Pete, That was a good one. Really made me chuckle.

And Barry, I did the valves in both my D and SD this year. The difference in the D was remarkable, especially at idle, but the SD didn't have that change but I was more concerned with the knock and I noticed there was very little adjustment on it.


Lee

Knock?
 

The best way to get rid of the knocking sound is to turn the radio way up :D .

Lee, I hope to be able to be still doing some stuff on my cars when I get to 74 as well. I guess the largest problem for me will be to get there first. Cars are just basic materials but they do seem to take on a life of their own it seems. I will be watching and curious to see how you solve the rough idle problem..I try to learn something everyday myself but wonder why at times. Hope you can post it as you go along. Thanks barry.

I instructed Lee to do this adjustment because the IP Shop that I mention elsewhere in the forum was talking about how the mercedes pumps are known for needing minor adjustments (atleast with the 5-cylinder pump).
In his case, the 1 cylinder causing a speed up when the line was cracked is a dead giveaway to a misadjusted element. Also I think it was mentioned way back when that they element had been removed and precariously put back into the engine.

As the guy instructed, drawing a reference scribe mark between the element and the IP housing, adjust either way in tiny motions and listen for the noise to go away. If worst comes to worst...put it back where the lines line up you only wasted time. :)

EDIT: And yes...its VERY tricky to adjust...but I know that Lee has amazing patience with things of this nature so I had no doubt he could figure it out. It helps that it is only on one cylidner as well...

why?
 

the question is why was it necessary? and i think that the answer is that someone had either through bungling or on purpose fiddled around with the adjusting devices that he eventyally used to correct the problem. and we are back to one of the things i believe strongly :

a great many of the problems with mb's are caused by bungling by people who dont know what the're doing.

in this case i think the big picture is that lee got the car very cheaply because of the problem and now has a pretty nice car as a result of his thoughtful work.

tom w

I will agree with you on this...espically in this case.

However even as the guy at the IP shop stated, the IP (on these) eventually needs adjustment as far as these elements goes. (Related to delivery valve seals, etc) My adjustment nuts are all still coated with the yellow sealer stuff however I have a developing knock much like Lee's. Regular maintence (for the trained ear) is rather complex in the higher mileage vehicles as far as the IP goes.

I would consider doing this adjustment to mine as well however I cannot disern which cylinder needs the adjustment (or cylinders). Hmm..


It is a good deal though...getting a poorly running benz for a good price and then simply adjusting something that someone else messed up. If it weren't for the human factor...my dad would probably be out of a job (Aircraft Ground Equipment Mechanic)