removing unnecessary stuff under the hood

[jsp]

Hi,

I know that MB's generally afford lots of real estate under the hood, compared to other cars. But I really like to max out on the idea, and so I wonder what other owners have done in simplifying their engine compartment.

I plan to take out the egr and vacuum lines related to it and the arv (see my revival of the older thread), but what else can be taken out?

1. For example, my cruise control is not working at all, and I don't plan to ever use it; what parts of it can be taken out without interfering with normal operation?

2. Also, can the air conditioning parts be taken out without disrupting the other working systems (in my older car, it is not working)?

Of course, weight is not that much a factor with Benzes; for me, it's more about space and tidiness. Has anyone else done similar things?

Many thanks in advance,

[Pete Burton]

that's about it as far as I can tell unless you are so inclined to feel you will never use the self leveling in the TD. I've heard the pump can fail in such a way as to damage other parts of the engine

[billrei]

"noooo wonder the warter don't work, dare's wires in dee's pipes" nyuk, nyuk, nyuk......

[nategodin]

Good question, I've actually been pondering asking the exact same thing for a while. I plan on installing a custom WVO system this summer, and removing the AC would free up enough space behind the right headlight (where the receiver/dryer is) to put a reasonably sized WVO tank in there. Beats the heck out of hacking up my trunk and running coolant and wires all over the place. I imagine that the system should be drained first, then removal should be pretty straightforward... do you intend to remove the evaporator as well, or just cap off the lines at the firewall?

I've removed the EGR crap from my engine, no big deal since it's a manual 240D. Your vacuum system is considerably more complicated, so I really can't advise you there... ditto for the cruise control.

Nate

[Johnhef]

Yeah the hydraulic pump can lock up and destroy the timing chain, but he wouldn't have to worry about that since he's only got a sedan... 300D-T

I dunno, unless you have a specific reason to remove those non-workings, you never know who might end up with your car someday that WOULD want them there to fix.
I hate nothing more than to come across someones car where they hacked something out, like an AC pump that had a leaky system or low, removing the guts to eletronics, etc.

If your primary purpose is merely for tidyness, a smart CLEAN engine is hard to beat. I would have no poblem ousting damaging things like the EGR and whatnot but as far as functionality goes, a few bucks in AC o-rings or a soldering iron and some time might be all your "unworking" things need for someone who wants to take the time to fix the broken goodies and bring the car back to its once origional state. My AC was broken, I fixed it. My cruise control is sporadic, I fixed it, etc....
If you are itching to turn wrenches and play with things, break out the cleaners, new gaskets and seals, and lots of rags/towels and make her shine...
Ya never know, you may feel inclined to fix that stuff someday

BTW everything on my 69 bug works...I dunno why everyone fretted over heater controls not working, such simple systems

[Johnhef]

well, it is his car and since he paid for it, he can do whatever he see's fit, but maybe hang on to the parts and save them in case you sell it someday so we can make everyone happy

Originally Posted by Johnhef

well, it is his car and since he paid for it, he can do whatever he see's fit, but maybe hang on to the parts and save them in case you sell it someday so we can make everyone happy

I would agree with this, at the very least, its nice to get a box of goodies with your car of all the "broken off/removed" crap lol.
I am thinking specifically about a handfull of shadey tree VW work that I keep coming across...hehe

[billrei]

Originally Posted by Brandon314159

I dunno, unless you have a specific reason to remove those non-workings, you never know who might end up with your car someday that WOULD want them there to fix.
I hate nothing more than to come across someones car where they hacked something out, like an AC pump that had a leaky system or low, removing the guts to eletronics, etc.:

Yeah I fully agree, that was more or less the sentiment of my earlier post for those of you who are not good at allegory.....

[Jetmugg]

How about moving the battery to the trunk? Nothing tidies up an engine bay like not having a battery in there. Of course, you would need a good length of HEAVY cable to reach the trunk, but it would definitely clean up the engine bay.

SteveM.

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

How about moving the battery to the trunk? Nothing tidies up an engine bay like not having a battery in there. Of course, you would need a good length of HEAVY cable to reach the trunk, but it would definitely clean up the engine bay.

SteveM.

Would be interested to see this done..
80 some odd amps for the glow plugs alone...then you have a starter that is drawing somewhere around what, a few hundered amps.
Suddenly .1Ohm in wire becomes significant
I wouldn't rule it out by any means...just have to find some good wire

[Jetmugg]

What you need to use is welding cable. It's available in sizes up to and including more than you would ever need. Just contact your local welding supply store. The stuff certainly doesn't come cheap, but moving the battery helps with both looks and weight distribution.

SteveM.

Ground Power Unit (airplane goodies) cable works great. That stuff is rather flexible as well.

[WannaWagon]

I did the battery-relocation thing in a previous (smaller) car and it is certainly doable. It's not a small job, but there is a substantial pay off in weight distribution. Not sure that matters much in our cars, but it may help justify the work and expense in your mind.

Another option for the turbo diesels, and it's much easier and cheaper, is to replace the stock air filter with a K&N cone filter. I know, I know, people have their opinions about this, but it frees up a TON of room in the engine bay and eliminates the rattling mess of the stock filter.

[jsp]

How bad is a 240D without power steering? I'm thinking of weight savings and simplicity under the hood--the same reason I wish my sunroof was manual.

I guess I have too much time.