93 300E 3.2 W124 Talk about luck! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Stoney · #1 05-18-2007, 01:08 PM

On the way back from Va. yesterday, after about 2 hrs on I-81, I noticed the temp gauge slowly rising. Pukked off at the next exit and popped the hood and found the upper Rad hose connection was failing.

OK I'm in the middle of nowhere, can't even get a cell signal so I figure I'm FUBAR'ed...

Dive into the Jesus box and see what I have to work with...hey JB Weld Quik!

Mix it up, use somemetal window screen I found in the trash dumpster at the intersection and reinforced the neck and did 2 layers of JB Quik (1 as base and one as top coat). The hat of the Rad helped it set and 1 hr later I started up and no leak. Stopped at the next gas n go and replaced the lost coolant.

Nursed it home to NYC at 55 with my eye glued to the temp gauge but no problems.

Ordered a replacement Behr (yes the upgraded model) from FCP Groton (sorry Fastlane the diff was $40 and free Fed Ex as I am a regular customer) which will be here tomorrow so I should be good to go for use on Sunday.

I downloaded the W124 Rad DIY and assume the 300E M104 install is the same/similar.

BENZ-LGB · #2 05-18-2007, 01:55 PM

Is your last name McGyver?

Texholdem · #3 05-18-2007, 02:02 PM

Glad to hear about the relatively happy ending.

Stoney · #4 05-18-2007, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

Is your last name McGyver?

I'm just an Engineer...but having a basic set of tools, a complete set of spare relays and a Jesus box (anything left over from previous projects-screws, wire, tape, JB Weld) in the boot is basic stuff...

When I worked in the Southwest, the truck toolbox had a spare water pump, alternator, 2 of every belt, hose and relay, fuse plus an assortment of glues, epoxies and shrink tape, air compressor, tire patches and gobs of extra wire. I thought it was overkill until we had 3 flats, a punctured Rad and JB Welded a hole in the differential cover in a 48 hour period.

Figure it this way...if you travel in areas where your choice of help is a guy you wouldn't leave alone with your toaster much less your MB or yourself and a set of tools...the choice is easy!

'Sides I have made many a good friend when I stopped by the side of the road to help a fellow MB or Volvo owner.

Practice random acts of kindness, its amazing what you will get in return.

david s poole · #5 05-19-2007, 10:35 AM

so now we know why the sun was shining on you,you've been living right.

Hirnbeiss · #6 05-20-2007, 06:19 AM

Reminds me of my episode ten yrs ago in Mississippi:

(Remember that MS has about 1/3 the population of VA - I-20 is nothing but pine trees)

anyone ever call mercedes roadside assitance

Arthur Dalton · #7 05-20-2007, 10:06 AM

A roll of duct tape in the trunk is a must....

BENZ-LGB · #8 05-20-2007, 10:45 AM

...and Velcro.

Arthur Dalton · #9 05-20-2007, 10:47 AM

..and bailing wire

BENZ-LGB · #10 05-20-2007, 10:49 AM

...and chewing gum!

Arthur Dalton · #11 05-20-2007, 10:52 AM

... Oh No !! We have started a Monster... I can already see that by the time this thread is over with, we are going to have 2000 post and a trunk full of junk....

BENZ-LGB · #12 05-20-2007, 11:02 AM

...junk in the trunk!

Arthur Dalton · #13 05-20-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

...junk in the trunk!

Yeah, isn't the trunk just the "Kitchen Junk Drawer" of the car ?????

Stoney · #14 05-20-2007, 04:47 PM

I know I-20 all too well...

Spent a bunch of time between Oxford and Jackson, mostly the back roads behind a truck full of pigs on a 100 degree summer day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirnbeiss

Reminds me of my episode ten yrs ago in Mississippi:

(Remember that MS has about 1/3 the population of VA - I-20 is nothing but pine trees)

anyone ever call mercedes roadside assitance

Stoney · #15 05-20-2007, 04:51 PM

Thanks to Alon's DIY write up, the Rad replacement was a breeze!