Harmonic Balancer - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Zulfiqar · #31 01-09-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

That's me, but just a lot less hair.

Yes, I am long and lanky, but working from the top is my preference on something like this. If I walked up and looked at it though I might prefer doing it from the bottom IF it allowed me to do the job without pulling as many things off and out of the way.

A LONG time ago on this forum, like probably 11 years or so, there was a thread about changing oil on a 123. Without thinking about it I asked what was the big problem. You just lay down, slide a drain pan underneath and remove the drain plug.

Several people immediately responded by saying that they couldn't fit underneath far enough to reach the drain plug. Mike Tangas who had met me in person several times pointed out that "Larry is a bean pole."

I can indeed reach things that others might have trouble with and I take this for granted.

Im not skinny and can easily change the oil in my W124 without a jack or a lift - reach under there and remove the sump plug and slide my wide pan under it.

btw I have the last year W124 which rides really low from the factory.

Air&Road · #32 01-09-2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zulfiqar

Im not skinny and can easily change the oil in my W124 without a jack or a lift - reach under there and remove the sump plug and slide my wide pan under it.

btw I have the last year W124 which rides really low from the factory.

Yes, and I expect the person in that thread was capable of reaching the drain plug. They said they could NOT reach it in an effort to justify why they did not WANT to reach it.

I think all but the LARGEST of people can lay on their back and reach the drain plug on most any car if they want to.

retmil46 · #33 01-09-2013, 12:40 PM

If any of you have a late model Mustang, '79 and up, there's a company in Hewitt (ie, suburb of Waco) TX, called Late Model Restoration, that's proven to be quite helpful in getting this beast up to speed again - not only in parts, down to convertible sunvisor clips and ashtray lids, but also in giving tech advice over the phone or via e-mail. A Google search should easily turn up their website (not sure if I'd annoy the powers that be by posting a link to even a Mustang-only parts website).

Ordered one of their 95 amp alternators and 4 gauge wiring kits, to replace the 75 amp stock and 14 gauge output wire. I had considered getting one of the 130 amp alts, but they noted on their website that some bracket modification might be required, compared to the 95 amp that's a straight bolt-in.

When I called them and talked with Bryan, asking about this in particular, he admitted "To be honest, I've never done the 130 amp alt mod myself, so I can't tell you what it might take for your particular car - it IS a physically bigger alternator, and we put that warning on the website so people would be forewarned". Then he laughed and said, "Only thing I can say is, it must not be THAT much trouble, because we haven't had people sending us death threats or beating on the door, complaining what a PITA job it is!".

Air&Road · #34 01-09-2013, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retmil46

If any of you have a late model Mustang, '79 and up, there's a company in Hewitt (ie, suburb of Waco) TX, called Late Model Restoration, that's proven to be quite helpful in getting this beast up to speed again - not only in parts, down to convertible sunvisor clips and ashtray lids, but also in giving tech advice over the phone or via e-mail. A Google search should easily turn up their website (not sure if I'd annoy the powers that be by posting a link to even a Mustang-only parts website).

Ordered one of their 95 amp alternators and 4 gauge wiring kits, to replace the 75 amp stock and 14 gauge output wire. I had considered getting one of the 130 amp alts, but they noted on their website that some bracket modification might be required, compared to the 95 amp that's a straight bolt-in.

When I called them and talked with Bryan, asking about this in particular, he admitted "To be honest, I've never done the 130 amp alt mod myself, so I can't tell you what it might take for your particular car - it IS a physically bigger alternator, and we put that warning on the website so people would be forewarned". Then he laughed and said, "Only thing I can say is, it must not be THAT much trouble, because we haven't had people sending us death threats or beating on the door, complaining what a PITA job it is!".

I remember when that company got started. He was very young at the time and was the nephew of a guy I worked with at the time. If he is anything at all like his Uncle, then he is a PLEASURE to work with and you will most likely learn something from him.

Benz Fan · #35 01-09-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retmil46

If any of you have a late model Mustang, '79 and up, there's a company in Hewitt (ie, suburb of Waco) TX, called Late Model Restoration, that's proven to be quite helpful in getting this beast up to speed again - not only in parts, down to convertible sunvisor clips and ashtray lids, but also in giving tech advice over the phone or via e-mail. A Google search should easily turn up their website (not sure if I'd annoy the powers that be by posting a link to even a Mustang-only parts website).

Ordered one of their 95 amp alternators and 4 gauge wiring kits, to replace the 75 amp stock and 14 gauge output wire. I had considered getting one of the 130 amp alts, but they noted on their website that some bracket modification might be required, compared to the 95 amp that's a straight bolt-in.

When I called them and talked with Bryan, asking about this in particular, he admitted "To be honest, I've never done the 130 amp alt mod myself, so I can't tell you what it might take for your particular car - it IS a physically bigger alternator, and we put that warning on the website so people would be forewarned". Then he laughed and said, "Only thing I can say is, it must not be THAT much trouble, because we haven't had people sending us death threats or beating on the door, complaining what a PITA job it is!".

95 amps should be plenty, unless you have some amp-hungry aftermarket sound system.

retmil46 · #36 01-09-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benz Fan

95 amps should be plenty, unless you have some amp-hungry aftermarket sound system.

Nope - just the factory am/fm/cassette - which hasn't been used in years - and those POS rear factory speakers were removed when I had to replace the rear quarter window motors - PO had removed the mounts for them, and just had them hanging loose by a single metal strap.

But with power windows, power door locks, power convertible top, and A/C, there's plenty to demand power on this beast - especially with only a Group 58 battery to back it up, and a 14 gauge output wire.

Few years back, when I had to swap in a rebuilt factory alt, the instructions warned not to put too much electrical load on it at idle - A/C on full blast, headlights, wipers, etc, all at the same time - or things would overheat and go south. Now I know why.

This particular 95 amp alt is rated for 60 amps at idle and 120 amps at 2000 engine rpm.

Given the size of the battery tray, might just swap in something a little larger than a Group 58 as well.

Air&Road · #37 01-09-2013, 03:01 PM

Yes, ESPECIALLY with a diesel, putting in the absolute largest battery that will fit the battery box is a very good practice.