oil filter and finish the job. I also plan to clean the car good if the weather cooperates......Rich

ROLLGUY · #48 01-07-2015, 12:08 AM

I finally got the car cleaned up for photos. I have put a couple hundred miles on the car since the oil pan installation, and am very happy with the car. Here are the photos:

ROLLGUY · #49 01-07-2015, 12:13 AM

I need to figure out how the console wood panel attaches, clean the carpets, and replace the front seat upholstery. Other than that, the interior is about an 8 out of 10.

ah-kay · #50 01-07-2015, 12:45 AM

Do you mean the center shift stick panel?

Remove the ash tray and you will see 2 screws. Undo the screws, remove the ash tray bracket, remove the coin holder cup, push the panel upwards and lift.

Nice car. The AMG wheels? Look good. You need headlight wipers. Hope to see it at the next coastal cruise.

capflya · #51 01-07-2015, 12:45 AM

Looks good! Just need some euro lights/bumpers and it'll look 100 X better...

ROLLGUY · #52 01-07-2015, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay

Do you mean the center shift stick panel?

Remove the ash tray and you will see 2 screws. Undo the screws, remove the ash tray bracket, remove the coin holder cup, push the panel upwards and lift.

Nice car. The AMG wheels? Look good. You need headlight wipers. Hope to see it at the next coastal cruise.

The panel is off, and won't stay on (see photo). I think whatever is supposed to hold the panel down is missing or broken. I think there is supposed to be some sort of plastic/rubber ring around the shifter base that fits between it and the wood. I will have to at least find one in a wrecking yard (very hard to find an intact wood center console piece, as many are just ripped out by unscrupulous people at the yards). For some reason the PO cut the wiper shafts, so I have to find new motors. He saved and gave me the wipers themselves, but no way to put them on without replacing the motors. I think I may even have some in my stash somewhere, but have not had the time to look for them. And yes, we need to plan another cruise soon!!!.....Rich

mach4 · #53 01-07-2015, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

And yes, we need to plan another cruise soon!!!.....

You got a date set for the cruise yet?

What's with all the procrastination?

krwsenior · #54 01-07-2015, 08:15 PM

The plastic ring around the shifter holds it down.

ROLLGUY · #55 01-07-2015, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krwsenior

The plastic ring around the shifter holds it down.

Does it just snap into place? I still have to find the ring, so I suppose when I find one in a wrecking yard, I will see how it fits.....Rich

ROLLGUY · #56 01-07-2015, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

You got a date set for the cruise yet?

What's with all the procrastination?

I have been crazy busy, so no plans yet. My bro moved up to the high desert a month ago, so helping him move and get settled has taken a lot of time from both of us. I will talk to him and see if we can get a tentative date sometime in March....Rich

krwsenior · #57 01-07-2015, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Does it just snap into place? I still have to find the ring, so I suppose when I find one in a wrecking yard, I will see how it fits.....Rich

Yes, it just fits snugly around the shifter indicator box and wedges itself. Easy to fit and remove. I'm not sure where you can get one. Pry's out.

ROLLGUY · #58 02-27-2015, 02:05 PM

A person in a Ford pulled out in front of me today. I applied the brakes with both feet preparing to stop, but I felt as if the brakes didn't work. I assume the ABS was working, but it seems that I probably would have been able to stop if the ABS did not hinder my application of the brakes. There was no skid marks whatsoever. Other than a little sore throat from the passenger air bag dust, I am fine.

Just the other day I was thinking I should put full coverage on the car, but I have five cars on the insurance now, and was going to wait until I sold one (listed on CL now). Maybe that would not make a difference anyway, as this accident was not at all my fault. We shall see how it goes, as I am going to talk with my insurance today and show the agent the photos. I will get the police report next week....Rich

ah-kay · #59 02-27-2015, 02:19 PM

Sorry about that. I was looking forward to look at the car during our Coastal Cruise. It will be totaled by Insurance for sure but you can buy it back and have it fixed.

BodhiBenz1987 · #60 02-27-2015, 02:26 PM

Sorry to hear

... it was such a beautiful car ... hope it is salvageable even if totaled.