hep, heeeep! (as my son says...) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Piotr · #1 11-15-2002, 10:54 PM

Now my fuel gauge decided to go on a fritz. It shows progressively- 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 less fuel than there really is in a tank (e.g. with 1/2 tank it shows "empty") because it does move on sharp turns, I believe it's a sending unit. Can someone confirm this?
I'm getting fed up! I think I need:
1. new sending unit ($71)
2. Front left window regulator-at least ($83)
3. Rear window everything ($140)
4. Rear control arm bushing (4 hour-job; forget the $5.45 in parts)
5. thermostat (I think I put in the gas one ...)
6. flush cooling system
7. potentially new front rotors soon ($50)

And I just finish paying $300 for a 20K mi maintenance...

190D22 · #2 11-15-2002, 11:14 PM

Fuel gauge isn't a priorit really... just judge it with your mileage. I'd say do the most important things first. Then move on down the list as funds become available for it to be done. If your rear window is leaking, definately get that fixed. And also anything that compromises safety. Which I don't think anything you listed does... does it? Cooling system should be fine until it gets warm again (your heater will keep you safe along with the cold weather). Flushing your cooling system is something you can do in an afternoon by yourself. But it is messy and I don't personally want to fool with that.

As for the thermostat, I wouldn't think a gas thermostat would differ from a diesel, unless they open at different temperatures. General trend on here is that dealer thermostats are bad (though you don't do anything with the dealer).

#3 11-16-2002, 02:06 AM

Piotr,
Try adding a bottle or two of Diesel Purge to your fuel tank, this might fix the problem. The only time I had problems with my car's fuel gauge is when I first got it, and all I did was add the Diesel Purge and that fixed the problem.

Piotr · #4 11-16-2002, 10:16 PM

Thanx, Guys! Yeah, I figured on just leaving the rear window. The front left-well, I'm not sure about what to replace- the regulator arm or the motor itself. I'll wait until it really breaks down.

The mechanic told me the rotors are still fine, But at $50 a pair, I just may replace them with the new pads (probably in 6 month). I already use the odometer to figure out when to get fuel, the bad gauge is just annoying.

The diesel t-stat has a dent in the top, and the housing has a protrusion. After my aftermarket t-stat did not fit in, I just ground down the protrusion (bad MB owner, bad...). oh well. seems to be doing it's job.

I bought the MB coolant, so I may want to replace the standard green glycol that's been corroding my cooling system for a year.

On top of this I just read on the tech forum that my slowing down monoarm wiper needs a lube job (maybe tomorrow).

And so it goes. thanx for replies. By the way, can you tell me how to tell my rear springs are sagging (the rear tires get worn out on the outside and the front rides 2 inches higher then the rear)??

190D22 · #5 11-16-2002, 10:36 PM

Yeah my wiper motor also needs a lube job. When it gets cold it makes this screaming sound. It's the most annoying sound you've ever heard. I just replaced my big blade, w/ a bosch 21". The computer at the store said 20"... but I eyeballed that another inch was possible.

190D22 · #6 11-16-2002, 10:57 PM

My understanding is you remove the motor and grease up the moving parts... But maybe I'm wrong.

Piotr · #7 11-17-2002, 10:11 PM

Nope. you start the wiper and stop it by turning off the engine with the key in the middle (extended) position. Then you flip upm the bottom cover (hinges upwards-I'll try tomorrow at lunch break), wipe the gears, and lube with lithium grease. apparently an hour job