[AreVeeSmoot]

Discovery of why no turn signals

Greeting earthlings,

I removed the knee bolsters , center console, and carpeted sides of transmission hump while investigating a leak in the AC system, and found none in the cabin. Compressor showed drip and leaks of UV dye. New compressor, receiver-drier, and suction line are on order.

Today, I drove my 380 to Petco for a nail trim on our greyhound. Found I had no turn signals, and checked the fuse box when I returned home. Fuses all good, but I had removed the rocker switches at the top of the center console, which included the emergency flasher switch. I plugged in the flasher switch and bingo, the turn signals worked. Unplugged the flasher switch, no turn signals.

Now, I know the emergency flasher is in the turn signal circuit, and with it operating correctly, allows the turn signals to work.

Fred

 

[magicbigdaddy]

It's hard to believe I have owned my 89 560SEC for 9 years. While shooting some recent photos of other cars I broke out the old gal for some updated pic's.
Enjoy, Mike

 

[DrewPT]

It's hard to believe I have owned my 89 560SEC for 9 years. While shooting some recent photos of other cars I broke out the old gal for some updated pic's.
Enjoy, Mike

Looks terrific! Did you keep the tan vinyl door foot valances in tact under the stainless covers? When I tested/lined up mine, there is a little protruding on the top portion (but yours appears totally covered on the upper surface, at least toward the rear portion that is visible in the photo). I'm wondering if you took off any material.

 

[magicbigdaddy]

Did that about 5 years ago but what I remember is that none of the pedal bits were perfect, just aligned them to some order of compromise. Same with the door sills. When you are installing that stuff it appears important but once completed it all looks great to 99% of the world. To me it all looks good, works and is finished. Did the best I could with what I had to work with so I'm happy.

 

[MBL87560SEC]

Mike,

Absolutely top shelf!

Love the details.

 

[MT_Merc]

That is indeed a very nice SEC! I especially envy the mushroom interior, I'm hoping one day I can find one to swap into my SEC. I really don't know why that color wasn't more popular....

Anyway, I've done a little more tinkering on Ingrid. I tried a couple things with the AC based on what Ian and kevdu suggested. The belt alignment didn't look quite right, so I loosened the compressor and did my best to tweak it around. I also picked up a can of oil charge with some kind of lubrication enhancer and put it in. I'm a little leery of putting anything other than refrigerant, oil, and leak dye in, but I'm pretty sure there was no leak-stop in it, which I've read is a no-no. I think the reason was it's very difficult to flush out of the system, and it gums up service equipment. Unfortunately, it still makes the same noises. On the plus side, it blows pretty cool air up to 90º and hasn't gotten worse, so the chances of surviving the summer seem good.

Secondly, I pulled the front wheels off and cleaned the hub surfaces. In doing that, I found a couple dings in the hubs that may have been significant enough to cause a bit of wobble. I wouldn't have noticed except that I used a sanding block to clean up the surface, and both had a high spot on the outer face. I used a mill file to take that down; not sure how much effect it had, but every little bit counts. The shimmy isn't gone, but it doesn't feel as bad now. Hopefully the rest is wheel balance and/or loose wheel bearings (I was going to tighten that up, but decided to see what cleaning the hubs would do).

 

[lesguy]

MagicBigDaddy: Are those stainless sills still available anywhere?

 

[bsclifton]

MagicBigDaddy: Are those stainless sills still available anywhere?

Yup - just got a set in myself. I didn't know they went over the existing ones, that's a wild look (haven't tried putting mine in yet since interior is being redone at the moment)

Here's a link:
https://www.formymercedes.com/mb_re...m/mb_results.asp?model=W126&class=s-class&category=Illuminated+Door+Sill+Covers

 

[DrewPT]

Yup - just got a set in myself. I didn't know they went over the existing ones, that's a wild look (haven't tried putting mine in yet since interior is being redone at the moment)

Here's a link:
https://www.formymercedes.com/mb_re...m/mb_results.asp?model=W126&class=s-class&category=Illuminated+Door+Sill+Covers

Yes, that's what I was getting at earlier--if there's a way to cleanly and firmly put it in without any of the existing vinyl/aluminum strip hanging out, that would be ideal (for me). Plus, there's a rubber strip that's prone to coming loose on the vinyl sill as well. The stainless sills would need to be fully supported to prevent warping in case they get stepped on (I'm cringing at the thought of the polished metal getting marred).

Gerry (at the site above) really aims to please in my experience, and I had great communication and service back and forth with him. It seems they make the metal sills in batches every few months, so if they're currently in stock, great.

In my opinion, it gives the car a "what if" look, as the '90s accoutrements that were tastefully incorporated into the next generation vehicles.

 

[rob.thepvcman@gmail.com]

Driving it again, finally! I had a replacement motor and trans (young, at only about 280K) installed in the 300SDL about 2 months ago. I'm still working out kinks, but she is on the road and a daily driver again.

Anyone any good with the ALDA adjustment on the OM603 injection pump? This one has been mucked with, and I can't seem to get a good balance between power and smoke. Are there any other adjustments on the IP?

I have an annoying vibration in the drivetrain at about 60-70, I'm thinking maybe the driveshaft. The flex plates are good, had them checked when they put the motor in. Any other suggestions? I can't find a decent MB mechanic around Blacksburg, VA, so I'm working blind here ...

It's good to be driving my 126 again.

Rob

 

[bsclifton]

Just got the car back with the all new interior! New leather for everything, new carpeting. Will share more details in my project thread when I get time to put the rest together. Basically, have to take the seats out (they’re not bolted in), reinstall the center console, then properly wire up and bolt down the front seats. Lots of paneling to adjust too

Quick teaser pic

 

[ianrandom]

Wow, congratulations both of you. Robs finally back in the old 126, yay.

And Brian that leather is so lush.

 

[luckymike]

Just got the car back with the all new interior! New leather for everything, new carpeting. Will share more details in my project thread when I get time to put the rest together. Basically, have to take the seats out (they’re not bolted in), reinstall the center console, then properly wire up and bolt down the front seats. Lots of paneling to adjust too

Quick teaser pic

Oh my gosh. That's got to smell fantastic. Congratulations.

 

[tusabes]

Who is the leather supplier ? gahh? Lseat?

 

[AreVeeSmoot]

replacing A/C compressor, drier, suction line, etc.

A leaking compressor has set me down the path of making things better in the A/C department of my 380 SE.

Receiver/drier is out, compressor is out, suction hose is out, fan and belts are off, driver's side headlight assembly is out to make things more accessible. Need to replace a few bolts, and washers, all new green O-rings, have three 14oz. cans of R-12 ready to load, pressure switch in hand, waiting for temperature sensor. New mineral oil in the new compressor, need to clean brackets that have been collecting dirt for 35 years.

Tomorrow brings a $1200 custom oak storm door in need of sanding and recoating of Spar polyurethane, at least two coats. All day project under my 10 x10 shade tent at the renter's house. At least it is dust and not grease....

Fred

 

[magicbigdaddy]

Who is the leather supplier ? gahh? Lseat?

I'm confident they are GAHH. So correct and authentic. Just stunning in my book.

 

[bsclifton]

I'm confident they are GAHH. So correct and authentic. Just stunning in my book.

That is absolutely right I went with new GAHH leather including new hides for the back of the seats and they also had a complete carpet kit.

It’s amazing- but has a pretty hefty price tag (and still have to put it all together!). $9k for everything (raw parts cost was about half). It’s got a new car smell that is unbelievable! I’ve been dying (almost literally!) trying to put this all back together... but it’s been in the 105F - 110F temperature range. Still working on getting the center console back together

 

[magicbigdaddy]

Brian, it is apparent you are doing this properly. Pace yourself and the rewards will be worth it. Your progress is great young man!

 

[bsclifton]

Starting to look like a car again! Just need to secure the window buttons that go on the shifter since they have broken tabs (maybe solder a wire to hold it there? Or glue gun it? Not sure).

Should be able to wire up and bolt down the drivers seat in the next session

 

[AxelWulff]

That is absolutely right I went with new GAHH leather including new hides for the back of the seats and they also had a complete carpet kit.

It’s amazing- but has a pretty hefty price tag (and still have to put it all together!). $9k for everything (raw parts cost was about half). It’s got a new car smell that is unbelievable! I’ve been dying (almost literally!) trying to put this all back together... but it’s been in the 105F - 110F temperature range. Still working on getting the center console back together

I'm about to strip my interior (again...) and was wondering if I should replace the carpets.

Could you could let us know what you think of the GAHH carpet kit?

Is it complete? Meaning, does it include the plastic backing on the large piece? The GAHH website doesn't provide a whole lot of information.

Much appreciated.

Cheers,
Axel