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More work on the W126

Started by TJ 450, 13 June 2010, 09:26 AM

TJ 450

Worn out lower balljoints meant that it had to come apart anyway, so it's going to be done properly.

I'm waiting for the engine block to be reconditioned along with the cylinder heads, I'll try and fit this in along the way as well as settling Nathan's account. ;)

Bill's spring compressor made things as safe as can be, but there is seriously no other way. If you tried conventional spring compressors, you would be playing Russian Roulette.











Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

s class

Nice work.  Those joints certainly are due for replacement.  Hope you're going to paint all the bits  ;)


[color=blue]'76 6.9 Euro[/color], [color=red]'78 6.9 AMG[/color], '80 280SE, [color=brown]'74 350SE[/color], [color=black]'82 500SEL euro full hydro, '83 500SEL euro full hydro [/color], '81 500SL

s class

Another question - the head bolt holes in the block, are you having them helicoiled or not?  Some say its essential, others say not. 


[color=blue]'76 6.9 Euro[/color], [color=red]'78 6.9 AMG[/color], '80 280SE, [color=brown]'74 350SE[/color], [color=black]'82 500SEL euro full hydro, '83 500SEL euro full hydro [/color], '81 500SL

TJ 450

Thanks, they will indeed receive a fresh paint job. The conditon of the balljoints and that guide rod assembly is pretty bad for sure. They've been like that for a few years I'd say, as they were actually full of dirt.

With the block and the head bolt holes, that's on my mind for sure. None of them were stripped out, but I will ask of his opinion on the matter.

Also, the black overspray under the wheel arches is exactly like on my 6.9. Weird. ???

Tim

1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

Big_Richard

#4
wow, i had no idea the front end was that bad on that car. I thought it was just going to be preventative maintenance, but by the looks of things a complete rebuild is well over due.

Just imagine how bad the 450 is going to be  8)

PS, remember we removed a front spring on Nathans w126 with a large pole for leverage, and he nearly got eviscerated as it flew 50 meters away quicker than the blink of an eye ;)

nathan

ha ha,
i remember that spring. if i wasnt so solidly built, im sure i would be going to see WGB for referral with a broken hip as the thing flew into me at 200miles/hr.  fortunately for TJ, he decided PBs and my actions were not vrey bright and he was cowering in the garage! :)
1979 116 6.9 #6436
2018 213 e63
2011 212 e63
2011 463 g55
2007 211 e500 wagen
1995 124 e320 cabriolet
1983 460 300gd
1981 123 280te

TJ 450

Well, really everything is serviceable except the balljoints and subframe mounts on the RHS, on the 126. OTOH, the 450 needs all rubbers and balljoints replaced... both cars need steering box overhauls as well, but that will be left for another time.

No steering parts are going to be replaced on the 126 just yet, as that will be a separate job involving all parts.

I remember that spring too... it was very dangerous. 8)

Regarding the spring removal statement, perhaps I need to engage in English-Prime more frequently. ;)

Tim 
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

Big_Richard

Quote from: nathan on 15 June 2010, 02:34 AM
fortunately for TJ, he decided PBs and my actions were not vrey bright and he was cowering in the garage! :)

its pretty normal for TJ to cower in the corner wetting himself when us two jackass's get our hands on some tools  ::)

TJ 450

Yep, it happens all too often.

BTW,

The latest news about the block is that it has sat with water in one of the cylinders at some stage, which has apparently led to some unacceptable corrosion in one of the bores... it has been said that it either needs to be bored out or I need to find another engine.

Anyway, more on that when it progresses.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

Big_Richard

Well the good thing about it being a 380, a replacement engine will only be about $50 ;)

TJ 450

Indeed, it won't be a problem. Klaus has a few good ones out the back anyhow.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

Big_Richard

seeing a pattern here - everytime you need something repaired "oh this is no good, but i have one out the back you can purchase"

did you actually see the alleged damage to the bore ?

TJ 450

I know, I'll be checking it out in a few days time.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

TJ 450

OK, the old block required boring out and oversized pistons. This is not the sort of thing I intended, so I have opted for a whole replacement engine. To this, I will have to install the reconditioned heads in due course. To begin with, I will probably just install the engine as-is to get the car registered and so forth.

It is normally required to helicoil the bolt holes as a matter of course, but Mercedes says to do this only when damage is present.

A special jig is required for this process, as the long bolts are not perpendicular to the block surface.

Fun and games. 8)

Tim 
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

s class

Quote from: TJ 450 on 20 June 2010, 09:31 AM
It is normally required to helicoil the bolt holes as a matter of course, but Mercedes says to do this only when damage is present.

Who says it is a matter of course?  And what authority is Mercedes' position on?  A technical bulletin?.  I ask because I am very curious to know the truth about this issue.

Quote from: TJ 450 on 20 June 2010, 09:31 AM
A special jig is required for this process, as the long bolts are not perpendicular to the block surface.

Yes, I was aware that this is the particular twist in this exercise.  It seems not all engineering shops are though.   :'(


[color=blue]'76 6.9 Euro[/color], [color=red]'78 6.9 AMG[/color], '80 280SE, [color=brown]'74 350SE[/color], [color=black]'82 500SEL euro full hydro, '83 500SEL euro full hydro [/color], '81 500SL