Thanks for your comments. I also think that failure to using the two wrenches to counter hold the oil pressure fitting is responsible for putting too much pressure on the flimsy screw fittings. On the three clusters I have seen the inside of, they all had at least one of these either stripped or split.

Any suggestions on how to repair or replace these plastic fittings with something stronger?

The driving in boiling oil sounded like quite an adventure! I am surprised to find no reference to this oil in the MB CDs. I wonder how many of us have learned about this "feature" through experience.

I will try and do some photos.... looks like there is plenty of interest and I will enjoy learning how to do it.

Am particularly proud of my technique of using the trip mileage shaft as a substitute for the odometer shaft while doing the repair. It works perfectly for pushing through the main one as it is the same.

Mr Goodfahrt

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Mr Goodfahrt (pronounced FAIRT... means "good trip" in German)

1982 300D Turbo Pastel Gray (off-white) 200k+(?)
newbie but willing