Stranded in York, PA: Broken spring tensioner, 1995 E300 Diesel: OM606 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chronometers · #1 07-20-2018, 08:03 PM

Spring for belt tensioner system failed (broke in middle). I noticed serpetine belt squealing.

Anyone with an extra spring nearby? Suggestions?

We're 6 hours from home.

tjts1 · #2 07-20-2018, 08:37 PM

I'd head for the nearest Orchard. They sell springs of various shapes and sizes in the hardware section.

rog-o · #3 07-20-2018, 08:39 PM

I just looked at my car, and I think you could take a 36" heavy bungee cord and connect 1 end to the pivot and the other end looped around the first 3 runners of the intake. Watch out and don't interfere with the throttle linkage.

chronometers · #4 07-20-2018, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

I'd head for the nearest Orchard. They sell springs of various shapes and sizes in the hardware section.

No Orchard supply nearby but thanks.

Part # is: 606-993-03-10.

chronometers · #5 07-20-2018, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rog-o

I just looked at my car, and I think you could take a 36" heavy bungee cord and connect 1 end to the pivot and the other end looped around the first 3 runners of the intake. Watch out and don't interfere with the throttle linkage.

Not sure this would be good for such a long trip back.

nulu · #6 07-20-2018, 09:12 PM

check out your trunk lid spring maybe that will work

Sugar Bear · #7 07-20-2018, 09:28 PM

MBZ Lancaster parts # 888-869-0051. Website says open at 9a Sat. but I cannot tell for certain if that includes parts or just sales. Good luck!!!

Sugar Bear · #8 07-20-2018, 09:35 PM

Parts dept. should be open 8a - 12 noon Saturday

sixto · #9 07-20-2018, 09:55 PM

Hit an auto parts store and see what they have in the way of timing belt tensioner springs. Something like this - https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/dorman-oe-solutions-timing-belt-tensioner-spring-917-025/10017929-P . You might need two or three to make up the installed length.

A gas station garage or tune-up shop might have a pile of old tensioner springs.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon
02 C320 wagon

Mxfrank · #10 07-20-2018, 10:48 PM

Home Depot or a good hardware store should have an assortment of springs in the open stock area. The tension isn't supercritical, all you need is something to get you home.

chronometers · #11 07-21-2018, 06:30 PM

Thanks to Jeremy who is sending a spare from California for Monday delivery.

If anyone closer has a loaner, please let me know.

vstech · #12 07-22-2018, 11:03 AM

When mine broke, I used a hardware store spring and made it home... about 20 miles though.

vstech · #13 07-22-2018, 11:07 AM

A buddy of mine lives in Altoona, he may have a spare.

chronometers · #14 07-22-2018, 02:13 PM

I tried using a cord synched tight and it broke after about 4 miles. The belt is now loose and I have no power steering or alternator.

Will try a replacement spring when I get it tomorrow.

chronometers · #15 07-22-2018, 08:13 PM

This is an excellent case study illustrating why these cars are NOT reliable long distance cars for travel anymore.

Mine has been well maintained but has over 200k and is over 20 years old.

Unless you have lots of leisure time to hang out, they are not reliable, dependable any longer. If a part craps out, you can be stranded several days until you can get replacements.

Overengineered.....a simple spring breaks....it can take the entire vehicle out of commision.

Silver Surfer will be taken home and retired from any long distance journeys.