Haynes Repair Manuals.... do you like? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jassz · #1 04-12-2003, 01:39 PM

I suspect most of you guys are so smart you don't need to look at instructions, but the rest of us need guidance.

We have borrowed a Haynes repair manual from the library, which has been a great help with several things, but sometimes it doesn't seem very accurate. For example, there is a whole section called "PCV valves", but apparently the car doesn't even HAVE a PCV valve (other than the heading, it isn't really mentioned, but it did cause me some confusion. It's not hard

). Also, we are thinking of rebuilding a motor (long story, on another thread) and the manual talks about having the cylinders re-bored. My husband phoned this place that does that type of thing, and he was told that there are cylinder sleeves in Mercedes. Great idea, and much cheaper than re-boring.

Does anyone have any 'other' manuals they would recommend? We also had the CD version of the 126 manuals, but we currently own a 300td wagon (1981).

Thanks!

Natalie

Wasuchi · #2 04-12-2003, 01:58 PM

I just have a Haynes....... doesn't get too specific on anything but it's ok when used along with this forum to ask questions. A lot of guys have the cd's but they apparently don't have good pictures.... If you're going to buy one or the other I suggest ebay... I got my Haynes for about $10 plus $2.50 or so shipping.

DieselHead · #3 04-12-2003, 02:07 PM

I have the Haynes and the Chilton's. Put together, they're decent, although I find myself not using them anymore. I'll occasionally refer to them for the pictures, but I get 98% of my info here. If you're planning on doing something major like rebuild an engine, those manuals will probably be pretty good. They cover the big jobs well, it's the small things they miss. I think you can get both on Amazon.com. Good luck.

Alex

ericnguyen · #4 04-12-2003, 02:57 PM

Besides some overly wrong data (e.g. specifications), Haynes and Chilton manuals may seemingly deliver incorrect information because they try to cover several models (and years) in each manual, and of course some model has a particular part that is not present on another different model.

Eric

leathermang · #5 04-12-2003, 05:08 PM

When I got my 1981 wagon.. for $2000 I immediately ordered $200 worth of the Factory Shop manuals . Worth every penny. But I also like the Haynes Manual for nice pictures ( of the stuff it addresses )...
I certainly would not start an engine job without the Factory Manuals, either from a friend, library, or something....and you will still have questions to bring here because the are not particularly easy to read/understand.... they may have been written by Germans....
There is lots of info about the sleeves... do several searches to find it..
Some of the decisions need to be put on hold until you take the engine apart and can measure the parts...I love the idea of being able to put new sleeves into an engine... to ' start' from scratch so to speak....

jassz · #6 04-12-2003, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by leathermang
[B Some of the decisions need to be put on hold until you take the engine apart [/B]

Yes, I know. But my husband is a 'plan for the worst case scenario' kind of guy, so he does a lot of research before it's even necessary. Personally, I'm voting for just replacing the head gasket:p

Occasionally there are Mercedes service manuals on ebay, I should go have a look there.

Quote:

....and you will still have questions to bring here

Oh don't worry. If/when we start anything major, I expect I'll be living on this board. Where can I keep my toothbrush?:p

Natalie

leathermang · #7 04-12-2003, 10:34 PM

I have one of these 'split' keyboards and I find I can store my toothbrush right in that middle lane without interferring with my typing... then you use a graphics program and paint the screen " chrome' ... I have found that one best for reflection.. although not for determining if your teeth are the correct color....
I have not seen the 'other ' thread about the engine .... worst case involves not being able to reuse your pistons.... sleeves are cheap compared to pistons....

Capt Kirk · #8 04-12-2003, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by leathermang

I certainly would not start an engine job without the Factory Manuals, either from a friend, library, or something....and you will still have questions to bring here because the are not particularly easy to read/understand.... they may have been written by Germans....

Thats why I'm glad my mom is German and bought a lot of English <-> German Technical dictionaries. Those are the coolest little thing

lrg · #9 04-13-2003, 03:41 PM

You might find a factory parts manual handy. The exploded views can save you time and money sometimes when you are looking for parts. That sort of thing is best found on Ebay and yes, I think there is a specific version for the 123 wagon. It may take a while, but I have seen them pop up for sale once in a while. For workshop manuals I have the Haynes and Mercedes CD. I find the CD is useful for reference but a bit awkward to use. I totally agree with the above comments about the Haynes, very useful, good photos, but leaves out some fairly major stuff. If I was only getting one I'd probably just opt for the Haynes knowing you can get the rest of any info you need here.