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#1
03-02-2006, 11:01 PM
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'75 450sl Question
I have a couple of questions pertaining to a '75 450SL that was recently given to me...
The car appears to run good but is in need of a major tune up (broken spark plug wires etc.) #1. When I checked the oil (198K miles) there are "white streaks" in the oil. What does that mean? #2. Any idea where I can find a good "used" convertible top. Although there are no holes in the top, the plastic windows on each side have holes and all three sides are "frosted" to the point there is no visibility through them. # Where is the $@# oil filter and engine oil drain plug. Either I'm blind or stupid because I just can't find it. 
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#2
03-02-2006, 11:22 PM
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Quote:
#1. Convential wisdom will say that white streaks in oil indicate moisture contamination. This may be from condensation, or contamination from the cooling system, or any other means for water to enter the oilpan. Do you notice this on a cold engine, or one that has been at operating temp for at least 20 minutes, to insure operating temp? White streaks, on very close inspection could also be very fine air bubbles from foamed oil... #2 Windows can be oredered from varied suppliers and replaced. As expensive an option as this is, it may be better to replace the top. If you can do it yourself, you probably will come out cheaper than replacement windows; however, it is not reported to be for the faint of heart. Replacement tops can be had around 350Us dollars, and another 3-500 us dollars to get it installed from a good indy... Just my recollection from numerous threads over the years. #3 This is where a manual would be especially helpful. The filter is not a screw-on like typically found on US cars and many other makes, it is a canister with a filter element inside. The oil plug is in the pan in the somewhat usual place, backside and on the left of the pan; however I recall it is a socket-head, and not an exposed hex head (i may be wrong as I have farmed out my oil changes for some time now due to disposal of old oil hassles...) Good luck, and enjoy... Good luck
__________________
RM Smith 1988 560SL "Where is it again that we are going, and why are we in this handbasket"?
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#3
03-11-2006, 10:03 PM
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75450sl Question
Thank you for the information. You were correct I did not have an ower manual and took your advise and obtained a manual from the local auto store until I get the mercedes repair manual for my vehicle.
After driving the vehicle around the block a few times to get the engine warm I no longer see the "white streaks" on the oil dip stick which I'm taking as a good sign as I was afraid I had a cracked head or something. Although I'll have numerous questions during my quest to get this car back up to standards my imediate concerns focus on the vacuum hoses that appear to have been cut. The car runs but very rough and I was advised that the cut vac hoses along with the very much needed new spark plugs and wires may be the cause. Also I noticed that when turning the steering whee, power steering fluid gushes out the hose from the metal ring that leads to the welded fitting. Can this be fixed or does the entire hose need to be replaced? I priced a new one and man it costs $135.00 I recently put the car up on the lift to get a look at the under carriage. As expected I saw a lot of rust, wholes in the floor pan and bushings that needed replacing but what I did not expect to see was a three pronged plug of some sort right near the transmission that was just dangling. Do you have any idea what this three pronged plug is for? As always my sincere gratitude for your insigt and suggestions in my car rebuilding quest
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#4
03-12-2006, 10:04 PM
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Cut, split, disconnected vacuum lines will cause a poor running condition. Fairly easy and cheap repair to carry out.
Regarding power steering hose, try tightening the nut...I doubt it is loose but start with the easy. Barring that, it is a high pressure line that cannot be fixed and should be replaced. $135.00 is a CHEAP MB part! You could probably have one made to fit at a hydrolic pump/hose supplier.
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