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Angelfish

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Posts posted by Angelfish

  1. First, I know nothing about AC systems, including terminology.

     

    I ordered a new filter dryer for a Mercedes-Benz 380SL.   The original dryer has a brass fitting with a pigtail that threads into the filter.

     

    On the new filter, the threads are not the same. 
     

    The new filter is supplied with a plug for the above threaded port.

     

    The question is:  

    1: What’s the brass fitting with the pigtail?

    2: Can I just tap threads into the plug and thread the brass fitting into the plug?  There’s plenty of meat for the threads, it’s a question of proper function.

     

     

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  2. On 4/20/2024 at 9:29 AM, Steve_Mack_CT said:

    How was flex disc job Fish?  I should do mine.  Inspection shows no cracks but ya know 35 years old now... 

    Flex discs are very easy.  Transmission needs to be supported so the pan that supports it can be removed.   The discs just unbolt from each end of driveshaft, no need to pull the driveshaft.  I would recommend replacing them at this point, mine didn't have any visible cracks but once I pulled them they were hard and brittle.

     

    The hard part is stopping. I started out replacing flex discs and ended up with a new pinion seal, carrier bearing, transmission mount and a rebuilt driveshaft.

    • Like 2
    • Haha 1
  3. With any luck it will be back on the road soon, new AC compressor, driveshaft rebuild and throttle body rebuild.   Smoke test found a leak around the butterfly shaft and the U joint was notchy.   New pinion seal, carrier bearing, flex discs and transmission mount.  Since I was under there already.

     

     

     

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    • Like 4
  4. 11 minutes ago, John Bloom said:

    Who doesn’t aspire to be an “overfed long haired leaping gnome”......? Starring in a Hollywood movie........

     

    THEN.......you know you’ve made it. 
     

    Spill the Wine............

    He sounds more black than most black guys.

     

    • Haha 1
  5. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380SL.   It uses the good old A6 compressor.

     

     I have a new American made Alama compressor and a filter dryer.  The nuts a bolts of the install is easy enough.

     

    What I do know:

    The System will be converted to R134

    The 380SL uses PAG oil

    Compressor says it has oil in it

    This compressor was ordered for this car, it’s possible it’s ready to go

     

     

    What I thought I knew:

    The A6 has a belly reservoir where the oil goes

     

    What I found out:

    The reservoir has pressure in it

     

    What I don’t know:

    What's in the pressurized reservoir.  The compressor has a tag so that might be a clue

    If I ruined something 

    If the oil in it is the right kind and amount 

    How to put the right oil into it

    How much PAG oil is required in this system 

    Anything else about AC compressors, not even terminology 

     

    What I did:

    Opened the plug to reservoir and released some pressure.  Very quickly, faction of a second.  But some pressure was released.  I thought I was going to open it and find an oil reservoir, either empty or full.
     

    I need to get the right amount of the right kind of oil into this compressor with some assurance that I did it correctly.   Bolting it back up is no problem.

     

     

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  6. On 4/8/2024 at 5:11 AM, prewarnut said:

    The wear of dye in the side bolster without destruction of the underlying material makes me think this is not leather but MB Tex. Also supporting this are the crease lines in the seat bottoms that seem superficial and lack of creasing or cracking of the somewhat flattened center pleats. If so it will outlast you…

    Well I did it.  I was pulling the first aid kit pan to access the fuel sender.  This is the top of the back seat, perfectly exposed to the sun, and I poked an elbow into it.  

     

    It feels brittle and dry, more what I would expect from leather.   Leaving it alone for now but it definitely needs softened up or there will be more of these.

     

     

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  7. 29 minutes ago, Ronnie said:

    I admire you for taking on the job of bringing an old Mercedes back to life. I've done one that didn't need too much work and that was enough. The way Mercedes does things is too far off the beaten path for me. I had a hard time learning to speak Mercedes. I'm going to stick with American made.

    Thank you.  I admire people who are smart enough to know their limitations, like Clint Eastwood.  
     

    Thankfully these cars have a loyal following and a lot of support, and the factory manuals are very good.   I’ll be relying heavily on that to bring this one back.  

    • Like 1
  8. 2 hours ago, TAKerry said:

    Dont you know that your not supposed to put straps like that to lift an engine! (JK, sorry couldnt help myself).

     

    Good luck with the motor swap. I have always liked the slc's but not enough to dive into one. I have an ML that has computer problems that will make a good project when youre done with this one. And its almost an AACA car.

    Yeah I saw that one about the straps.   Carburetor lift plate is always my first choice, and I really try to avoid using chains, straps don’t cause the damage to valve covers or gasket surfaces.   Just make sure to thread them through the exhaust manifolds so they can’t move.
     

    Is that the ML that’s sitting with a non start / random shutdown issue?   The computer sometimes needs reset if the battery dies.   Some combination of tuning the key on and off.  If that’s what it is it’s an easy fix.  If not, well, then it’s not.

  9. I hear conflicting stories about this, ranging from Yes they can be rebuilt and there’s a few shops that a good at it, to No don’t even think about it.

     

    The current crop of A6 compressors available for sale are receiving mixed reviews.

     

    But I need an A6 compressor for an old Mercedes, I can mortgage the house and hope the new one I buy is any good, or hope the rebuild on the original holds up.

     

    Any suggestions are appreciated.

     

  10. Bore scope into the donor engine revealed 7 beautiful cylinders with crosshatching still visible and 1 with oil on top of the piston. 

     

    7 Cylinders look like this

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    The oily one was at the top of the stroke.  This is the top of the piston.

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    Badly rusted throttle body butterfly.  The one on the car is in much better condtion.

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    • Like 3
  11. Meanwhile, how do I go about preserving the interior?  Seats are quite nice, minimal dash cracks and the headliner is good.

     

    Don’t know if the seats are actually leather or that cast iron fabric they used later on, but they feel a little brittle and I’d hate to put a knee through one.

     

    And what do you like to use on the dash to keep the cracks to a minimum?

     

    Don’t know if I’m brave enough to attempt a headliner clean.

     

    And I think it was someone on this forum that recommended coffee grounds as a deodorizer.  I used it in another car that had mice, Dollar Tree Brooklyn Blend, cost me $1.25 since nothing is a dollar anymore.  Just cut open the top of the bag at set it in the console.  Works great, I use it any car that’s staring to get a little sour.

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