Guys,
I might be back in the 116 scene soon... 8)
There is a rust free orig '76 450 SE K-jet SLS in white with tan leather on the highveld that is for sale.
The car has OZ compliance plates and is all original and apparently in excellent condition.
It has been sitting for a few years though and needs a new fuel pump.
The current owner had the timing chain replaced and the front suspension overhauled.
I'll only get to see it in about 2 weeks time and can't wait.
The owner is going to replace the fuel pump in the meantime.
Hope to post some pics soon...
`
that will be quite a unique car in RSA.
Excellent find ;)
Notice how vague pompy is being about the location and contact details for this car? He doesn't want me buying it before he gets there ;)
BTW, I wonder if a 450SE has a noticeably better performance than a 450SEL on account of weight difference?
I suppose we've got our fair share of South African w116s, it's only right we let a few 450s go astray. ;) Good luck with it pompy.
What about 107s, are there many 4.5L versions there?
he he he, S Class, I just had a good, but nervous, laugh! I was wondering if you knew about it...
It has taken me a while to track this particular car down.
Already I can't sleep at night - no other shape Merc does this to me!
Oscar, over here are plenty 107 450's - in fact, more than there are decent 116's left.
107 450SL and SLC's were locally assembled, and are pretty abundant.
Well buggers...
As they say... When it rains it pours...
I have managed to track down yet another OZ 450 SE - this time a '79 in Metallic blue/grey with mushroom leather - which I think is a wonderful colour combo... Apparently the '76 arrived in SA brand new while the '79 is ex-Oz...
Both these cars are in the region of around a 100km away from where I stay!
So, I'll be checking out both these kings tmrw!! I cannot wait and will post some pics afterwards.
Ahem, Mr S Class, I have asked for first option on the '79 as well... ;D
Interesting. I'm in no position to buy at the moment, so you don't need to worry. Out of curiosity, what are the asking prices?
R25 000 each - Can I e-mail some pics to you so you can post them please, S Class?
I'm having trouble here in the stics with GPRS...
I've paid my deposit on the white one today... should get it by mnth-end - if the taxman hurries up!! ;D
BTW, the white one is @ 50kms away from you and the blue one in Vereniging.
Also, the owner of the white one had a garage for @ 20 yrs and is surprisingly knowledgeable about the 116's - quite comforting.
He also mentioned that there is/was a guy in the East Rand area who has/had 2 6.9's parked next to each other - one of which is blue... but, he also has a 560 SEL - so, that can't be you then!
I will find out more when I see him again.
Thats interesting pompy. Certainly I can post up pictures for you. Please do find out about the 6.9's and try to get VINs.
I will PM you my current email address.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/other/450SE_1.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/other/450SE_2.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/other/450SE_3.jpg)
I know of someone called Ryan, he also goes by the name of S-Class, who is very handy with a mig welder, who will be able to fix those couple of rust spots for you ;)
Thanks PB, Yeah that welding shouldn't be too difficult. And pompy, please, it does need to be welded, not 'treated' and bogged over as is popular on the local MB club forum.
S Class, I will be visiting you on the day I collect the car - so you can advise me on the rust spots, as well as some other things!
No problem - I take it this means the deal is going ahead?
I purposely paid a 20% deposit so I can't change my mind and decide not to buy!
If all goes well I'll collect the car by month-end - otherwise end of next month - depending on wether I manage to scrape together enough cash.
Guys,
Yesterday, on our national highway - N3 -, I spotted, going in the opposite direction, a LHD 116 in what seemed like a shade darker than milan brown - with MB1's. I quickly tried to look for headlight wipers but there were none.
By the time it had passed I could only see a large Deutschland sticker on the spot where the badge '6.9' would have been... and I couldn't see what the nomenclature was on the left!
I'm sure it was a SEL as it seemed well endowed in the length dept - but that could still have been anything from a 280 SEL to a 450 SEL!
Anyways, it had GP plates and looked great - loved the colour!
Again, even in our little country, there are lots of these gems hidden away... mmmm
The above colour would look nice on my potential 450 SE - or, perhaps cypress green - or a shade darker, like the Hunt 6.9.
...damn pieces of art, them 116's!! ;)
Update:
I spoke to the owner today - new fuel pump is fitted, tank drained and strainer cleaned - but the immobilizer setup seems to be faulty and is cutting power to the fuel pump. He hasn't looked at it in the last month as he works most weekends (he is an elderly guy), although he is in the process of elimination with the relays and disabling the immobilizer (thankfully). He says it starts right up when fuel is poured down the carb/intake(??). Or is it fuel distributor?
This dragged out process actually suits me fine as my finances - finally - allows me to take ownership end Oct.
We agreed that the deal would be concluded then - even if I have to load it and take it to s class and pay him for his expert services to get it going again!
It seems as if, due to my excitement, another sleepless night lies ahead...
awesome, you shan't regret it, and S-class will have the car running in no time if you take it to him ;)
Getting a w116 is always an exciting proposition - even getting into a good one and driving one, no matter the model is exciting each and every time.
I had a very restless sleep the night before picking up my car, wondering, what the hell have I done. Do I regret it 6 years later ? Hell no!
w116's make absolutely no economic sense to restore, infact theres very little that IS economically sensible about owning one. However, life isn't all about dollars and cents, having something that is fun and makes you happy every time you drive it is VERY sensible as a human being.
Driving should be an "event" from time to time and a 116 helps make it an event.
I hope it is all you expect it to be.
Bill
Well pompy, I hope it does all work out, and I would love to see the car when you get it.
Pompy, have you got the 450 yet?
Not yet... end of the mnth... hold thumbs
Guys,
I will be loading the car this week sometime as the owner just hasn't got the time to sort it out.
Happy days!
I'm hoping to borrow a car trailer somewhere.
S Class, if you have the time and the space, I'd like to bring it straight to you - otherwise it is straight home and into the shed.
Pompy, I am quite full at the moment, but I can make time and space for a W116. I may not be able to start on it though until sunday at the earliest because I have commitments on other cars. But give me a call - you have my number still?
Thanks s class - I will call today.
Guys,
S class has agreed to take on the job of getting the car going again - hopefully he has time for more...
I'll load the car on Friday and take it straight to him.
VIN doctors - please decypher this:
116 032 220 49026
117 986 22004681.
....
So now what?
116 - W116 series chassis
032 - SWB chassis for 4.5 engine
22 - RHD Automatic built in Germany
049026 - the 49026'th W116 4.5 built (450SE and 450SEL share the same VIN sequence)
117 - M117 4.5 litre v-8
986 - version K-jetronic
22 - engine intended for use in RHD automatic
004681 - the 4681'st 4.5 K-jet engine
instant car collection - buy both ;)
Thanx s class. Check yr e-mail.
The white car is paid for already...
En toe? Het jy gisteraand geslaap, of moes jy so ietsie vir die spanning gebruik?
Eish... met eish ja! I woke up, though, at 12:00 and knew I was going to be awake 'till mrng... so I jumped up and chowed a sleeping pill... 02:00 was the last I saw 'till 5 this AM...
The car is now safely at s class's... and I am happy.
Let the games begin.
A large quantity of rat-poo has been vacuumed up, and the engine bay has been pressure cleaned. The traditional rust areas under the bonnet hinges, and below the antiroll bar mounts were packed up with old leaves, rat poo and moisture (as expected) - You are a lucky fellow - I found no real rust to speak of, just a few patches of surface rust. This car is good, solid, and straight.
The rats have been at the ignition leads and vacuum lines though. The air metering flap is locked solid - it seems the fuel metering piston is frozen/rusted in its bore in the fuel distributor. I'll get a better look at things on Sunday.
Think of these as the 'before' photos :
As found :
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1795.jpg)
dinner for the rats :
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1796.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1797.jpg)
Every crevice full of rat's poo :
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1799.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1801.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1802.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1803.jpg)
And clearly this was the main ablution facility :
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1798.jpg)
the rat's poo was all vacuumed up, and then I pressure cleaned.
This afternoon I lifted the right valve cover, and found things basically in good health :
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1806.jpg)
It appears the camshaft, and possibly the head, has been off before :
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1809.jpg)
Chain stretch 12 degrees, tensioner well extended :
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1807.jpg)
Many of the injector insulators are split. They will have to come out :
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g85/mercedes_s_class/116032/DSCN1807.jpg)
I managed to pay S class and of course my 450!!! a quick visit this mrng.
The car is up on stands and Ryan is working his magic.
We are going to completely overhaul the ignition, timing, fuel injection/delivery, vacuum, braking and cooling systems... parts are already either in hand or on order.
Some parts will take 3-4 weeks before they arrive. Yes, it is going to end up being a rather major mechanical restoration as, inevitably, we will find more things to do "while we're at it" Also, no shortcuts will be taken and we'll stick to genuine Merc parts as far as it makes financial sense...ie: even the seals in the calipers.
This is all very exciting as the end result is going to be a very special car and one that is going to run like hell!
The plan is to get it 100% perfect mechanically - before we move onto cosmetics... well, I might have to do the rims as well as I'm going to have to put new rubber on them...
I inspected the body again this mrng and it is great and s class confirms it being 100% accident free.
The interior is going to require only dash and woodwork and a period Becker. The leather and doorpads are truelly in excellent condition and will look even better with a good clean.
It's looking pretty impressive already.
The RH camshaft looks in good order. It's quite refreshing when you remove a rocker cover and it all looks OK, hopefully the LHS is just as good.
Tim
pompy, since you left, the sprockets are out, the tensioner rail is out, and I had a look down at the bottom chain guides. They don't look as bad as I expected. Tomorrow I will get the rear on stands as well, and look at the rear calipers. I will also start disassembling the fuel delivery system in preparation for removing the tank.
I've got guts of steel, or so I reckon, and can handle a lot of sights and smells but the rat poo photos just about made me puke. I've been there (cleaning up rat poo) and the photos bring back bad memories. I can smell it from here. Sounds like a bit of a gem underneath all that crap but man you've done a good job sclass from what we can see so far.
one just hopes good old Ryan is wearing gloves or has seriously disinfected that engine bay, that mess is a biohazard. And no Mercedes is worth getting a disease over ;)
I eat rat pooh for breakast!
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj317/lpotgieter/450SE0061280x768.jpg)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj317/lpotgieter/450SE0051280x768.jpg)
...
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj317/lpotgieter/450SE0041280x768.jpg)
you eat pieces of shit for breakfast?!
ha ha not sure if u deliverately referenced happy gilmore but still funny!
Quote from: nathan on 08 November 2009, 06:42 PM
you eat pieces of shit for breakfast?!
ha ha not sure if u deliverately referenced happy gilmore but still funny!
tisk tisk,
offensive language Dr Nathan. :o
What can one expect from a 300k kms tranny that had been sitting for 7 yrs in dry climate at high altitude?
My 450's transmission is needing new clutch and servo seals at 350,000km and probably a stator shaft. I would drive yours first though, after a fluid change and observe how it shifts and whether it is noisy or not.
However, a transmission may appear to function properly, but be about to die. I saw a transmission recently that shifted perfectly and made no unusual noises, but had;
A stripped stator shaft,
A seized front pump sleeve bearing.
BTW, this was not Geiz's 4-Speed conversion one either. ;)
Even so, I wouldn't rebuild it unless it you really want to do it.
Also, I have observed that all of these transmissions behave differently under similarly differing atmospheric conditions, there is a range of operating characteristics.
Both of my functional transmissions shift relatively harshly in cool humid conditions, but are absolutely smooth on a warmish dry day and on a cool dry evening. The 450's transmission may even start to flare on the 2nd to 3rd shift. This is just above sea level.
If someone has a transmission that remains the same all the time, I'd like to hear about it. ;)
My 6.9 does a peculiar thing whereby the first and sometimes second shift into 3rd is quite a "slam" and is slightly concerning. This is when setting out on a drive when the car is stone cold.
Anyway, there's a few points to consider when you test it, for comparison.
Tim
Tim,
I, too, have felt differences in gear changes at different altitudes - and perhaps air temps.
The exception, though, was my 350 SE (170k kms - 196k kms) - that car was as smooth at -6 deg C as it was at 35 deg C, high or low altitude, wether the drivetrain was hot or cold.
Other cars, such as my 560 SEL (300k kms), was quite a harsh shifter untill I adjusted the Bowden cable and the modulator, after which shifting quality became acceptable, although D selection was a bit abrupt, hot or cold. R selection was always smooth and swift though. This car shifted smoother at sea level than at altitude but tended to slam into 4th depending on throttle position.
The other car is Mom's 300 E which has always been a harsh shifter at high altitude and less so at sea level. D take-up was always smooth when cold but a tad abrupt when the drivetrain was hot. Recently, at 245k kms, I adjusted the modulator one full turn, and here at high altitude, it is now as smooth as butter when taking up D or R and when shifting through the gears - HOT OR COLD. I must add that D and R take-up is almost immediate - so there is still lots of life left in that 'box.
None of the above transmissions have ever flared in any conditions.
As for the 450 SE in hand - we'll have to see how it behaves - but I wont fix it -I'll scrap it and fit a 4spd...
Can you elaborate on a seized front pump sleeve bearing, please? Is that the extra loud 'whirr' you hear at idle, that becomes noisier as revs increase and less so as revs decrease, when changing between D and R and P? Will that cause damage to the torque converter?
The "whirr" definitely emanates from the front pump area, so it would make sense that it would be a seized bronze bush. My 450 makes that sort of sound (not all the time) and I'm expecting to find it displaced when I remove the transmission for overhaul. It could quite easily become seized to the torque converter, but there's no way of knowing without pulling the trans.
Yes, proper adjustment goes a long way to making sure things work properly. I'll have to take my 6.9 to the pros with the proper measuring instruments, so that I know that the operating pressures are correct. I adjusted it by test driving which is not recommended. ;)
Tim
Ryan took the 450 SE this week for its first drive in 8 yrs!
He says the SLS feels 100% and the tranny shifts perfectly - so a tranny service is worth it and will be done.
Only problem is the waterpump spewing out coolant.
He collected a new unit from Benz yesterday and will have it fitted by the weekend as I am collecting the car on Sunday.
I AM BEYOND EXCITED.
Otherwise, the car drives great he says, and the motor seems very good still.
Oh yes, we need a new accumalator - so that's on order.
Even all the electric windows still work.
Amazing how after 8 yrs of not even being started it takes to the road as if driven recently... but that's a 116 for you!
Yes, I had considerable difficulty with the initial startup, and ended up removing the new injectors and injector lines again, to clean them out. Once reassembled, I got it started up. After basic setting of idle air, mixture and ignition timing, the car was happy to idle on its own. No problems on the test drive, though the water pump did start leaking - really badly.
Cold start is a little sluggish due to the fuel accumulator having a leaking diaphragm. Performance of the car was pretty good considering the ignition distributor is locked up and giving no advance, probably due to corrosion.
I hope to have the water pump installation complete, and free up the ignition distributor by Saturday evening.
Hold thumbs.
Nice work fella's, I can sympathise with the Rat poo cleanup as I recently had to do this with my Range Rover after 7 months stuck in my front paddock.
Final stage was a total wipe down with Hibiclense inside and out which was kindly supplied by a mate who is a Vet, he uses it to clean his surgery down after operations and strongly suggested its use muttering something about Black plague and other nasty pathogens.
He also did a scan with an ultra violet wand to show me where there was Rat urine and it was everywhere.
YUM! Point taken.
Tony
Yip, its safe and home with me. The condition of the motor and gearbox after 300 000kms and 8 yrs of being a rat's nest exceed my expectations by a mile. The motor has no taps or knocks and the gearbox is as smooth as butter and there is no smoke whatsoever. WONDERFUL.
It pulls strongly from idle and sounds awesome. After about half an hour drive yesterday oil pressure settled at 1,5 bar at 750 rpm which is good on 15w40.
Ryan has gone to great lengths to ensure this car runs perfectly - and it does. There was a hell of lot to do, replace and rectify what previous boneheads had stuffed up. Thanx Ryan.
Homeward bound...
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/8180/0411024x768d.jpg
...and home safely
(http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/5480/0451024x768.jpg) (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/0451024x768.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
I finally went for a nice highway spin this pm and am still very impressed and happy. No vibrations, rattles, squeaks or farts - and it didn't miss a beat. The front shocks are def stuffed and wheel alignment is also def out.
I'll have to replace the air cells as the rear end ride is firm though not rock hard yet.
I LOVE THIS CAR.
(http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7446/0031024x768q.jpg) (http://img31.imageshack.us/i/0031024x768q.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Oh yes, it has now done 57kms since sitting for 8yrs.
Awsome pompy! So glad to hear it's up and running. 8)
Quote from: Major Tom 6.9 on 30 September 2009, 06:34 PM
w116's make absolutely no economic sense to restore, infact theres very little that IS economically sensible about owning one. However, life isn't all about dollars and cents, having something that is fun and makes you happy every time you drive it is VERY sensible as a human being.
Here, here!
Quote from: pompy on 04 May 2011, 02:51 AM
Oh yes, it has now done 57kms since sitting for 8yrs.
I can't believe that's all you've done - I handed the car over to you with about 30 litres fuel in the tank - what's keeping you back?
BTW - check that temp gauge - bang on 80 degrees even when pushing at 150 km/h
Tiii-iii-iii-ime... aint on my si-ide, know it aint!
Trust me Ryan - I'd drive it every day if I had the time available.
It sounds nuts, but I really am that busy. Between dairy and mixed farming and repping 200kms away I have 2 hrs to myself on a Saturday and 3 on a Sunday. That's why the 500 has been sitting for 3 mnths covered in dust.
Yesterday I heard that I have tow my aunt's caravan to the Natal South Coast tmrw mrng - AND set it up with three connecting tents! Ugh, there goes my whole weekend again... and next week is another 200km/h race against time.
BUT, I will squeeze in another spin.
Yup, 80 deg is where it sat all the way. Back in the garage I let it idle for @ 10 mins, after which it crept up to @ 85 deg max. So all I did was idle it upto 2 000 rpms and the visco fan brought it back down to 80 in less than a minute.
As ole Travolta said in Black hawk down: "G@d damn, what a ruuush!"
I have been nursing it for 380kms untill yesterday when a bit of rage had me floor the accelarator (while cruising the N3, one of our national freeways)... at first I thought 170km/h is enough - and when I reached that I thought "this feels good", so I accelarated to 180 and again I thought "cool"... so then I sped upto 190km/h (at 5000rpm) and I thought "AWESOME". I could have gone faster but I reckoned give the ole beast a break... However, I maintained 190 for @ 8 kms... damn, what a rush. Back home in the garage it purred like kitten.
What a machine.
It sounds like it's going well pompy. They just want to go ever faster when you put your foot down, don't they. ;D
Tim
You're right Tim, these cars are addictive!
Pompy
You're all right, and I love mine too! There is nothing quite like the beat of that V8. Had some new tyres put on today, so I might just try what you've been doing recently, now that the chances of a blow-out aren't such a high probability. Don't know if I would take a picture though, would prefer two hands on the wheel. And, if you get pulled, you have no excuse for not keeping an eye on the speed! :D
Groete
Gavin