Heading home. My 124

[brucemillar]

Well after a long period off the road as she had the engine & transmission removed (again) she is soon to be returning, hopefully to allow me to get her ready for BOTG. Well, that’s the goal here.

Those who follow her will know that she developed a couple of annoying leaks.

1) The hydraulic Tandem Pump started to drop fluid that promptly landed on the belts spraying a nice mist of hydraulic fluid all over the place.

This has required a replacement pump. My thanks again go out to Simon Brown (Carat 3.6). What can I say about Simon here that I have not already said. He has always helped me out and come up trumps. This being no different. A great friend and source of knowledge as well as parts. Thank you Simon.

2) The main gearbox pump. This has been a big pain. It leaked from the main shaft and required a replacement pump. Previously we rebuilt it. But it was just too far gone this time and with the lump coming out for the other pump it was a no brainier to do the same again.

Need I mention who came to the rescue? Yes, you guessed it. Simon Brown (again)

Andy Wright @ Wright Tech did all the work (again).

She was MOT’d this week after several long road tests. She is now 32 years old and needs nurturing. Some pics of the engine. This will get a final detail again before BOTG.

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[DSM10000]

Bruce

That is such a beautiful and stylish car and I admire your perseverance in keeping up the maintenance to such high standards. No matter what life throws you (and we all know it has dealt you some bloody awful cards) you keep going when other lesser men would have given up. Your dedication to your family, your motoring stable and in providing us with so many wonderful stories is an inspiration and a reminder to KBO !!

Regards

David

 

[MercedesDriver]

You are such a teaser brucemillar. After your each post about that green beauty I start looking for another one and feel a guilt for selling my S124s. Best cars ever made.

 

[brucemillar]

Bruce

That is such a beautiful and stylish car and I admire your perseverance in keeping up the maintenance to such high standards. No matter what life throws you (and we all know it has dealt you some bloody awful cards) you keep going when other lesser men would have given up. Your dedication to your family, your motoring stable and in providing us with so many wonderful stories is an inspiration and a reminder to KBO !!

Regards

David

David

What a kind post. Thank you. It’s lovely to read comments like this and really does perk me up.

We certainly seem to have had a rough time of late with the cars and my health. But hey. We are getting through it.

I really miss the 124. Despite the almost continual round of failures, I have to accept that is the price we pay to keep these cars on the road. The gratification coming from notes like you just sent me.

Thank you again David.


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[gaz_l]

I remember seeing the photos of your car in Mercedes Enthusiast Bruce, it's a beauty. Big up to you for keeping it on the road, with parts like rocking horse droppings and your other issues it can't be easy. Unfortunately I won't be at BOTG this year but I hope it makes it!

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[brucemillar]

Gaz

Thank you. The Magazine day was great fun, with great people.

It was at BOTG that they saw the car and came looking for me. They just loved the car for what it is “an original 7 seat 4-Matic”. I was like a kid in a sweet shop. I had never entered any car for anything let alone even imagined people would want to see it in a magazine.

When we won at BOTG it changed my whole outlook on the car and looking after it. I decided then to try and get her to a point where I could just enjoy her by driving her and keeping her in good fettle.

I did not figure the costs of yet another engine and box out job (I think that’s three times in total). But you get so far in you can’t get out. To walk away from a leaky pump (or two) was just not an option.

Interestingly out of our fleet, my daughters and wife both feel this is just the best all round car.

To anybody who has not driven a sorted 124, you must try and have a go. They are just great fun cars that leave you with a smile. That’s what it should be about.

A couple of gratuitous shots from the magazine shoot at The London Golf Club, Kent. Thanks to Mercedes Enthusiast Magazine.

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