ALDA adjustment gone wrong, lesson learned...
 

Ok, I am young (17), and I want to rush through everything, and that can be costly, and I've learned my lesson today. I read the thread on how to adjust the ALDA on a OM617, and I just skimmed through it (BIG MISTAKE) and proceeded to try to loosen the screw without first loosening the locknut. The head of the screw split in two. I went back and reread the directions, realizing my mistake, so I loosened the locknut all the way, and I tried to loosen the screw a little bit with my pliers using the half of the screw head that was already there. I'm not sure if it moved, but it looks like it did a little bit. I found the other half of the screw on the garage floor, and if possible, I'll attempt a "screw repair" using some sort of "super glue". If that does not work, I may have to go to the MB yard and get a screw. But, I've learned my lesson, and that is to READ, and RE-READ. Oh well, :(
-Joe

READ THIS:
If you think you are going to be able to back the bad one out and replace it with another screw from a junkyard, you are wrong.

I figured that.
-Joe

What are you going to do with the screw from the junkyard?

Why Not
 

Why can't he replace the bolt(slotted head) with one from another Alda Unit...Just Curious

That's not just a screw. It is attached to stuff inside and the ALDA will break and be rendered useless if you turn it too far. Pictures of the inside of an ALDA are here, courtesy of gsxr.

benzoboy,

Here is a good lesson for you to learn:

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, take it apart or even touch it.

I have ALDAs for 15 years and 200,000+ miles and I have never touched one. And as far as I know, they are all working perfectly.

P E H

Truer words never spoken. Well, maybe someone has spoken truer words, I don't recall.

You might also say, "don't fix it, take it apart or even touch it" unless you at least know how to "unfix" it or put it back together. These old cars need enough work just keeping up with routine mainenance and repairs. Don't go looking for problems.

Rockin,

Thank you for your comment.

Did you see what d.delano wants to do to his MB?

P E H

Yes, rebuild it from the ground up. I got tired just reading it all!

If you can remove the lock nut without the inner screw rotating too much and messing up the aerobic chambers, you could cut a new screw slot in the screw with a Dremel and a thin disc. Might not be able to use a regular screwdriver in it, but a small narrow one shoud still work in the more "submerged" slot.

I've never messed with my ALDA either and I haven't looked at the screw you're talking about, but I know places like PepBoys sell kits for removing stripped bolts and they may or may not work for you. I think we all sometimes learn a lesson the hard way.

Problem is - it ain't a SCREW. It is a threaded shaft with a slot on the end, with the bottom welded to a sealed aneroid capsule. You might want to look at all the photos Rick linked to above. Here's one that should clear things up a little:

http://www.meimann.com/images/merced...LDA_apart2.jpg

what is the bolt made of? could he have someone weld/braze another bolt w/a head on it above the one that broke with out damaging the internals of the alda?

Coach,

I would think that the heat from welding would destroy the rubber or plastic parts inside the ALDA.

If he can turn the screw with a Vice Grip, why does the screw head have to be repaired? Set it where was and leave it alone.

P E H