New to working on cars - any advice welcome, lots of question - 1982 240d automatic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

barry12345 · #1 07-31-2013, 05:10 PM

You have to evaluate ramps. From an engineering perspective some are sound but many less so. On some models if one rivet in the rod on the side lets go you could get a ramp collapse. Rhino ramps I am unfamiliar with.

Old mercedes diesels may have more weight on the front wheels than many other modern cars perhaps as well should be kept in mind. Common sense should be used in all cases of elevating cars and getting under them.

I always position support blocks of wood as a safety no matter what form of elevation I choose. Personally I would never use some forms of cheap ramps alone as the principal support.

Two by twelves of different lengths of wood nailed together are one pretty secure approach for ramps althougth they would be heavy. They absolutly would not collapse.

The common sense has to play a part as well. Never elevate a car to get under it where it can be hit by another car. Do not elevate cars on grades unless extreme precautions are used. Do not get underneath and apply extreme torque to a fastening. Unless you make absolutely sure the car can not topple. I only go under a car when I feel both comforatable and it in my mind it is absolutely safe to do so.

shertex · #2 07-31-2013, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345

You have to evaluate ramps. From an engineering perspective some are sound but many less so. On some models if one rivet in the rod on the side lets go you could get a ramp collapse. Rhino ramps I am unfamiliar with.

Old mercedes diesels may have more weight on the front wheels than many other modern cars perhaps as well should be kept in mind. Common sense should be used in all cases of elevating cars and getting under them.

I always position support blocks of wood as a safety no matter what form of elevation I choose. Personally I would never use some forms of cheap ramps alone as the principal support.

Two by twelves of different lengths of wood nailed together are one pretty secure approach for ramps althougth they would be heavy. They absolutly would not collapse.

The common sense has to play a part as well. Never elevate a car to get under it where it can be hit by another car. Do not elevate cars on grades unless extreme precautions are used. Do not get underneath and apply extreme torque to a fastening. Unless you make absolutely sure the car can not topple. I only go under a car when I feel both comforatable and it in my mind it is absolutely safe to do so.

Thanks....good advice. The Rhino ramps I use have a 12,000 lb. capacity. I suppose, however, putting something else under there in addition to the ramps would be a good idea.

ROLLGUY · #3 07-31-2013, 05:54 PM

Welcome to the best Mercedes Benz forum on the planet. I don't know anyone that has gotten an MB Diesel as their first car, and wants to work on it as well. I commend you for that. Both of my nieces got 300CD's for their first cars, and they absolutely do NOT want to work on them. You definitely picked the most newbie mechanic friendly vehicle available. I don't think they get any simpler than a 240D. Short of rebuilding an engine or trans, if you follow the repair manuals and ask questions here, you should have no problem repairing any part of your car by yourself. As said, this is the best place for new parts (Pelican). For used, your local auto wrecking or better yet, members here have many parts cars. I think you will enjoy your new found hobby, as many of us here do as well.......Rich

ltima · #4 08-01-2013, 04:25 AM

As an update :

I have gotten the car to almost not shake at all. I followed the vacuum tubes and taped up anything (with electrical tape) that looked damaged or sketchy. This apparently helped a ton! I wrote down how much of the hoses looked bad and where they were so I'm going to see about maybe ordering a large spool of it or something cutting it to fit and replacing it all. Is this something that typically needs a lot of replacement?

I guess since its barely shaking now changing the engine mounts will happen as soon as they arrive. And no worry about that.

One thing that I think is interesting, is after taping up any leaky/cracked/sketchy looking hoses the ac no longer blows. Not sure what I did there, but I'll figure it out.

I also managed to changed the oil (with out melting my self!) I'm really glad you guys said to get more oil than I likely otherwise would have.

I also figured out that the power steering liquid is leaking and where from so I'll take a look at finding the hose for that as well tomorrow.

It is pretty exciting being able to make noticeable changes on the car, and It is honestly much more simple that I had thought. I still don't really know what I'm doing but I'm glad I've been able to do as much as I have.

@Maki I was actually pretty concerned about not having the hand strength to tighten things enough, so I feel somewhat better about that now.

@toomany MBZ, that is a fantastic link, thanks! I also like pictures, they really help me understand.

And again, Thanks for the advice it was actually all super helpful and gave me a lot more confidence and resources to go out and start messing around with the car. I'm super excited to see it run better as I work on it, its almost magical!

toomany MBZ · #5 08-02-2013, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltima

As an update :

I have gotten the car to almost not shake at all. I followed the vacuum tubes and taped up anything (with electrical tape) that looked damaged or sketchy. This apparently helped a ton! I wrote down how much of the hoses looked bad and where they were so I'm going to see about maybe ordering a large spool of it or something cutting it to fit and replacing it all. Is this something that typically needs a lot of replacement?

I guess since its barely shaking now changing the engine mounts will happen as soon as they arrive. And no worry about that.

One thing that I think is interesting, is after taping up any leaky/cracked/sketchy looking hoses the ac no longer blows. Not sure what I did there, but I'll figure it out.

I also managed to changed the oil (with out melting my self!) I'm really glad you guys said to get more oil than I likely otherwise would have.

I also figured out that the power steering liquid is leaking and where from so I'll take a look at finding the hose for that as well tomorrow.

It is pretty exciting being able to make noticeable changes on the car, and It is honestly much more simple that I had thought. I still don't really know what I'm doing but I'm glad I've been able to do as much as I have.

@Maki I was actually pretty concerned about not having the hand strength to tighten things enough, so I feel somewhat better about that now.

@toomany MBZ, that is a fantastic link, thanks! I also like pictures, they really help me understand.

And again, Thanks for the advice it was actually all super helpful and gave me a lot more confidence and resources to go out and start messing around with the car. I'm super excited to see it run better as I work on it, its almost magical!

You're welcome.

Replace any of the connectors with new stuff, no need for tape.

Keep us posted.