Stranded in PA and need a mechanic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MJM · #1 12-22-2006, 01:51 AM

Hello,

I'm in Brookville PA with an '85 500SEL that developed a rather huge problem in my opinion on my way back to Wisconsin.

The car is new to me and I had the car "checked" by a mechanic on the sellers end. Lot of help he was.

The car was getting horrible gas mileage and was smoking on medium to heavy acceleration. Little did I know the exhaust was getting VERY hot and a truck driver said he saw sparks out of the exhaust. I could smell gas in the engine compartment but no leaking gas on the ground.

I'm lucky the damn thing didn't burn to the ground.

Does anyone know of a mechanic who can even look at this near Brookville PA Zip 15825?

Thank you for any help.

Matthew

t walgamuth · #2 12-22-2006, 03:31 AM

i suggest you pm brian carlton. he is in pa somewhere and might be able to hook you up with someone.

don't despair, the 500 motors are genereally known for their simplicity and toughness. hopefully the problem though serious will be easily fixable.

good luck

tom w

thorsen · #3 12-22-2006, 08:02 AM

I've often wondered what I would do if I had a major malfunction in the middle of a long trip. I think I would rent a Uhaul truck and trailer and drive it home.

It will probably be expensive, but your odds of finding a mechanic who can fix it quikly are dwindling with the approach of Christmas.

Just my $.02

MJM · #4 12-22-2006, 08:59 AM

I had that same idea about the Uhaul. The 500SEL is too heavy according to Uhaul for it's equipment.

Good information to know before you have a problem.

MJM · #5 12-22-2006, 09:00 AM

Tom,

It looks like Brian is now located in NY. I'll try a PM anyway.

Thanks for the kind words.

450slcguy · #6 12-22-2006, 09:04 AM

Sounds like the catalytic converter is clogged. Big bucks from the stealership,(a couple thousand). And they won't have it in stock. Maybe Midas or Meineke can help. Or as a temporary fix, replace it with straight pipe, cheap, quick and effective.

MJM · #7 12-22-2006, 09:31 AM

I don't doubt the cat is plugged. The odd part is I have a service bill that shows it was replaced about 10k miles ago. Someone has been playing with vacuum lines under the air cleaner now that I have it off.

I'd assume it's not running right and that is what is causing the cats to fail.

Will a dealer cut the cat out? Or am I going to have to do my best to convince them?

Thanks

aklim · #8 12-22-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJM

I don't doubt the cat is plugged. The odd part is I have a service bill that shows it was replaced about 10k miles ago. Someone has been playing with vacuum lines under the air cleaner now that I have it off.

I'd assume it's not running right and that is what is causing the cats to fail.

Will a dealer cut the cat out? Or am I going to have to do my best to convince them?

Thanks

Dealer will not cut the cat out. You need to DIY or find someone who will do it for cash.

450slcguy · #9 12-22-2006, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Dealer will not cut the cat out. You need to DIY or find someone who will do it for cash.

I don't doubt that Midas/Meineke can get the part and replace it today/ tomorrow, if you get there early today. Certainly alot cheaper than the dealer. Maybe $500 bucks.

If not try a local sevice station. Explain to them it's an emergency fix to get you home. Tell them no paperwork needed, as it is illegal to cut out the cat.

Doing it yourself will be real tough unless you got a place to work and the time to do it. Not to mention tools and the PITA factor. Best bet would be the Midas/Meineke replacement, if not then the service/gas station idea, a few extra bucks can go a long way dealing with these guys. ACT NOW|||

Don't wast time thinking about it, go find a shop now or you'll be stuck in PA. After tomorrow morning, you'll be outa luck till next week. GOOD LUCK.

t walgamuth · #10 12-22-2006, 10:00 AM

rather than cut it out you could perhaps remove it and break out the ceramic center then bolt it back on. no modifications to your pipes. less destructive.

how much too heavy is the car? i have used their trailers before. it should work fine. i might be tempted to tell them it is a 500e or something smaller in order to get the trailer.

i have a truck and trailer, if you were closer i could help for part of the way (if i hadnt just had hip replacement and cant drive) perhaps folks here could set up a bucket brigade and those with trucks and trailers could put together a way home for you.

each taking you a ways and handing you off.

stranded on christmas weekend is a bummer!

tom w

450slcguy · #11 12-22-2006, 10:19 AM

Your best Shot: Hurry so they can order the Parts for today

Trust the Midas Touch. ... 814-849-8313 • One E Main St, Brookville,PA 15825

PS,,, Check your OVP relay, controls emissions/mixture ratio.

MJM · #12 12-22-2006, 10:36 AM

Hey Guys,

Where have the days gone where you could get a side job for cash? The gov't must really bust nuts when it finds out you've cut off a cat.

I decided to tow to Fred Martin Mercedes in Youngstown OH and have them take a look. If it's as bad as I think I've got a shipping company to get it back to Wisconsin.

I've never taken a Greyhound bus, something tells me right before Xmas I might just have the trip of my life.

Thank you guys, it really is great to have people you've never met trying to help you. I only hope I can return the favor at some point.

Matthew

aklim · #13 12-22-2006, 10:39 AM

Actually, the shop tends to frown in such activities because jobs like what you are asking for will endanger the shop. On my 91 190E 2.6, I had a bad air pump. We could have fixed it by going with the 89 model serpentine belt but emissions laws would have a problem so we couldn't do it in the shop.

Where are you at in WI?

MJM · #14 12-22-2006, 10:41 AM

Aklim,

I know it's not a great practice to do jobs like this for someone but you've gotta ask sometimes.

I'm in Green Bay, or at least I would like to be.

aklim · #15 12-22-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJM

Aklim,

I know it's not a great practice to do jobs like this for someone but you've gotta ask sometimes.

I'm in Green Bay, or at least I would like to be.

Oh, believe me, I do ask this all the time. I want to know who will do it for me for a smaller fee than I would pay but larger than they would get paid at the shop.

That is why I buy Ford, MB or GM since I know people that can help me from time to time on certain projects.