DIY Service help

[stevesey]

Using a standard 17mm spanner to do this job is really difficult if not near enough impossible on the rear plugs.

You need the special spanner here

Actually I didn't have any problem with a straight spanner when taking the coil packs off the other day to get the cam covers off. But the proper spanner with the offset and extra length does look easier and more useful if the plug caps are very tight.

So just nipped out to the garage and knocked this up.



Old 11/16in offset ring spanner attacked with angle grinder/hacksaw/file.

Fits perfectly

Help's if you come from a line of engineers and have a garage full of old/odd size tools perfect for recycling.

 

[Phil Thomas]

Careful with that one needs a DB9 (9 pin serial port) - which it sounds like Phil doesn't have (most modern laptops won't). USB adaptors a very unreliable so best to find a USB version.

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My laptop is 8 years old, but no 9 pin adaptor. I will explore the PCMCIA card solution.

Thank you!!!

 

[stevesey]

My laptop is 8 years old, but no 9 pin adaptor. I will explore the PCMCIA card solution.

Better to find a USB version of the above (or similar) - could try e-mailing the seller.

 

[m1bnk]

Actually a proper adapter card to give you a serial port is handy for a whole host of things, they're readily available and cheap too - both ExpressCard and PCMCIA. Much better to use one of these than a USB-Serial converter which very often don't work

 

[johnsco]

As for my E300TD .... If you were going to empty it (the engine oil) by suction, then where exactly would you suck ?
It's obviously something I have never done.
(I've led a sheltered life).

Johnsco

Seriously ... I'd like to know, if anyone can tell me.

 

[Dieselman]

Seriously ... I'd like to know, if anyone can tell me.

Via the dipstick tube.

 

[johnsco]

Thanks DM ... Obvious, I suppose - Except that I've never done it that way.
Cheers.
Johnsco

 

[Deutsch]

Re diagmostics I bought the OBD tool from Argos and have used it on many vehicles but only if they are OBD II compliant - have just finished doing major service to my 51 CLK 230K manual as discovered 3 different types of spark plugs (this was with full MB service history) so I did everything - gearbox oil diff oil brake fluid engine oil all the filters and spark plugs brake strip down and clean coolant fluid change and full inspection of the car the only thing left out was the recharging of the air con (dont have tools) The gear and diff oil were the only mercedes parts and came in at 68 pounds the fuel filter was supposed to be 125 pounds mine is not the standard one and has 2 hose connections both sides as I know the local Halfords manager he ordered it for me and I paid 43 pounds (shocking mark ups) everything was relatively simple once I'd modified tools to fit and the service schedule came from AutoData 2004 which can print out checklists for services and the required parts! - The biggest gripe I had was the fact that Mercedes servicing is as poor as any other dealer - many major parts not being serviced replaced as they should have been!
If you need help with service schedule or anyone in Central Scotland needs OBD II read or reset mail me.

 

[Ian Scade]

Another Scottish member called DEREK

Why not come to one of our forthcoming events in Glasgow and we'll all have a look at your car and advise .

Agree with replies so far .

Derek'

just started changing the oil in my e300TDs and ran into an unexpected problem.

after removing the housing cap with 36mm socket, the cartridge filter is stuck in the cap and doesnt want to come out....is there a technique to extracting the filter element?

[email protected]

 

[grober]

Pelican Technical Article: Mercedes Benz - Oil Change

or

PeachPartsWiki: OilFilter1

or

PeachPartsWiki: OilFilter2

Examination of the new filter should show you how its attached to the cap. Often its just a clip fit - the filter will come out with a little wiggle side to side.

 

[sspeed]

Seriously ... I'd like to know, if anyone can tell me.

I have used a PELE oil extractor on the last 12 cars I have owned.
They are a superb device and I 100% recommend them..
They come with 2 different diameter of tube (6mm and 8mm)
I usually stick with the narrower one..
Go for a drive to warm up the oil, 6mm pipe goes down the dipstick tube ALL THE WAY TO THE SUMP FLOOR and then you pump the device 8 or 10 times and leave it to it..
My PELA hold 6 litres so I tend to drain mine in 2 stages..
I have a 21 litre Jerry can that I put the old oil in and then every so often I take to the recycling centre to empty..
Seriously, never again will I grovel beneath the car (and undo all the under tray paraphernalia)..
Don't mock till you have actually tried them !!

P.S One other thing you can do with the suction device is to fully drain the the oil filter housing..

 

[Ian Scade]

Graeme

many thanks for for this bit of advice...I will try again tomorrow

Ian

 

[Ian Scade]

Graeme

successfully changed filter catridge today...I caught the 36mm hex of the cap in the vice and gave it a wee shoogle until it released its grip...very simple detail really but not one I had come across in a lifetime of changing filters.

Thanks again and hope I can join the other Scots at the next get together.

Ian

 

[johnsco]

The filter elements are often a tight fit onto the cap.
A good pull usually shifts them.
Welcome to the E300TD family .... Great cars !!
Best work-horse I have ever had.