Boston area fintail mechanic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

todds · #1 08-28-2007, 02:13 PM

Looking for a good wrench in or around Boston metro who can take care of a cracked intake manifold on a w111 230S m180 with webers. Does anyone know if these can be welded? I would also like to have the heat risers welded shut on the exhausts and possibly have the whole shebang powdercoated as I am sure they are getting fairly rare?

Also, looking for a good used intake manfold

Any suggestions or experiences good/bad on shops greatly appreciated!

nhdoc · #2 08-28-2007, 06:22 PM

Did you determine your trouble to be a vacuum leak caused by a cracked intake manifold then? Where did it crack??

I don't see why they could not be repaired by a good machine shop. Pulling out the manifolds is not that hard to do...you could do it yourself and bring them to the machine shop.

todds · #3 08-29-2007, 10:00 AM

Yeah... it's definitely the manifold, but in a hidden spot underneath the rear carb near the head. I *think* the manifold is aluminum?? Can it be welded? I know that iron ones can be by a competent welder.

Before I had verified my suspicions with the intake, I had already brought it someplace in Allston but they decided to fiddle with my webers and do ignition work instead of actually fix what was wrong. I can see where they sprayed carb cleaner/whatever on the top of my intake near the head, but obviously they didn't check underneath. When they returned it they confidently proclaimed there was no leak. Funny that later the next day, after 5 seconds of feeling around with my hand before the car was warm, I could find exactly what I had initially feared was wrong. Also, the fact that the car *instantly* went wrong and has an unusual "fluffy" sound were other clues.

At any rate, I can't remove the intake as there is no reasonable place for me to work, my garage is a "park only" type of situation. I'm leaning towards one of three shops, in order of most convenient to least: Koko's in Cambridge, The Benz Den in Waltham, EAS in Waltham, and of course Hatch in whatever that town is way out near 495.

I'm thinking I'll just bring it to Hatch, but I fear I might hurt something in the 30-40min trip out there. I figure I'll unplug the choke for the rear carb so that'll richen it up and come out on the mixture screw a few turns as well. Does anyone think that'd be pushing it if I drove carefully?

nhdoc · #4 08-29-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todds

Yeah... it's definitely the manifold, but in a hidden spot underneath the rear carb near the head. I *think* the manifold is aluminum?? Can it be welded? I know that iron ones can be by a competent welder.

Before I had verified my suspicions with the intake, I had already brought it someplace in Allston but they decided to fiddle with my webers and do ignition work instead of actually fix what was wrong. I can see where they sprayed carb cleaner/whatever on the top of my intake near the head, but obviously they didn't check underneath. When they returned it they confidently proclaimed there was no leak. Funny that later the next day, after 5 seconds of feeling around with my hand before the car was warm, I could find exactly what I had initially feared was wrong. Also, the fact that the car *instantly* went wrong and has an unusual "fluffy" sound were other clues.

At any rate, I can't remove the intake as there is no reasonable place for me to work, my garage is a "park only" type of situation. I'm leaning towards one of three shops, in order of most convenient to least: Koko's in Cambridge, The Benz Den in Waltham, EAS in Waltham, and of course Hatch in whatever that town is way out near 495.

I'm thinking I'll just bring it to Hatch, but I fear I might hurt something in the 30-40min trip out there. I figure I'll unplug the choke for the rear carb so that'll richen it up and come out on the mixture screw a few turns as well. Does anyone think that'd be pushing it if I drove carefully?

While I am sure Hatch (or whatever they are called now) will likely do a good job be prepared to have your wallet lightened quite a bit, like you won't get out of there for under $1000 I can almost guarantee it, maybe 2X that.

I did remember that the MBCA held a tech event at EAS in Waltham a few months ago and they did seem to have some old ones there. The tech I spoke to was named Scott Penney and he's one of the partners who owns the shop. He was VERY nice and offered to help even by email. I will send you his email address by PM...don't want to post it publicly...I'd sure try them before Hatch's crew.

todds · #5 08-29-2007, 01:47 PM

Many thanks Marty, I have contacted Scott and will post the outcome.

nhdoc · #6 08-29-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by todds

Many thanks Marty, I have contacted Scott and will post the outcome.

Good luck...IIRC Scott came from Hatch and the former service advisor from Hatch, Ed Owen are the partners/owners at EAS...I recognized him when I was there for the tech session. Chances are you will be getting most of the same techs that used to work there before they were bought out.