Over the years we have received many requests from our customers for what tools and hardware should be carried in the trunk of a Mercedes diesel on road trips. Having the right things handy in your garage or in the trunk of your Mercedes can save you BIG time! Not only in frustration and in lost time but also money. It is not cheap to have to get your car towed. If you are on a trip and you have to have your Benz repaired in an out-of-the-way place be prepared to have your wallet emptied!
Problem & Solution
Common among these chassis:
Here is a list of Kent's recommendations (click on any highlighted in dark red to take you to that product):
General:
- Spare voltage regulator and tools to change it
- Spare light bulbs
- Spare oil, trans fluid and coolant
- Jumper cables
- Tow rope
- Miracle Tape
- Velcro
- Zip Ties
- Nitrile gloves
- 8 inch needle nose pliers with cutter
- 4 way screwdriver (both straight blade and phillips)
- Small right angle pick tool
- Battery cable and post cleaner
- Small LED flash light
- Assortment of 10 fuses for fuse box
Diesel Specific:
- Fuel filters
- Emergency fuel tank
- Small can of diesel fuel
- 17 mm combination wrench
- 10 mm combination wrench
- 1 80 amp strip fuse for glow relay box
- 12 inch 5/16 (8 mm) fuel hose with 4 clamps
- 24 inch length of injector return hose
- 6 inch length of rubber vacuum hose
- 6 inch length of hard plastic vacuum line
Why carry all this? If you are a diesel owner you should be prepared for any of the most common roadside problems you may experience while driving an older Mercedes diesel. If you are not familiar with some of these procedures we offer many resources on your website to teach you how. Check out our Tech Help section with the solutions finder.
Bleeding the fuel system after running out of fuel
Changing the pre and main fuel filters
Removing the air filter should it become plugged
Replacing a leaking fuel return hose at the injectors
Replacing leaking fuel hose at the pre-filter
Replacing / tightening loose fuel and coolant hose clamps
Replacing corroded fuel hose clamps
Fixing electrical problems due to failed fuses
Securing chaffing hoses and wires
Replacing a broken or cracked vacuum line in the engine compartment
Tightening loose fasteners that are coming off
Cleaning up corroded battery post connections
Being able to see if you are doing repairs at night
Keeping your hands clean while doing any of the above!
PLEASE NOTE: For changing your main fuel filter you will also need to carry a larger adjustable wrench or a 22 mm combination wrench in your trunk to loosen the main bolt holding the filter to the housing.