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Kent at MercedesSource new 116 project

Started by Harv, 27 January 2016, 06:01 PM

Harv

Quote from: UTn_boy on 16 February 2016, 04:39 PM
So how come the book tells us to use ATF in the power steering?  I've never had any problems running ATF, and certainly none of the problems he mentions.

He mentioned that the ATF fluid that was being produced many years ago is different now than the ATF today and doesn't do well in power steering systems. His words, not mine.
1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

UTn_boy

Yeah...I knew that, but the solution to that problem is to use type A ATF.  It meets the standards of ATF from when these cars were new.  All Pilot gas stations carry it.  I guess he doesn't know that type A still exists maybe??  Either way, It's a good bit of information to keep in mind.  :)
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

floyd111

Let's also not forget Kent is a Dutchman (like me) He is always very passionate explaining that some products are better than others, especially when he happens to be selling that same "better" product.

Casey

Quote from: UTn_boy on 16 February 2016, 09:37 PM
Yeah...I knew that, but the solution to that problem is to use type A ATF.  It meets the standards of ATF from when these cars were new.  All Pilot gas stations carry it.  I guess he doesn't know that type A still exists maybe??  Either way, It's a good bit of information to keep in mind.  :)

Sure it may still exist, but that doesn't mean that it's the best option now.  It was perhaps the best option when the cars were new.  Is it not unreasonable to think that a power steering fluid were designed later to specifically address the wear issues seen in steering boxes, and will help even older components that predate the fluid last longer.  I can agree wholeheartedly with steering play being a huge problem in older Mercedes as it's been an issue in every one I've owned to varying degrees.  Of course the coupler is often the biggest problem, and as you've explained to me, there are a lot of other components in the front suspension that can develop play, so it's not always just simple steering box wear.

UTn_boy

Well, until I see any evidence of damage from what I've been using for nearly 20 years I'm going to stick to what works best.  I learned a long time ago not to take anything for it's face value. 

I guess I've been lucky over the years.  I've never owned a Mercedes that had excessive steering gear box wear.  I've owned several W126 and W123 cars, which were notorious about having sloppy steering boxes.  I think a lot of it depends on the terrain of the cars domicile, as well as how often the oil is changed.  Here in the U.S., steering gear box oil changes might as well be greek to most shops.  They kind of look at you funny when you ask to have your steering fluid and filter changed, or even a rear axle oil change.  Go figure. 
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

s class

Steering box rebuilds are something I do here regularly for 116, 107, 123.  W126 seem less prone to the problem due to the self-compensation plunger. 

My experience suggests that premaure wear is largely attributable to two issues :

a) insufficiently frequent fluid and filter changes
b) failure to periodically adjust the unit to compensate for wear.  Allowing the unit to run for an extended period with excessive play is a sure ay to destroy the sector shaft and working piston.

On W116's in particular, I quite often have to replace the sector shaft and working piston with new (if customer can afford), or better condition used items.


[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

Casey

Quote from: UTn_boy on 18 February 2016, 05:53 AM
Well, until I see any evidence of damage from what I've been using for nearly 20 years I'm going to stick to what works best.  I learned a long time ago not to take anything for it's face value. 

I guess I've been lucky over the years.  I've never owned a Mercedes that had excessive steering gear box wear.  I've owned several W126 and W123 cars, which were notorious about having sloppy steering boxes.  I think a lot of it depends on the terrain of the cars domicile, as well as how often the oil is changed.  Here in the U.S., steering gear box oil changes might as well be greek to most shops.  They kind of look at you funny when you ask to have your steering fluid and filter changed, or even a rear axle oil change.  Go figure.

Well, that's certainly a good point - I think that the fluid has never been changed in most of the cars I've owned.

Harv

1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

daantjie

That engine sounds fantastic. Think it'll pull nice and strong.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

Harv

1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

daantjie

As much as I like Kent and his vids there sure is a lot of repetition. I guess he has his pet peeves and likes to drive the point home  (or make and sell a kit ;D)
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

Harv

1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

ptashek

Geez... I want that interior so bad! :D
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

daantjie

Yup that green on green is deadly cool 8)
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

floyd111

That engine bay looks like an "After", rather than a "before" .
Add to that, the interior, and I would have grabbed the car.
But then again, I only have crap to choose from, in my market.
Still, seems a bloody shame, ripping that engine out of this chassis.