What tools would you have with you?
 

I'm looking at driving an '85 300D from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend. I will definitely have my "normal" toolkit, a hammer, a roll of duct tape, and a pair of Robo-Grips.

Anything else anyone can think of that I should have onhand? The toolkit goes up to 15mm or so, I believe...the sockets may go a few more sizes; it goes up to 11/16" on the SAE side, I believe.

Also, the Unofficial MB Diesel DIY site seems to not be loading properly on my computer. I remember there being a pre-purchase inspection procedure on that site, but I can't get past the main page... :(

I'm leaving Friday, so answers fairly quick would be appreciated...I was planning to get a Haynes manual; I suppose I'll try to find one in Dallas.

Thanks in advance! All the tools have to, together, fit into a suitcase and be legal to take as checked-in luggage on a plane.

{added on edit} I got the MB DIY site to work (actually, a friend did), but I still didn't see what I was looking for. I've heard of references to a test where you pull a hose and plug it with your finger...and the engine should die in between 10 and 15 seconds. I don't remember the details on this, and couldn't quickly find it on a search...anyone? Thanks!

Mercedes has a lot of bolts requiring sockets of 13, 14, 17, 19, 22, just from my latest adventures.

You all know what a mexican socket set is right? (no offense)
~~~>crescent wrench

But do any of you have a german socket set like me?

If you want to know what that is, check this out.

http://www.knipex.com/

on their main page you can see them, they are like channel locks combined with a crescent wrench.

I bought mine from the snapon tool van, but you can get them from mac, etc pretty easily. They are a little harder to find online. you may be able to get them at an industrial hardware store.

Good luck on your Journey,

Austin

I never go cross country in any vehicle with out extra fluids. Motor oil, water/anti-freeze, tranny fluid and brake fluid. I have needed all of those at one time or another on a long trip.
Good luck! We want pic's if & when you get her home:D
Does this mean you may have a deezl to bring up to our northwest meet in August? Hope to see it there! (OK, hope to see you too!)

This had some good thoughts....

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/33285-just-case-supplies-my-300d.html?highlight=toolkit

My main kit contains enough to overhall an engine :D , but my regular kit (small one that stays with me always) contains a screwdriver with interchaneable heads to accomodate slotted, philips, torx, and hex heads of varying sizes (came as a nice set from Black & Decker). I also keep a small (6") and large (10") crescent wrenches, and the same size chan-L-locs. My socket set is metric and SAE 3/8 drive with regular and deep-well up to 19mm (I think). I also keep a stubby set of Craftsman wrenches that are 8 - 19mm?

The tools, tape, jumper cables, spare lengths of rubber fuel line, flashlight, batteries, spare belts, small tire plug kit, and small air compressor (type that plugs into cigar lighter) all fit nicely into a 24" duffle bag in the trunk.

I also keep 2 gal of oil, 1 gal of pre-mixed antifreeze, and 1 gal of washer fluid in the left fender well. They fit perfectly. I run a bungee cord through the handles to keep them from rolling around when I turn corners. I also try to keep small bottles of power steering, tranny, and DOT4 brake fluid in the spare-tire area. Lastly, and very important, is the fire extinguisher which is mounted to the trunk wall right above the left brake light.

I don't go the grocery store without all these things with me.... I've been stranded too often! If I am going on a real trip, I also toss in a couple of gallons of fuel just to be sure!

Sorry about the length, but I was just trying to make the point that you can have most everything you need for an emergency in one, small bag, and it will not cost you a lot of trunk space. Airlines will not allow the tools as carry-on luggage, but you can easily fit the necessities in a suitcase or duffle-bag for check-in luggage. Keep all your tools separate from other luggage, and BE SURE to let the airline know you are carrying tools. Request a visual search of the bags or they will detain you for a strip search :eek: and make a mess of your tools. You may want to call ahead and verify what tools your airline will allow as luggage.

Good luck, and post some pics when you get a chance.

My trips are usually about 300-400 miles each way, but I carry following things.
1 gallon of water and antifreeze each
1 gallon of oil. 1 quart of brake fluid, 2 quarts of tranny fluid.

Tools and other supplies

1. Vacuum hoses 2-3 feet long for patching up any original plastic vac hoses if the break. 3 way and 4 way rubber connectors. These are always under my seat.

2. A pair of regular plier, long nose plier and an adjustible wrench.

3. Metric socket wrench set 7 mm to 20 mm. and same size ring or open end wrench. These stays under my seat all the time.

4. Phillips head and Regular screwdriver 2 each.

5. Heater hose 2 feet long of 2-3 different sizes. These stays in my sparetire well around the spare tire.

6. Top and Bottom Radiator hoses.

7. Spare belts( I use my old belts as spare belts)

8. Extra clamps for hoses.

9. Spare fuses. 5 feet of medium gauge electric wire.


Good luck with your trip. I would also put new air filter if it was not changes recently.


MVK

I just carry 3 things. I carry my cell phone, AAA Plus card, and American Express. I'm getting too old to deal with anything else.

Good luck,
Peter

Are we driving Fords or Mercedes????
 

I'm with you Peter,I have my factory tool kit,a AAA card,MB roadside assistance,cell phone,credit cards.What else do you need????Maybe Warden you want to check the spare tire pressure also,other than that it sounds like you're all set.Good luck:)

I think the 10MM and 13MM sockets and wrenches I've used the most with my benzes.

A leatherman (Sears Craftsman version has lifetime warranty that didn't cover the two I lost/misplaced), 6" and 10/12" Crescent wrenches, one Visegrips of the size/type of your choice, 4-in-1 type screwdriver, half a dozen hose clamps - a couple big enough for radiator hoses, a motorcycle innertube, duct tape, baling wire, a few feet of 12 ga electrical wire and a couple of alligator clips. Or you can buy these when you get there. Check the cars toolbox first. (fast hose fix: wrap with part of innertube, cover with metal from a soda can, secure with hose clamps)

I'd want to change the engine oil, oil and fuel filters and at least check the other fluid levels and quality. Hopefully somebody will post the specific tool(s) for the oil pan, transmission, rear end, and steering box for your car. Also part nrs for filters.

Fluids you can buy when you get there. All you need is to get home via the shortest and flattest route.

For an oil change-13mm wrench/socket,filter housing and drain plug.Transmission should be a dipstick,when cold it'll just show on the dipstick,don't overfill and check after you've been on the road an hour or so.Rear diff is a 14mm allen head socket,buy a 1/2" drive as you'll need the leverage probably.A multimeter might be a good thing also:) Good luck!!

Oh Yeah.....fuel filter changes require a Phillips screwdriver and a medium crescent wrench(22 mm). ;)

On the subject of cresent/monkey wrenches..... I once saw one which had a spring that held the adjustment right where you put it. Have not seen another one... but when I borrowed that one for a few minutes I was really impressed with how nice that feature was... (this info for people thinking about buying a cresent...) :cool:

Wow, most of you guys are ready to drive across the desert...

But, I'm willing to bet no one with those extensive toolkits has ever had to call a towtruck!

Those are the people that stop and help broken down tow trucks get back on the road...:D :cool: