Featured Problems & Solutions
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Electrical Problem:
Diesel Engine Glow Plug Timer Relay Failure - Options for Repair
Here is an option to replace the pre-glow factory unit with a reliable manual controlled relay
Tired of messing with your old factory relay or maybe you are tired of having to pull a lever to light your glow plugs. Have you ever had a relay come on and drain your battery while driving?Ever had a relay fail on you when you are far from home?Wish there was a better way to control the amount of time the glow plugs stay hot both before and after engine startup?
Read More >
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Rust / Corrosion Problem:
Rocker Panel and Floor Permanent Rust Repair without Welding
You can do it yourself without the hassle and bad side affects of welding!
Non structural permanent rust repair can be done without welding. In fact, I have seen welding cause more problems than it will solve, especially if the back sides of the welds can not be properly treated and coated. Follow along as I take you through the products and procedures I will use to repair the rust on my 6.9.
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Engine Problem:
Bad Motor Mounts can Ruin a Diesel Engine
Yes, Kent has seen it first hand. Don't neglect this!
This is an extreme case, but bad motor mounts on older diesels is a very common problem. The previous owner of this diesel Mercedes drove the car so long on collapsed motor mounts that it destroyed the engine. The engine mounts had actually been hitting metal on metal for so long that it compressed and eventually demolished one connecting rod bearing and ruined the crankshaft.
Read More >
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Transmission Problem:
Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts
Proper diagnosis is priority one - then repair! DIY testing and repair kits available.
I have a number of kits and manuals that will help you solve your diesel automatic transmission shifting woes. As these old automatics continue to age the problems become more complex and the solutions more challenging.
Read More >
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Engine Problem:
Increasing Turbocharger Performance on Diesel Engines
Don't just ignore your turbo charger or major problems can occur!
You can not believe what I have been seeing lately. 9 out of 10, 617 Turbos I have been diligently tearing down and inspecting recently do not passmuster! In fact the findings have been shocking. I think this is largely due to the age of most of these engines coupled with the lack of preventative maintenance.
Read More >
If you have a problem with yourolder Mercedes and are trying to figure what is causing it or how to fix it, you have come to the right place.
Let Kent explain how his solutions finder works: "Just select the location of the problem you are experiencing, the chassis designation of your car and a few key words and click Search. If I have written a description of the problem or one related to it, it will show up on the results page. The causes of the problem will be explained and all possible solutions we offer to diagnose and fix it will be listed. Read More
You can learn a lot about your Mercedes by just browsing through all the problem descriptions I have written related to your model. My new solutions finder replaces our old benz aid forum and tech help page. Even if you have never work on your car before it is never too late to start. With the right knowledge, tools and parts you can do it.
If you can not find your problem listed for your chassis then it has not yet been written. I am working on and adding new problem descriptions weekly. I will be adding more content on the W140, W202, W210, and W220 chassis later this year.If you have a problem that has not been addressed, send it to me as a COMMENT through our contact page describing your particular problem. I will not be able to answer these requests directly, but I will add it to my list of problems to work on....the list is not getting smaller. :-)
There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when you can find and fix a mechanical problem yourself,
Kent Bergsma
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Solutions Finder:
Body and Exterior Trim ProblemsView All
Body and Exterior Trim
Malfunctioning Non-Tilting Sunroof
Nothing like a good smooth working power or manually operated non tilting sunroof (up to 1985)!
Body and Exterior Trim
Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim
It can be restored but it takes a special power tool and hard work
Body and Exterior Trim
Fixing the Tilting Sunroof
A true challenge - but you can do it with the right knowledge.
Brake ProblemsView All
Brake
How to Diagnose Common Brake Troubles
Shake, side pull, binding, grabbing, grinding, squealing, overheating and soft / hard pedal issues.
Brake
Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts
Fixing brakes is not difficult and can save you hundreds
Brake
Flushing Old Fluid and/or Excessive Air Out of Your Brake System
Efficient and affordable pressure bleeding, system flush and fluid capture is here for all.
Climate Control ProblemsView All
Climate Control
Intermittent Cabin Heat - Second Generation Climate Control
Applies to late 123 and 107 chassis and all 126 chassis 1981 to 1991
Climate Control
Intermittent or No Cabin Heat - First Generation Climate Control
No heat or heat all the time are common problems with 1977 to 1980 models with automatic controls
Climate Control
Heater Blower Motor Won't Run
A common problem on all models. Options for repairing it yourself and saving big $$$.
Driveline and rear end ProblemsView All
Driveline and rear end
Drive Line Flex Disk Deterioration and Catastrophic Failure
Start with inspection and replace at first signs of wear to prevent expensive damage to transmission
Driveline and rear end
Avoiding 201 and 124 Chassis Flex Disk Trouble
Watch for signs of impending failure
Driveline and rear end
Diagnosing and Repairing Common 114 115 107 116 123 and 126 Rear End Problems
The Differentials are very rugged. It is the associated parts that usually fail due to age and high mileage
Electrical ProblemsView All
Electrical
Diesel Engine Glow Plug Timer Relay Failure - Options for Repair
Here is an option to replace the pre-glow factory unit with a reliable manual controlled relay
Electrical
Troubleshooting an Electrical Problem
Unknown battery drain, electrical shorts, blown fuses - these can be difficult to isolate!
Electrical
O.E. Aluminum Fuse Failure
One of the most common problems we see on older Mercedes.
Engine ProblemsView All
Engine
Finding the Best Diesel Performance Upgrade
Injectors do not last forever. Changing over to Monark nozzles can boost performance!
Engine
1984 to 1995 601 602 603 Diesel Performance Enhancement
Quick list of things you can consider to increase performance and mileage
Engine
Increasing Turbocharger Performance on Diesel Engines
Don't just ignore your turbo charger or major problems can occur!
Fuel Delivery ProblemsView All
Fuel Delivery
Testing Diesel Fuel Injectors for Peak Performance
You will need a bench mount pressure release tester to do this yourself.
Fuel Delivery
Diesel Engine Fuel Leaks
The sources of fuel leaks and procedures needed to repair them are many
Fuel Delivery
Diesel Engine Fuel Filters
Major cause of sudden loss of power
Interior ProblemsView All
Interior
Ignition Tumbler / Key Wear
There are ways to reduce it - and we have ways to fix it!
Interior
Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom
D.I.Y. reinforcement kit available for 116, 123 and 126 chassis front seats
Interior
Ignition Key Sticking or Jamming
Steps to diagnose and repair it before it becomes a MAJOR problem. Steps to fix it after it does!
Lights ProblemsView All
Lights
How Can I Easily Restore My Euro Headlights?
You'll wonder "why didn't I do this earlier"?
Lights
How Do I Inspect or Repair my License Plate Lights?
On a 1976 to 1985 W123 Mercedes
Lights
What is that "Crunchie" Sound in Your Old Mercedes Seats?
Rust / Corrosion ProblemsView All
Rust / Corrosion
Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes
Yes there is! Miracle Paint and fiberglass cloth can work miracles.
Rust / Corrosion
Rocker Panel and Floor Permanent Rust Repair without Welding
You can do it yourself without the hassle and bad side affects of welding!
Rust / Corrosion
Welding in New Sheet Metal When Repairing Rust Out
Not always the best solution as you will see here.
Suspension ProblemsView All
Suspension
Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension
Parts breakdown will help you find what you need fast
Suspension
Determining Parts Needed for Loose 126 Front Suspension
Know what to look for and understand the parts you will need
Suspension
W126 Chassis Front End Clunking Due to Support Rod Joint Failure
Very very common on those chassis with over 150,000 miles
Transmission ProblemsView All
Transmission
Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts
Proper diagnosis is priority one - then repair! DIY testing and repair kits available.
Transmission
Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions
You CAN do this yourself if you have the right information and equipment!
Transmission
Does Your Automatic Transmission Really Need Replacing?
Be careful to not let someone sell you a rebuilt transmission!
Vacuum ProblemsView All
Vacuum
Determining Correct 1980 to 1985 Diesel Vacuum System Hose and Line Routing
When troubleshooting your vacuum system you must know where the hoses and lines go
Vacuum
126 Chassis Sedan Vacuum Door Lock Failure
Different from the 116 / 123 chassis and more difficult to troubleshoot
Vacuum
123 Chassis Vacuum Door Lock Failure
A very common problem that requires precise troubleshooting
SVO / Biodiesel ProblemsView All
SVO / Biodiesel
Installing a Mercedessource Diesel to Vegetable Oil Fuel Conversion
We offer an easy to install kit or you can build one from our components
SVO / Biodiesel
Converting an Older Mercedes Diesel to Run on Vegetable Oil (SVO) Using the Mercedessource STC Kit?
Questions and answers to help you decide if this is right for your diesel
SVO / Biodiesel
Running your Diesel Engine on Straight Vegetable Oil
The pros, cons, effort, and expense of running your Mercedes Diesel on waste vegetable oil
