Sorting a Frankfort 1985 280TE Schwarz Blau - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Adriel · #1 05-23-2017, 11:33 PM

1985 280TE Schwarz Blau over blue leather.

Delivered September 1984 to Frankfort, Germany.

Options:
A.B.S.
Alloy 15 hole wheels
Automatic transmission
Basic trim interior
Blaupunkt eight speaker sound system
Cargo anchors
Double roller blind (the actual blinds were missing, however, a forum member had one and worked out as still had the hardware)
Electric front windows and rear manual windows
Fire extinguisher (find no mounting brackets or holes)
Green tinted glass
Heated seats
High capacity battery

Three other unknown codes, so this might not be a complete list. Also, the Russian site has "TYPE DESTINATION ON TRUNK LID - ELIMINATION" despite it having a 280TE badge; was there another badge on the rear also?

Then there is "3-POINT SEAT BELT REAR CENTER" which makes no since as no way to have three point belt in the center, certainly doesn't have one.

Came with two Maintenance Books, some records from previous owners, and most of the records from past 19 years. First book shows lived in Frankfort Germany until 1989. From 1989 to about 1995, no information until owned in Seattle Washington.

Can vehical record on location be obtained?

Odometer quit with 205,000, but stated at about 240,000 miles. So, there are a few things to be sorted.

On that list:
Automatic transmission front seal leaks and broken flex disk. Just last Friday (19 May, 2017) pulled the driveline and on Saturday got the transmission to the shop. Don't like him lying to me that was going to call Monday morning and didn't call until Tuesday. Worse, wasn't honest that be best to do a rebuild, wasting several days.

Air conditioning. Have not had A/C in a W123 for four Summers, but now that my dog is older, think be better for her to have it. Big issue is finding the special Sanden compressor, as figure after all the years of not being used, got to start over. Hopefully don't have to find a condenser, as that too is from a kit. The drier hopefully can find something alternative, again part of a kit. Don't have records, but based on a stamp and the humidity in the Pacific Northwest, suspect was put in the early '90s. Not sure how you tell if R12 or R134a, does have a parallel flow condenser.

Exhaust. Can't find a dual in-dual out W123 M110 muffler, so thinking just save the original rather than hack up and put in a custom unit. Not going to go all out, as do want to keep the low end torque, but would like a little more sound when you get on it so folks know what I have.

Horns. Has aftermarket Hella four horns, but not set up right as don't hear a difference. There is a dash switch, but it is floppy and loose, so figure that is suspect also.

Clean the interior. Kind of worn, so don't think detailing be worth it. Though, do want to still clean all the carpets and the leather. Does need Leather Honey, especially since not yet cracked and now in the desert.

Detail out the engine and its compartment. Nothing over the top, but just make it easier and more enjoyable to work on/in. Right now, lots and lots of smutz, get more dirty than the diesel, though has decreased. Just tonight, got most of the intake manifold done, except the underside. Top side is very bright considering casted. Also been working on the engine, going back and forth, but it is putting up more of a challenge.

On the eventual, like to do bodywork. Pretty strait except a dent in the driver's front fender, on the lower part behind the wheel and the driver's side rear fender where a chair in my garage fell on it. Hatch have to be replaced, three long deep scrapes, really odd. Also, the driver's front door have to be replaced as badly, beyond repair, rusted. There is also a hole in the side of the spare tyre well in the outer fender that needs a patch.

Also, the roof needs at least buffing out. If had money to spend, get the roof repainted in either a light blue or anthracite. Any opinions on which be a better color?

Reason like to lighten the roof is because here in the desert, help with heat gain into the interior.

Brings up something else. Plan to put some heat shield up on the roof, but have to be really careful, as almost perfect headliner and man be upset if messed it up.

Over all, considering a "cheap" wagen, very happy with how little work she does need. Also helps having all the service records, which show regular about 3,000 mile oil changes, last one being 2008. Suspect by other factors, hadn't been driven much after that.

Over the last two months:
Got the hood unstuck. (How come every vehical that ahve owned gets the hood stuck?)
Drove it until Tram sent me an urgent email saying the odd noise was a cracked flex disk.
Looking at this blog: http://mercbenz123.com/, decided to go ahead and pull the driveline. Got the engine all disconnected, meaning radiator, fan, belts, alternator, compressor, on and on, removed and out of the way. What was most amazing was the two socket head bolts for the engine mounts came out without any trouble. Soaked those for two days with SiliKroil and then used a 6" hex (helped to get fully into the socket and have room to maneuver). Whole time during sweeting buckets with anxiety. Once out, did a happy dance telling my friends.

Then, about mid January started two classes, one taught by Addison and the other he was helping with the computer programing for the Applied project, then in about early March, abandoned us. Then my retired Service Dog got severely sick, many times thought was going to loose my sweet Golden, love of my life. Went into a severe depression and only thing was doing was every moment taking care of Ember. Thankfully late April, the advising Professor on the Applied Project started meeting with me everyday to help and teach the program Addison was to. Then last week, my backup vehical took a severe nose dive and so peeved, quit working on the Applied Project and instead going after the better vehical. Can't get to University without getting the Mercedes fixed, so am back at it.

To remove the engine, bought a vintage Viking, made in the U.S.A. two ton engine jack for $95 delivered (around here, Harbor Freights going for $200) couple weeks ago. Has 3' foot extensions on the legs and the arm, so can reach about five feet. Does slowly leak down, but still lifted the driveline just fine.

sixto · #2 05-25-2017, 12:08 AM

Isn't Frankfurt in Germany and Frankfort in Kentucky?

Some option codes mean different things for different year ranges.

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

Adriel · #3 05-25-2017, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Isn't Frankfurt in Germany and Frankfort in Kentucky?

Some option codes mean different things for different year ranges.

Sixto
83 300SD can be yours
98 E320 wagon

Thank you so very much for the help!

Only know of the one in the Vaterland.

How does one find the option codes for the W123? Edit: be not lazy and search: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1619922-option-codes-list-make-sticky-move.html.

Adriel · #4 05-25-2017, 12:59 AM

Okay, here:
260 "absence type sign on trunk lid" - This checks out, still then a mystery as does have the rear star and "280TE".
411 is manual sunroof
431 "Kopfstützen im Fond 3-fach", which Google has "Headrests in the rear 3-way", which not sure what "3-way" means.
466 central locking
532 "automatic antenna without radio installation" This one find very interesting, as she has a very nice Blaupunkt eight speaker system that was top of the line then.
591 "heat-insulating glass all-around with rear window pane single-sheet safety glass Find interesting as the Russian site's translation botched that it is safety glass. To me, looks green tented, so not sure why this isn't mentioned in this reference.
682 - "Fondsitzbank geteilt 2/3:1/3" Which I translate to rearseats split in 2/3 and 1/3; apparently you could get a wagen without a rear seat for cargo hauling, like ambulances and hearses.

Adriel · #5 05-25-2017, 12:59 AM

Onto more important: can a stuck tensioner pulley be freed from frozen? The A/C belt was left off and apparently allowed the tensioner to pretty well lock up.

Adriel · #6 06-03-2017, 11:45 AM

The auxiliary air valve hoses ordered from Germany; shipping was four times the cost of the parts (11 Euros for the parts and 40 Euros for shipping) , but not like any other option.

Found a part number for the muffler and a M.S.R.P.: $1,100!

Still can't find one, but not paying that. So, figured out a muffler setup (not replacing the whole system unless M.V.D. says needs to replace the 22 year old catalectics), but because of another situation and isn't that bad, will hold off.

mwagon · #7 06-18-2017, 11:46 AM

The Auxillary Air Valve Hoses can be purchased from Mercedes Classics in Calif.. Time Valve i n Florida makes Stainless Exhausts for the W123 280's. Little less backpressure then stock & fit perfect.

Adriel · #8 06-18-2017, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwagon

The Auxillary Air Valve Hoses can be purchased from Mercedes Classics in Calif.. Time Valve i n Florida makes Stainless Exhausts for the W123 280's. Little less backpressure then stock & fit perfect.

Good to know, thank you!

Got a quote for the hoses, but astronomical prices. Did find them in Germany, ordered couple weeks ago, just checked and out of customs.

Since seems you have bought one, know roughly the price?

Money is tight, thus why was going to run what have until things loosen, but wasn't wanting to spend more than I paid for the wagen either.

What is now hanging it up is the gaskets, cost of six new injectors, and lifting the transmission onto the garage floor (literally dragged it out of a borrowed van and dropped it on the bottom shelf of the tool cart). So, figured will not happen, trying to find another means of transportation. Shame as so close, but not going to hurt myself again.

Adriel · #9 07-18-2017, 02:29 PM

A Professor wrongly gave me an incomplete, meaning have just his class next Spring. I told administration this was not happening and offered to prove I met the course objectives, but said needed to work with him. Then the Professor weeks after this of constant texts and calling he finally called back. His reason was his wife is very sick (am the first to know private and secret information to which thankful we are at that level). So now trying to jamb 16 weeks into four weeks and so the 280 doesn't get the attention she deserves.

Have friends wanting to help this Saturday, so trying to move quickly and get things set up.

Got the flex disk off the OM617, the shattered one off the M110, however found it odd unlike the prior, flywheel fell off once the bolts were removed. Also found clean engine oil sprayed on the back of the flex disk, adapter cavity, and the flywheel.

Question is, good time while all apart to replace the main seal?

Any advice or tips?

Thank y'all in advance!

Adriel · #10 07-29-2017, 06:34 PM

Been not able to work on the Mercedes due to health until today.

Got the spindles stripped (pulled those before) except the lower ball joints.

Bearings got so hot, one of the spindle nuts was jammed, plus galled the spindles, so need to pull the bearings and check the fit on the spindles. If not loose, Tram said good to go.

Will replace the bearings though just to be safe. Plus, not like can just swap spindles since she has A.B.S..

Adriel · #11 07-29-2017, 07:22 PM

Tram had me check the inner races were staying stationary and not spinning on the spindle. Both inner and outer bearings are spinning, tested using the old ones. Found interesting they don't fit left and right, just the side they came off of. So much there is grooves cut into the face of the spindle and the front of the right outer bearing has been ground down. All four bearings made in Japan...

optimusprime · #12 07-30-2017, 06:33 AM

Hi Adriel have you posted up a picture to back up your post ..?Would like to see your project .

Adriel · #13 11-29-2017, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optimusprime

Hi Adriel have you posted up a picture to back up your post ..?Would like to see your project .

Sorry, somehow didn't get the notification and been more than busy finishing up studies at University.

All I have right now is from Craigslist. Now has European market headlights (still like to find the front turn lamps), but the glass got broken (road construction). Also got a dent in the front fender. Engine is almost done getting cleaned and looks way better than in the pictures; good thing as found a loose bolt on the distributor housing.