PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Giving my 300SEL to my mom... need some things tended to...

tinypanzer · #5 02-26-2010, 09:42 PM

The ATF leak can also be the cooler hoses, but still check the shift module. If the front timing cover isn't leaking too much then I'd leave it alone because it can be hit and miss doing a re-seal on that even if you do it by the book.

There are probably some hoses that could use replacing, the two that come to mind off the bat are the breather hose with two 45 degree bends in it on top of the motor, and the one under the manifolds that goes to among other things the cold-start injector.

I'd also go ahead and change the fluids that get neglected by non-mechanical owners such as brake, trans, and diffy fluid.

If you're feeling like money's no object, a new windshield is great for older drivers who tend to have less night vision. Wiper streaks and scratches make a huge difference on older eyes.

The idle air valve should be cleaned as previously stated, and can be easily tested with a 9v battery while removed.

I'm not sure about the '88, but on my '90 there is no fuel pump relay, it is integrated in to the fuel computer.

Sometimes a few doses of Techron can free up a sticky fuel level sender, but you may have to remove it.

The Odometer is a pretty easy gig, you need to order the 12 tooth gear from a place like odometergears.com. Outrageous to charge 30+ dollars for a tiny little plastic gear that doesn't run as smoothly as the original, but it does work and installing it ain't too bad if you're okay with working on small things. If I ever get around to opening my cluster on the 300SE again, I'll try a dab of grease on the gear to see if that quiets it down. You can actually hear it when it's cold.

I'd go ahead and replace ALL the fuses. You can get 'em cheap on the net and the old ones corrode and get flaky.