(w124) My first diesel - a few questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Monomer · #1 09-29-2006, 09:45 PM

I just picked up my first diesel. I bought it from a fellow forum member (thanks! Peter) And I have a few questions:

(I'm not familiar with the 124, just 126)

-When driving at slow speeds, the rear end seems to want to get away; could this be rear subframe bushings (like on the 126s'?) or is it swaybar, or even shock dampener? (this car currently has 400k) (yes, she runs like a champ)

-No glovebox? - must be because of SRS airbags?

-car is SLOW through 2nd gear, and kickdown currently isnt working. How would I check wether it's the cable or the soloind not working?

-Can I remove/tune the ALDA to get more boost?

I'm gonna keep researching myself, but any help would be very much appreciated.

a2t · #2 09-30-2006, 02:13 AM

The rear suspension bushings wear out, my 87 benz does same thing with people riding in rear seats. Doubtful it shocks, more likely the control arm bushings.

As for accel and kickdown, there was a recall on the trap oxidizer where Mercedes will replace the exhaust system. Do some research and make sure your model wasnt covered by this.

The trans also has some simple parts that can correct kickdown, do a search.

The alda can actually be removed, and as long as you dont have a habbit of goosing the 15 lb accelerator pedal, will run much better. Again, search on here for the procedure to remove it, or atleast clean it out to run better.

Kudos on a great buy. Keep up with the maintenance, and once you get the problematic stuff sorted it will run another 400k.

2.5Turbo · #3 09-30-2006, 03:19 AM

Only the 1987 W124 had the trap ox. 2.5T's didn't have it.

Clean out the little fitting above the IP on the intake manifold. It gets clogged up with EGR crud and blowby oil and will not allow the ALDA to see the boost pressure. Remove and clean all of the associated lines too. Mine had that problem and it only had 88k when I got it in that condition. I think the 92 was one of the two years without the overboost solenoid, so your ALDA system is a little simpler than mine. You will be able to adjust the ALDA on the 602 just like the 617 or the 603. I personally haven't done it on mine, but it has been done.

Passenger airbag required the elimination of the glovebox. Your car should have had a little lockable box that sits in the console under the center arm rest. Not sure if that box is permanently affixed to the console, or if it comes out.

greasybenz · #4 09-30-2006, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2t

more likely the control arm bushings.

Do you have the part numbers for those bushings, i need them replaced on my W124 as well.

t walgamuth · #5 09-30-2006, 05:30 AM

the 124 2.5 is long geared and not very quick off the line. but wind it up and when the turbo kicks in it has good power for passing. you just wont win any one block drag races. kids on bikes will beat you the first 50'. this is normal.

the suspension has a very simple link that runs front to back coming from the front of the rear axle and tying to the chassis. this commonly goes first and will cause very squirrelly handling when coming on or off the throttle quickly. the rear will steer itself from side to side depending whether you are acclelerating or decelerating. look under there and you will be able to see it right away. this is the easiest bushing(s) to replace too.

and another 400k? it would have a better chance if it were a 616 motor. but with very very good care all its life i suppose it may be possible.

tom w

Monomer · #6 09-30-2006, 12:07 PM

Thanks everyone.

I've found another issue: The fuel filter (small clear one upfront) has air bubbles in it. The hoses conecting it look a bit worn - what's the PSI this thing runs at?

lkchris · #7 09-30-2006, 12:22 PM

The box in the console between the seats is your glove box.

Monomer · #8 09-30-2006, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

and another 400k? it would have a better chance if it were a 616 motor. but with very very good care all its life i suppose it may be possible.

tom w

It's got a new head/gasket.

Starts in the morning like a champ (it was about 45 this morning.)

muleears · #9 09-30-2006, 01:06 PM

I have an '87 with 303K on the clock. A few weeks ago I removed my alda and it made a startling difference! Previously the car was a dog up to 20mph. Now it pulls hard right off the line. I have to be careful in the rain as it will break traction.

I did notice some increase in smoke under acceleration. Since I burn WVO and have no idea what mileage I'm getting I can't tell you the impact on that. All that being said, last week I re-installed the alda. I thought the car was running too rich at low speeds. Before I put it back on, I backed out the adjustment screw 1.4 turns. It now seems to run just as well with less smoke. BTW the alda can come off without removing the intake. I had to move my washer bottle and re-arrange some vac lines but it can be done. May be easier on your 2.5. My $.02

a2t · #10 10-02-2006, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

Do you have the part numbers for those bushings, i need them replaced on my W124 as well.

No but check on here

http://detali.ru/cat/oem_mb0.asp?TP=1

Monomer · #11 10-02-2006, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a2t

No but check on here

http://detali.ru/cat/oem_mb0.asp?TP=1

they're listed @ fastlane also.

greasybenz · #12 10-02-2006, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monomer

they're listed @ fastlane also.

Im assuming these?

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1SK03OVBJ1WT1CGWUB&year=1987&make=MB&model=300-DT-002&category=All&part=Control+Arm+Bushing

Ill type in the part numbers at work tomorrow and see if they are in stock.

speedy300Dturbo · #13 10-02-2006, 10:46 PM

Not quite. The top one (in the link above) is the rear wheel carrier (knuckle) bushing that the outboard end of the spring link bolts to. The middle one is the spring link bushing, and the bottom one is the sleeve that the new camber, torque, and thrust arms need in order mount up properly. Here's a picture I found that will help you identify the links.

Diesel911 · #14 12-25-2018, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monomer

Thanks everyone.

I've found another issue: The fuel filter (small clear one upfront) has air bubbles in it. The hoses conecting it look a bit worn - what's the PSI this thing runs at?

If you are speaking of a clear plastic filer in the fuel line between the Fuel Supply Pump and the Fuel Tank that is on the suction side and there would be no pressure spec for it. -----It is common for them to have a static air bubble.-----However, if you see bubbles moving through the Fuel when the Engine is running you have an air leak.---------------Remember you have atmospheric pressure and it is possible for tiny cracks in the Fuel Inlet hose to allow air in but for there to be no leaks when you shut the Engine off.-----That is rear but I have seen it happen on a few vehicles when I was a Diesel Mechanic.---------------On my own older model I had a situation where mine sucked air in only after the under the hood temp was up.-----Apparently what was happening was my fuel inlet hose was hard and stiff and I had the clamp on the filter end tight.-----When it was hot under the hood the plastic on the Filter under the hose deformed and allowed past the in-elastic hose.-----It did not leak fuel at all.---------------for less then $2 a new length of fuel hose cured the problem.

tyl604 · #15 12-25-2018, 01:34 PM

D911 - pretty old 12 year old thread but your info might still help some of us on the forum.