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Community => Auto Torque => Topic started by: nathan on 22 July 2017, 05:16 AM

Title: TJs new 6.3
Post by: nathan on 22 July 2017, 05:16 AM
TJ is officially a maniac.
I shall leave the further descriptions to him!
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: nathan on 22 July 2017, 05:17 AM
not sure why i cant post multiple pics at once. anyway
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 22 July 2017, 08:06 AM
Maniac is a fitting description, haha. I've certainly got my work cut out for me with this one!

I should have a few pics to add tomorrow one I start cleaning out the mess.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: ptashek on 22 July 2017, 03:04 PM
Three 6.9s and a 6.3... I salute your bravery TJ :)
Keep us posted.
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: Scotty on 22 July 2017, 07:37 PM
Congratulations TJ

I have been harbouring thoughts of getting hold of one of these cars also. There's a blue one in Toowoomba that's been sitting for a few years.
I've seen it and it's beautiful, in a barn find way.

Looking forward to following this report.

Best of luck.

Scotty
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: robertd on 23 July 2017, 02:10 AM
Congratulations Tim,

I have been tentatively looking at 6.3's for some time now.   Do you recall my fist visit to Perth to check out that local 6.3

anyhow good luck with the project, I'm sure its in good hands.

cheers Rob
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 23 July 2017, 09:44 AM
Thanks all,

Yes they are quite a special machine, although they do make the 116 seem almost maintenance free in comparison, even the 6.9.

Hi RD, yes I do remember that. I remember that car going on and off the market a few times. I haven't seen it listed since, but do recall it being a bit over-priced at the time. This car I purchased is really a bit of a "barn find", and it wasn't even on the market. It was located by word of mouth through a friend of a friend of my stepdad. It has been sitting around since 1995, the year the rego expired.

My silver 6.9 will be going on the market shortly to make way for the 6.3 (I'm limited to the 2-car garage only unfortunately, for undercover parking), but it also means I can concentrate on sorting out the blue 6.9 without further distractions once the 6.3 is in a state where it can be left for a few months without further deterioration.

Anyhow, I've been busy cleaning out all the rat droppings, nests and other rubbish that has accumulated in the engine bay and interior over the last few decades and have taken a few pics.

Tim

Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: daantjie on 23 July 2017, 10:22 AM
Nice one Tim! Looks like she has good bones, nothing some elbow grease can't fix ;)
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: robertd on 23 July 2017, 04:51 PM
Yep, looks like a good "York Star Motors" Australian delivery with original radio, A good find.
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 23 July 2017, 10:29 PM
Yep, it should be a bit of fun too. First I need to work out how to safely raise the car with a trolley jack... the PO had it resting on jack stands under the pinch welds at the jacking points... less than ideal in my opinion. On the 116 I jack them up from the front cross member and under the diff housing, both of which seem less than ideal on the W109.

It is quite original although does have some poor bodywork (not the end of the world), and it looks like there was a cassette player fitted and the carpeted trim destroyed under the dash (minor but annoying all the same).

Finger crossed the engine is OK.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: s class on 24 July 2017, 04:45 AM
Awesome, you will have fun with this.  Excellent colour combo too. 
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 25 July 2017, 04:17 PM
Thanks, it will keep me occupied that's for sure. I've been working on draining the festering "coolant" among other things, but have now revealed how bad the fuel tank is! Not pretty, the cap in the pic is just the top of the iceberg.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: robertd on 25 July 2017, 05:29 PM
Oh shite
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: daantjie on 25 July 2017, 05:35 PM
Oops, i see a new fuel tank in your future.  Check out "Ron B"'s posts on M100 site, he has a very good pictorial of cleaning out old tanks:

http://m-100.cc/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9511

Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 27 July 2017, 12:06 PM
Hi daantjie, yes I had a bit of a look at that topic a while back. I sort of expected something dramatic with the fuel tank when I heard just how long the car was sitting for, so the findings pretty much confirm it.

Whatever I end up doing, I'll make certain it's all clean prior to starting, but I now know that a 108 tank will fit, albeit a much lower capacity.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 29 July 2017, 04:18 AM
Today I began by draining the coolant which required jacking up the front end. It also gave me an opportunity to inspect a few things including the subframe.

Lo and behold one of the front mounting points has failed catastrophically, so this means the whole lot needs to come out. The cause of this is unknown at this stage.

The sump is also cracked (not a massive issue as long as the engine wasn't run without oil).

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 01 August 2017, 05:40 PM
Another update;

The subframe can be repaired, but initial evaluation of the engine reveals that coolant has seeped into cylinder #7 possibly causing extensive damage and probable seizure. It has been soaked in ATF and the project mothballed until 6.9 #1432 is completed, then it will be full steam ahead with engine/trans removal and tear down as well as sourcing a replacement fuel tank and subframe repairs as required.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: Americium-241 on 20 August 2017, 06:52 AM
Here you can follow along as Tim pulls the heads off the 6.3 to check if rebuildable, spoiler alert - it is!

https://youtu.be/c3nzYUEXKi4

There's also some vids of his 6.9's properly refurbished cylinder heads https://youtu.be/6_SDBfFTQFQ?list=PLy6jIoV99tqnDCifJAjqKsVoG-kvBYph3

and the current status of his 6.9 https://youtu.be/5Ez6zyOM14c?list=PLy6jIoV99tqnDCifJAjqKsVoG-kvBYph3

Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 23 February 2019, 08:33 PM
Hi TJ, is this project still a goer or like my other rebuild, taking a bit of time :D
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 25 February 2019, 11:44 PM
Hi Goldacre,

Yes, it is definitely "one of those projects". I have been making progress though, but it's certainly taking time.

The latest drama has been around having the injection pump rebuilt and sourcing customer pistons for the engine. The bottom end has been at a local shop for over a year with no progress, so I will be collecting it and taking it somewhere else in the next couple of weeks. There are quite a few obstacles yet to overcome, but I will get it 100% at some point within the next decade. 😎
In the meantime I'm having fun driving the 6.9 around and keeping it maintained.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 26 February 2019, 05:05 AM
Awesome :) is the bottom end at a shop for grinding/boring out and measurements? If so give the guys a call at Harris Engineering in Osbourne Park as they have all the fruit for doing these jobs and very cost effective. Google their website and see what you think. Is that custom pistons? If you find some in Germany around Berlin area I will be over there in May and can check out for you and stick in my European mail forwarding service :)

John Green of MB Spares is offloading his parts stock on EBay, came across him when seeking out bits and pieces, may get lucky with his NOS? Will PM his contact details, I take it Tom Hanson at Irvine had nothing? Bummer.

As I have said before you are our Aussie Ed China so if anyone is going to pull this project off, it's you! :)

G
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 26 February 2019, 05:17 AM
Hi Tim, looks like ur emails changed so could not forward link but look this up on EBay.au and it's John of MB Spares

'mercedesclassicdiscounts'

PS. Remembered I forgot to send Chris Sheedys cousins engineering firm address and number for that cross brace repair, he does customs etc for Jaguar in UK so should know how to fix or build. Will drop Chris a line tomorrow and post back.

G
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 27 February 2019, 04:35 AM
Thanks for that. Yep, that's custom pistons as the damage was quite significant in the water damaged cylinders. It may need to go all the way to 104.5mm to clear the damage. Tom only has low compression pistons, which are presumably for the 600, and are either standard or 1st oversize from memory. I'll keep those details in mind.

With the front axle crossmember, I ended up getting a used one from Europe. I'm pretty sure it was off either a W108 or 113, which is good as it hasn't had any of the stresses placed on it as the 6.3 would have. It just needed a couple of holes drilled for the air line brackets. It's back on the car now, but I will need new lower control arms as they are also bent (not at all uncommon).

Tim

Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 27 February 2019, 07:22 AM
Bugger :/ what's the chances of slipping in a 6.9? I hear it evolved from the 6.3 so may have commonality; you would just have to slip a 4.5 in Bluey (get a high compression one) and make the 300 your daily driver :D now that would be cool, more so for the local gas stations trembling with anticipation of your arrival :)

John Green may know If customs are available, pretty sure they have rebuilt those engines in all conditions, they been around a while. Shame he is scaling down but is a specialist operation, no one would step up to the plate to take it on :/

Maybe see if a company can make liners to slip in to accomodate available sized pistons? Will drop Steve Taylor a line in Victoria to see if he knows someone as the Lotus engines use them so there is a market out there.

No luck with Chris in Busselton, his damn phone was always engaged but that's good for his business :)

Will keep you posted. Promise :D

G
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: rumb on 27 February 2019, 08:03 AM
TJ, I have a set of upper and lower control arms. PM me.
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 27 February 2019, 08:22 AM
:D love this forum :)

G
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: ptashek on 27 February 2019, 04:35 PM
Quote from: TJ 450 on 27 February 2019, 04:35 AMTom only has low compression pistons, which are presumably for the 600

Tim, aren't you tempted to go low-compression + forced induction, like Jay Leno did on his 600 Kompressor? That'd be something on a 6.3!
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 28 February 2019, 11:20 PM
I've considered the low comp option, although my aim is to keep it as original as possible in terms of spec. I'm sure someone will be able to make pistons to spec.

Also keeping the original engine and trans would be the right thing to do in my opinion.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 01 March 2019, 05:28 AM
Make the most of pre-emissions restrictions and if can source Hc pistons go for it, Shame they decided to run two different production streams instead of 'allrounders' to suit all cars at high spec but manufacturing ethics were very different 18 years post WW2.

Someone somewhere will have a 'garage queen' box of them they will never use I am sure so hopefully they will bite bullet and donate to a worthy project where it will get done :)

As they say 'be careful what you wish for' ;)

May the Fourth be with you :D

G
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: rumb on 01 March 2019, 08:46 AM
These fellows will make pistons, rings and clips for you in any size.
Here is the email I received from them for a M108 engine I am rebuilding:

thanks a lot for your request for 6 new pistons for your Mercedes-Benz 250S, engine M108.
Theese pistons aren´t longer available at Mahle. neither in standard nor in any oversize, so we could easily produce them inhouse here.
Please copy of out Mahle Catalogue attached as a PDF -file
Here our quote:
piece price  for one complete piston inlcuding pin, rings and clips = crica 265,- Euro + Tax
Pistons will be made out of Mahle forged alloy material
Delivery: 7-8 weeks after placing the order. ( if you need it faster please let me know)
In case of an order please do send us one old piston with pin and rings as sample please andconfimrfinal new bore size of cylinders ( will it stay at cyl= Ø83,0mm?)
Of course you will get  back the old one together with the new ones
Any questions please fee free to contact me.
Hope this quote will find your agreement

kind regards and have a nice week-end

Klaus Wahl
Dipl.-Ing.(BA)

Wahl Spezialkolben GmbH

Gartenstrasse 57/1

DE-70734 Fellbach

Germany

Phone.  :+49 711 589660                                           

Fax.: +49 711 584436

e-mail: info@wahl-spezialkolben.de

http://www.wahlspezialkolben.de

Sitz der Gesellschaft:Fellbach

Amtsgericht Stuttgart-Waiblingen  HRB Nr. 263972

Geschäftsführer : Helmut Wahl
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: floyd111 on 01 March 2019, 06:51 PM
That s funny.. We used to be the official distributor for Wahl in Taiwan.. Met him at the EICMA back in 2011. It's a fancy niche company with reasonable pricing, I think. Shame I didn't have much of a market for it here..
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 02 March 2019, 04:44 AM
Rumb,

That sounds fantastic. I'll investigate, thanks.

Cheers,
Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 09 April 2019, 06:48 AM
Hi All,

A bit of an update on this one, as requested by Goldacre.

The original engine has been off at a specialist with the aim of having custom pistons manfactured, for the last year or so with no luck.

Recently I was given a lead on a replacement short block 9:1 100.981 that was imported as a spare some time during the 1980s. I purchased that with the intention of either using it, or using it for parts. As standard piston rings are NLA, and this engine shows minimal signs of wear, it is looking very much like this being the basis for the project.

Here it is being transported, and after a bit of a clean (attached).

Head gaskets, trans seals and a new thermostat housing are currently on their way.

Regards,
Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 09 April 2019, 07:15 AM
Thanks Tim   8)

Hope it works out. How many belts does that crank pull have to run!? Or was it just pleased to see you?  ;D

G
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 09 April 2019, 10:17 PM
No worries, yes there's quite a few belts that's for sure.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: motec6.9 on 01 May 2019, 03:53 AM
If and when TJ needs help locating items for it I will try to assist . As he knows where I now work .
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 01 May 2019, 11:10 AM
Thanks Motec, yes this is a project not for the faint of heart.

This engine was a heap of junk in many ways although I managed to salvage 7/8 pistons and have a good oil pump, sprockets, chain guides. Conrods are good and the crank could be used although is a bit rough (all the bearings were trashed).

I have had the original crank polished and it is now good for use with the standard bearings.

I'm turning my attention to the fuel injection pump at the moment as the original unit has been a fuel injection shop for over a year while they tried to source elements. I took a gamble and annihilated my credit card on a non seized but untested as-is "X" pump from the US. It was either that or a double solenoid one which would be useless aside from the elements.

After this I will then focus on a solution for the block/ pistons/ rings.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: UTn_boy on 18 November 2019, 09:31 PM
Quote from: rumb on 01 March 2019, 08:46 AM
These fellows will make pistons, rings and clips for you in any size.
Here is the email I received from them for a M108 engine I am rebuilding:

thanks a lot for your request for 6 new pistons for your Mercedes-Benz 250S, engine M108.
Theese pistons aren´t longer available at Mahle. neither in standard nor in any oversize, so we could easily produce them inhouse here.


You've been lied to. haha  250S M108 pistons are still readily available, and the prices aren't all that bad either. Bear in mind that when you buy a new piston from Mercedes it comes with new rings and a new wrist pin. 

Standard size (82.0mm) 114-030-94-17 Retail for $340 each, and wholesale is around $200 each.

Repair size I (82.5mm) 114-030-92-17 Retail for $294 each, and wholesale is around $170 each

Repair size II (83.0mm) No longer available. 
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 20 November 2019, 01:07 PM
Nope, 6.3 pistons of any type are NLA.

Any still available would be low comp, old stock and not in the +1mm size required so the only option is custom.

I have taken a sample to someone who is having a set manufactured to achieve 9:1 with 104mm bores.

Btw, pump elements for the 6.3 injection pumps are definitely not available.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: UTn_boy on 20 November 2019, 10:23 PM
Quote from: TJ 450 on 20 November 2019, 01:07 PM
Nope, 6.3 pistons of any type are NLA.

Any still available would be low comp, old stock and not in the +1mm size required so the only option is custom.

I have taken a sample to someone who is having a set manufactured to achieve 9:1 with 104mm bores.

Btw, pump elements for the 6.3 injection pumps are definitely not available.

Tim

Tim, please read the posts more carefully, and if you'll do a little more research regarding pistons you'll find answers otherwise.  My previous post was in response to Rumb's post about pistons for his M108 engine in his W108 250S.  Not a 6.3.  Furthermore, 6.3 pistons are still available.  I ordered a set only a few months ago.  The low compression version and U.S. version pistons are no longer available, but some of the European version pistons are still available.  Below is a list of what is still available and what isn't regarding 6.3 pistons:

100-030-62-17 Standard size, 103mm, Euro version €473.14 each
100-030-28-17 Intermediate size, 103.25mm, Euro version, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-63-17 First repair size, 103.5mm, Euro version, €320.07 each
100-030-64-17 Second repair size, 104mm, Euro version, €375.59 each
100-030-31-17 Third repair size, 104.5mm, Euro version,  NO LONGER AVAILABLE

100-030-50-17 Standard size, 103mm, U.S. version, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-38-17 Intermediate size, 103.25mm, U.S. version, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-52-17 First repair size, 103.5mm, U.S. version, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-53-17 Second repair size, 104mm, U.S. version, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-41-17 Third repair size, 104.5mm, U.S. version, NO LONGER AVAILABLE

100-030-56-17 Standard size, 103mm, Low compression, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-33-17 Intermediate size, 103.25mm, Low Compression, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-57-17 First repair size, 103.5mm, Low Compression, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-58-17 Second repair size, 104mm, Low Compression, NO LONGER AVAILABLE
100-030-36-17 Third repair size, 104.5mm, Low Compression, NO LONGER AVAILABLE


The ones with prices out beside of them are still available, and there is stock showing.  Australian dealerships are notorious for not being able to get parts that are, in fact, available......reasons unknown.  If you want a set of pistons let us know and we'll get them to you if possible! :)  There is no need to have pistons made at this point in time. 

Regarding pump elements, part number 000-074-90-22, you have to go through Bosch Classic to get them.  They're not available from Mercedes.  It involves a long wait time, but worth it.  However, the delivery valves, part number 000-074-17-15, were available as of three week ago, but only from Mercedes Classic. 
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 21 November 2019, 06:20 AM
Wow, was only thinking the other day '...wonder how TJ' is getting on with that Classic Merc he found...'

So that spare engine was a boat anchor? Bugger  :-\

Hope all pans out  8) good to see help and advice is out there for our Mercs  8) networking certainly makes the Mercs wheels, pulleys, cranks etc go round and round  ::)
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 21 November 2019, 06:24 AM
Not a problem, yes I realised that afterwards. I've seen these pistons listed on Niemoller but everyone else is saying NLA including Tom Hanson.

Australian dealers wouldn't know what was going on lol.

The guys rebuilding the pump were able to get the delivery valves but that was all. It was well over a year ago though. They were dealing with a Bosch agent, although I suspect it just goes in the too hard basket.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 21 November 2019, 06:32 AM
Hi Goldacre, yes things are progressing at a very slow pace although I'm not too concerned as long is I have an engine at the end. I'm using the original block as the replacement was definitely a boat anchor... Although it was worthwhile getting as there are quite a few parts I will be using.

Once I have pistons it will be off for machining, balancing etc at Galloways in Pinjarra. They have a sample piston but I was advised it will be some time before anything is done. It would be either JE or Special Piston Services in Melbourne.

Injection pump is over in QLD getting calibrated.

In the meantime I've been driving my recently purchased ML around the countryside having put over 10,000km on it now. Got it specifically for adventures out in the bush so it has plenty of scratches on it now.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 21 November 2019, 07:18 AM
Wow, a ML now  8) as you know I have a couple of 'bush' places you are always welcome to crash out at  8) always think of you when passing untouched insulators  ;) plenty out here still.

Yeah, slow progress, welcome to our club I guess, my Lotus project is ticking along but slowly  :-\ it will get there though and can't wait, it's the 'rare as rocking horse s#it' model and you never see them at car shows so should be a stopper  8) think your model Merc was used in a few James Bond chase scenes, we should pair them up when fully armed and operational  ;D

That said might post an expression of interest for a WA W116 meet and greet and show and shine endeavour, been bloody ages   :'(

G

PS any updates on the WA German car day?
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 21 November 2019, 08:53 AM
Yep, plenty out there indeed. I've got a big research project ahead as far as collecting insulators goes, so I will be out and around the Goldfields as well as the Wheatbelt and Great Southern. I was out at Hyden the other week and did go through Corrigin but it was at some ungodly hour.

Good to hear something is happening with the Lotus, any progress is good progress.

With regards to the German Car Day, I just missed the last one as I was up in PNG at the time. The 2020 one has been announced, the one just gone was at York I believe.

Tim

Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: UTn_boy on 22 November 2019, 01:15 AM
Quote from: TJ 450 on 21 November 2019, 06:24 AM
Not a problem, yes I realised that afterwards. I've seen these pistons listed on Niemoller but everyone else is saying NLA including Tom Hanson.

Australian dealers wouldn't know what was going on lol.

The guys rebuilding the pump were able to get the delivery valves but that was all. It was well over a year ago though. They were dealing with a Bosch agent, although I suspect it just goes in the too hard basket.

Tim

Well, you have to remember that the Classic Center is never the definitive authority on anything.....much less any dealership.  Especially on a 6.3.  If it's not a 300SL, 190SL, or a Pagoda then they don't really keep up or care if parts are available or not.  If they'll let you, just take a list of part numbers in to a local dealership and ask them if they'll order those part numbers for you.  If they're too dumb to realize that you just saved them the time to look the parts up and not order them, then send me a private message and I'll somehow get a set of new pistons to you.  I always look out for my own!  :)  And remember that new pistons come with new rings and wrist pins.  Also, several undersized bearings are also still available.  One thing you will have trouble finding are head gaskets.  They've become no longer available.  Essentially, Mercedes approached their trusted gasket maker, Elring, and asked them to make some more head gaskets for the 6.3.  Elring responded by saying that 1,000 sets was mandatory as a minimum order, and Mercedes, being the conceited cheap bastards they are, told them to go get stuffed.  So availability of the head gaskets is in limbo right now.  Hopefully you already have some. 

The same can sort of be said for Bosch Classic.  It depends on who answers your inquiry.  Sometimes it's a knowledgeable person that can get things done, and sometimes it's a young kid that has no idea what a 6.3 is.  If it's not on the computer they have no idea what to do.  So they tell you it's not available.  There is no consistency anywhere these days, and it makes finding parts an experience that'll make you want to pull your hair out. 
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 22 November 2019, 07:50 AM
Awesome :) if your Goldfields endeavour gets you to Leonora area drop me line, have a colleague out there who is great value. Great Southern can give you a couple of contacts who are also tops  8) as far as wheatbelt house I have Central and North East covered so PM when around.

Will check out GCD dates for 2020.

Keep up the good work on the Merc, if can sort out image posting will upload the Merc classics I found in Germany, OMG  :o

G

Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: rumb on 22 November 2019, 08:44 AM
UTN - Yesterday I called my local MB to order some parts. He asks me for the VIN which I give and it confuses him and he replies what year is that car?  1977 - oh we can't order parts for cars that old they are not it the system.  I tell him that's ok I have the part numbers.  I give him the part number of the diff pinion shaft, he looks it up and says it's not available.  I tell him it is as I looked it up.  Oh wait a second - it is available from Germany.  BTW the reason I call my local MB is that all the online MB dealers their system seems to want $250 freight on that specific $44 item. I grill him to assure me that there will be no freight charges. I also ordered the door lock lubricant that all they online wanted $50 shipping for.  I order and try giving him my MBCA number for a discount and he tells me that their parts counter has no way to record that information so they will give me the discount when I come in to get the parts and pay.

If like pulling teeth with these clowns!
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: UTn_boy on 23 November 2019, 02:51 PM
@RUMB........my favorite part about that whole story was when you said, "That's ok, I have the part numbers". haha  I'm very fortunate in that I have a friend that works at a dealer somewhat close to me who knows and loves these older models like we do.  I've used him for nearly 10 years now.  I knows just about every trick in the book, but he also knows that age and VIN are insignificant when it comes to being able to order parts for older models......sans foot notes for VIN breaks, of course. 

And yes, I, too, would never ever order from an online dealer source like you mention, and for the same reasons.  They have this really stupid system that bases shipping on something other than actual weight.  They don't even use any kind of flat rate......I think they pay a monkey to make up shipping prices.  One day you'll order a $30 part that weighs less than a pound and they'll charge you $200 for shipping.  The next day you'll order a $2,000 part that weighs 100 pounds and charge you $20 for shipping.  Go figure. 

And ANOTHER stupid thing I've recently heard about is if you use one of these online dealer websites and order something that is in Germany they'll cancel your order for no reason.  It's almost useless.  After hearing this I tried one of these online dealers for myself. The one I used was based out of California. I ordered a new cylinder head for a customer's 1991 350SDL.  It was right at $2,000, and shipping was $80.  I checked with Paragon and Netstar beforehand to make sure that there was stock and availability.....and there were plenty in Germany.  So I placed the order, and the very next day the order was cancelled, and my money refunded.  So I then CALLED the dealer to ask them why my order was cancelled.  They told me that the part was no longer available.  I kindly informed them that they were wrong, and that if they'll look on Netstar and Paragon that they'll see that they are still available, and that there are plenty in stock.  They then said, "Well, if a part is in Germany we have to cancel the order because we aren't allowed to buy parts from Germany".  It was the absolute most stupid excuse I'd ever heard, and I HATE that we're surrounded by such ignorance. 

My local dealer, whom I never use, (because they charge more for parts than others close by) doesn't even honor any kind of MBCA discount or anything.  They have nothing to do with MBCA.  Then again, MBCA is pretty much a thing of the past.  It's a bit of a Sh*t show right now, and has been for several years. 

However, yes it's like pulling teeth from a hen.  They hire people that know absolutely nothing about anything and expect results.  I just don't understand.   
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: TJ 450 on 24 November 2019, 07:44 AM
@UTn,

I'll see how I go with these custom pistons locally but will definitely bear this info in mind. Luckily I bought a set of head gasket kits over a year ago, along with the bearings and lower gasket kit. It sounds like things could be dire otherwise.

@Goldacre,

Thanks, I'll let you know when I'm up there, I plan on going up around Beacon fairly soon. I was at Leonora a couple of months back (went out to Lake Perkolilli and did a bit of exploring). Definitely going back out there too.

Tim
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 22 September 2021, 05:15 AM
Hi Tim, Goldacre here after all this time :D is this still a project ongoing? or pastured?

Hope all is well :)

G
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: nathan on 25 September 2021, 11:39 PM
well underway but Tim forget his password and hasn't been able to get hold of moderator to re approve him so he cant log in!
Title: Re: TJs new 6.3
Post by: goldacre on 01 October 2021, 09:06 PM
OMG! we cant lose Tim :/) ouch, will dig out email when i had issues, apparently the reset would not work via Hotmail as it killed the reset email at the Hotmail server end so you never saw it so switched to GMail and all good after then. Mod said he was well busy.

Will PM you the email i got back from Mod...

G