DIY, bliss or clinical addiction? A bit OT. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fantom71 · #1 02-14-2006, 12:40 PM

To start off with, my 85 300D is the first car that I have ever did the maintainence on (other than oil and air filter changes). I have come to the conclusion that a lot of this is getting to be an addiction

. I have over the last month changed: radiator (leaking, patched with epoxy while waiting on new then installed new when it arrived), flushed/filled cooling system (the water part was distilled water, MB collant @$22 a gal

), while I was flushing I decided to change the thermostat and upper and lower radiator lines "since I was there anyway", two oil changes, rear diff fluid change (second change will be this weekend, since I changed to synthetic and the previous fluid was VERY NASTY), manual trans fluid change, power steering filter/fluid change, changed 1/2 brake fluid (drained the resivuor, will do again two more times), rotated tires (got a scare when I set the front back down and the front was around 6 inches higher than when I started, but it did "settle" back down after driving around the block), adjusted parking brake tension, checked brake pad thickness, replaced glow plugs, primary and secondary fuel filters, replace all fuses... I think you get the idea.

Granted a lot of this was necessary since I received no records from the PO

and since the odo was replaced with a new one at 800km before I got the car, I do not know how many miles are on the car (a good thing too considering the state of the rear diff fluid).

I am coming to the conclusion that this is an addiction while I am sitting here creating an Excel spread sheet detailing items done, when they are ready again with auto calculating milage/dates and making a to do list. I have spent more time today working on this "car plan" than I have spent running my own business today

. My local MB parts dude, O'Rillies parts dude and Wal-Mart cashieer all know me by name/car (it is a Euro and the MB parts dude groans to himself when he see me come in

)

The big problem is that I cannot stop myself. I swear that after I replaced the radiator that the car drove better (yes, I know that is NOT the case, but it just seems to drive better *shrug*). It, I know, is a sence of a job well done and an accomplishment that I have never done (or considered) before (not to mention saving a load of $$$). I "justify" it by a lot of this was cheap/free since I did everything myself and is a "peace of mind" type thing. But how far is too far? I noticed while washing it yesterday that the rubber seal around the rear window does not look good (but not leaking) and I found myself doing a search on replacing this item. I can see this getting way out of hand (if it has not already) real fast.

I am sorry for the length, I just needed to share/vent since my darling wife was suggesting last night (valentine's day eve) that I love that car more than her

. Today I remind her who is #1. Thank goodness that we are taking the van out tonight

.

thorsen · #2 02-14-2006, 01:10 PM

IMO you are not accomplishing much by draining the master cylinder. The fluid does not recirculate, so the fluid in the wheel cylinders is still old (and this is the fluid that counts).

What you are doing is better than nothing, but to do it right you need to bleed the old fluid out of the calipers until the new fluid is coming out.

No comments on addiction.
http://www.pokrefke.com/benz/benzmileage.htm
http://www.pokrefke.com/benz/benzmaint.htm

fantom71 · #3 02-14-2006, 01:49 PM

I figured something like this, but until I decide on the best "one person" bleeding system for me, I will not be able to do this job correctly. The problem is there are sooooo may options and opinions out there I am just confused on which way to go.

Mismost · #4 02-14-2006, 01:50 PM

Fantom71...weird huh? But they do seem to respond to touch...the more you rub, scrub, drain, bleed, change out, inspect, and sometimes even fix, the better they run and drive! I thought it was just me.

These cars were built to be driven and I don't think they take well to sittin' on the porch. The more I drive mine the better it runs (it sat up for about a year). I know part of the "it feels better" is just me getting used to the car....but i also know part of it is the car is actually running better, smoother, and faster as judged by my seat of the pants method of floor-boarding it up the same steep hill.

In fiddling around with mine, it is in much better overall condition than I thought it was when I bought it....and getting better too! The worst part of this addiction....this forum...my car would be brand-new by now if I didn't lurk on this board so much! There is just too much to learn here!

whunter · #5 02-14-2006, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fantom71

I figured something like this, but until I decide on the best "one person" bleeding system for me, I will not be able to do this job correctly. The problem is there are sooooo may options and opinions out there I am just confused on which way to go.

t walgamuth · #6 02-14-2006, 07:12 PM

roy, roy!

you wild man!

tom w

83-240D · #7 02-14-2006, 08:05 PM

much nicer in the warm months. wish i had that heated 3 car garage with living space and external lift so i could work and nap in the same place.

excel ss, yes i have three. one for each car.