Driving Cross Country !! Woo Hooooo
 

Just a couple of quick questions...

Near the end of January I will be driving cross country as it is the least expensive and most exciting option for moving across the US. As I have posted before my car has a intermittent valve tick when the pressure is low but only sometimes. A few months ago I took it in to the local MB dealership to see about having a valve job done. Two of the techs looked and listened to the motor. To paraphrase one said don't worry about it now, your car runs great and will go for another '100,000' miles like that, drive it. So my first question is it wise to drive 2500 miles cross country like this. I tend to think so as I have been driving it for nearly 20,000 miles like this around town as well as on a few trips. I do intend to have it fixed in the near future but If I can put it off just a little longer until after the move my life will be a little easier.. :)

Also, Where on the engine block are the drain plugs for the cooling system? And what is the best way to do it!

I might add that my car has about 241,000 miles. I purchased it from a MB tech two years ago.Parts that I have replaced include: Ball joints, tie rods, center link, sway bar bushings, Bosch alternator, thermostat, radiator, fan clutch, belt tensioner, drive belt, shocks, struts, springs, and tires.

Thanks for any advice you may have :)

Regards,

If your dealer told you to forget it, maybe you should forget it and go on your trip.
I am planning a 3,500mi trip in December with my old 1989 260E of 245K and I won't worry a single minute. I'll give it frech oil before leaving, wash the windows (at least inside), fill-it up and....the way we go.
JackD

Jackd,

That is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks for the confidence builder. I am glad to see you keep a high mileage car in great shape so that she is trustworthy for a long trip. I love my old benz even with all the mile Sadie still runs and drives great. I love taking it on trips and couldn't imagine trading it in on something that drives the exact same yet has a super high monthly payment. :) BTW Where are you going?

I would look at belts,hoses and alternator brushes(these can be removed from the alternator while it is in place) which should pretty much cover 90% of the things that would knock the car off the road. I wouldn't worry about the valve thing too much, remember that the highway is the easiest enviroment for your car.

Greasy,

Thanks for your reply. All the parts you mentioned have been updated recently. I think she will do just fine. I tend to be a bit anal at times especially about Sadie so my overconcern is probably in vain. I am super mechanically inclined when it comes to engines though I have never repaired the internals of a combustion engine before. Well except for 1200, 1300, and 1600cc VW motors and they don't count :D Anyhow the tick concerns me a bit but I am with you...The highway is Sadie's friend. :)

I think a long trip is easier than around town driving. I had a TR6 that would break down every block, but would hold together for the longest trip.

Besides, 2500 miles isn't very far. Just a handful of tanks of gas. You'll be just fine as long as the fore-mentioned belts/hoses/etc. are in good condition, as you indicated.

Brandon, the engine block drain is on the passenger side beneath the exhaust manifold, toward the rear. Use a length of heater hose slipped over the end of the drain fitting to keep the mess to a minimum. Drain the radiator as well and re-fill with quality coolant, properly mixed with water. Good luck

Iluvmils,

Thanks very much...That helps alot :)

To my North Carolina neighbor - have a safe trip!

Well thanks MBdad. I will take some pics and post them as soon as I arrive....:)