Another 126 added to the flock

[robertd]

Hi Fellow 116's,

I know I seem to have gone off the rails with recent non 116 purchases, but I could not help myself, the devil made me do it.

While on an overnight stay in the "Big Smoke" awaiting a midday social luncheon, I had a couple of hours to kill, so I started scanning carsales on the web. as if fate had arranged it, there was a 380se for sale only 2 streets away from where we were staying, well what a good way to spend some time on a lazy sunday morning?

I made the call and met up with Alex, an elderly Greek gentleman that had loved owning his mercedes over the last 20 years, the paint was in a sad state, having been parked outside for the last few years, however it was well maintained and I could see the potential. 
It had 10 days rego left and that is what clenched the deal, I could drive it home after my luncheon date! wife willing?

The rear self leveling sheres were rock hard, I needed a kidney belt on the 2 hour drive home,

During the past week I have spent several hours cutting and polishing the paint and generally doing all the stuff we do to a new arrival.
I have fitted new rear suspension spheres and changed the oils and filters  ( that came with the car)

She has come up pretty well, even if I do say so myself











These were a bonus, in the boot ready to install,

[WGB]

Looks like a lot of fun and a useful addition.

Bill

[Tony66_au]

Well done Robert!

She scrubs up alright for an old girl too!

[Kjhall65]

She looks great Rob.  Looks like you are getting quite a collection going there.

What causes the SLS to be rock hard?  The SLS in the 280SE I just bought is very firm compared to my 450SE.  Not rock hard but very firm.  Is this a bad thing?  Is it supposed to be reasonably soft?
Ken

[robertd]

Hi Ken,
The rear self leveling uses 2 nitrogen filled spheres about the size of large Soft balls. The nitrogen in these spheres is compressed and released as the rear shockers extend and contract. when the nitrogen gas leaks out over time the amount of movement available is reduced and the ride get harder and eventually with all the gas gone and replaced by hydraulic fluid the shocks can no longer extend or retract because liquids don't compress. that is when it becomes a hard tail. and you need a kidney belt.
cheers
Rob

[Tony66_au]

The Nitrogen is sealed in one half of the sphere by a membrane and these membranes rupture with age and incorrect SLS fluid (Like ATF) which allows the gas to mix into the hydraulic oil and purge into the atmosphere.

As the membranes dont break completely the hydraulic fluid often half fills the sphere and then all damping is gone.

[Tony66_au]

BTW a drop in fluid level after a noticeable bit of spillage from the reservoir often indicates a failed sphere or spheres.

[Kjhall65]

Thanks guys.  I think the 280  will be in the market for some new spheres....