brooklyn/queens nyc mechanics for w123 - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ah-kay · #1 08-28-2017, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allenying

thanks, for 1.5 yrs i've been taking my car to kraft. i know it's not cheap but i didn't think i had much options, not having a garage and tools. and he does seem very knowledgeable about the w123s, maybe some guys here know more from working on their own cars, but kraft service and communication has been good, and it's reassuring having a trustworthy mechanic that warranties his work. each time i've gone has been a good experience.

Kraft German Auto | Mercedes Benz Repair
"Owner and technician Steve Kraft began his career at the New York City Automotive College and upon graduation trained for 10 years at Silver Star Motors, Rallye Motors, Sovereign Motor Cars and Helm’s Bros. Taking all he learned from college, years of hands-on training at various dealerships, mechanical and technical workshops; he opened Kraft German Auto, Inc. in August 1986."

i think the tank screen was a fair more affordable choice for potential fix, considering the pre-filter had gotten clogged, and it turned out the filter screen was in fact pretty dirty.

$231 is a lot for a problem not being fixed, but i didn't think i had another option for changing the tank screen. there was 1/3-1/2 tank left still, so definitely more than 2-3 gallons. seems like it doesn't hurt to change a dirty screen.

i'll be in touch funola, i have a busy work week this week.
thanks,

To be honest, $231 is a lot of money to have fixed nothing. You could easily hook up a small fuel bottle under the hood and run the car to see whether shaking goes away. Similar to doing a diesel purge. That is well within most owner's capabilities. I think you should dump your w123. I am afraid your circumstances calls for a more modern car.

funola · #2 08-28-2017, 12:53 PM

With 1/3 to 1/2 a tank, I'd still like to know how your mechanic was able to: "take out the old one and pop the new one in, skipping draining the tank, which would be time on the lift that they would have to charge for". Were you there watching him do it?

allenying · #3 08-28-2017, 11:48 PM

it is a lot of money, which is why i'm here now.

i think it's strange some of you recommend ditching the w123, maybe you don't love them, but i do. modern cars are not cheap either, they either cost more to buy, or cost just as much to repair, and don't last as long.

i didn't watch him, i did lose some fuel, but not all of it.

funola · #4 08-29-2017, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allenying

,..........

i didn't watch him, i did lose some fuel, but not all of it.

Did you ask for the old tank screen back? It could be sold as a used part or used for the next swap if the current one clogs again since they never go "bad".

ah-kay · #5 08-29-2017, 12:48 AM

I love W123 and all my diesel cars. The problem is that you need to have some basic know how, tools, somewhere to wrench and preferably a spare car to own a 30+ years old car. It is difficult to park a car in NYC, let alone having the space to wrench or park 2 cars. It is your money so you can spend whichever way you want. You made 2 trips to change a tank strainer plus $231 and the problem is still there. It is just too time consuming and costly. I am just trying to be honest. Good luck.

allenying · #6 09-08-2017, 01:49 PM

yeah, but in a way if I didn't make those two trips, it still probably wouldn't be changed right now. changing the screen was one step, and I didn't want to leave my car there not able to use it, and wanted to get more opinions before paying for more service.

i feel like there's a little bit of a disconnect with understanding the way different people live their lives in different places, thanks thoughh.

i didn't grab the screen because I didn't anticipate changing it myself in the future, or think it was worth enough.

allenying · #7 10-07-2017, 03:43 PM

update:
i met up with funola, to look into why my car was kicking so much and smoking out of teh exhaust.

we checked for air in the fuel lines, did some diesel purge, changed the primer pump, valve adjustment, and compression test.

the valve adjustment was needed, it had been around 15k miles since it was last done by previous owner a couple yrs ago.

funola knows what he's doing, very trustworthy.

Father Of Giants · #8 10-08-2017, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allenying

update:
i met up with funola, to look into why my car was kicking so much and smoking out of teh exhaust.

we checked for air in the fuel lines, did some diesel purge, changed the primer pump, valve adjustment, and compression test.

the valve adjustment was needed, it had been around 15k miles since it was last done by previous owner a couple yrs ago.

funola knows what he's doing, very trustworthy.

Better yet, before he does the valve adjustment, ask him inspect and see if your valve guides or pistons are worn as well. Those can cause the same problems.
It would suck for him to adjust the valves, and having to tear the head off again and inspect those parts.

And you may want to see if they have a leakdown tester. It will give your more answers as to the state of your engine.
A good leakdown tester can often be a truth serum to problems your car is having a hard time telling you.

Also, the problem could be just as benign as crap fuel? Try finding a high diesel cetane station in your area. If not, look for a high frequency diesel station, like the ones truckers go to.
My car smokes too, but it would BUCK like a horse when I ran that rink-a-dink cornerstore diesel that was probably sitting around for way too long.
Yesterday I decided to take a stop by a 50 cetane diesel station on a nearly empty tank. The result is there is a LOT less smoke on a cold engine, car starts easier, and it doesn't buck like a wild horse when cold.