Engine
Finding the Best Diesel Performance Upgrade
Injectors do not last forever. Changing over to Monark nozzles can boost performance!
What's wrong with my Mercedes?
Engine Problems
Engine
Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke
Top problems for diesel owners. Kent recommends starting with the basics
Engine
1984 to 1995 601 602 603 Diesel Performance Enhancement
Quick list of things you can consider to increase performance and mileage
Engine
Diesel Won't Shut Off When the Key is Turned Off
Could be any number of things causing the problem. Proper diagnosis is a must!
Engine
How to Determine if Your Diesel Engine is Worn Out
Before spending any money on a tired or ailing diesel engine - check the compression first
Engine
Hard Starting Gas Engine
Don't neglect the fuel filter and fuel pump check valves
Engine
Diagnosing Diesel Engine Knocking Noises
Diesel Purge can help you isolate the noise
Engine
Inspecting the Voltage Regulator BEFORE it Fails and Leaves You Stranded
Do it very soon unless you know it have been done within the last 50,000 miles.
Engine
Diesel Engine Oil Leaks
Most of those annoying leaks can be fixed with our DIY kits
Engine
Engine or Climate Control Heater not Getting Hot
It is almost always a failed thermostat
Engine
My 102 103 104 Gas Engine Just Won't Start
There are a number of reasons - don't throw money at the problem - diagnose first!!!
Engine
Preventing Bolt or Thread Seizure
A special compound should be used - especially with steel bolts in aluminum threads
Engine
Keeping the Power Steering Fluid Clean
Many are surprised to learn there is a filter down inside the pump
Engine
Changing Your Power Steering Pump and Filter
This is often neglected and an easy D.I.Y. job
Engine
Isolating a Diesel Engine External Rattling Noise
Usually means something is broken or loose in the engine compartment
Engine
Removing Stubborn Spark Plug Wires from a M102 or M103 Gas Engine
Doing it without damaging the wire boot and resistor is easy with the right tool
Engine
Exhaust and Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks on Older Diesel Engines
Alert for all Diesel Owners - Check for loose Intake / Exhaust Manifold Nuts.
Engine
Worn Timing Chain and Guides
Failure of these chains can lead to catastrophic engine failure
Engine
Plastic Radiator Neck Failure
An ounce of preventation is worth hundreds of dollars in repair
Engine
Removing a Broken Off Glow Plug
Not easy by any means. Options and ways to prevent it are listed here.
Engine
They Said it Only Needed a Head Gasket!
If the engine has been overheated it is almost never "just a head gasket"
Engine
How to Prevent Problems When Your Benz is Stored Over Winter
Do not neglect to give it Kents 30 day exercise program
Engine
Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Overheating
It could be a number of things causing the problem. Follow Kent's video series
Engine
Gas or Diesel Engine Runs Too Hot or Too Cold
Too Cold think thermostat - too Hot think a number of possible causes
Engine
Keeping Things in Place - On and Off a Car
This is Kent's favorite
Engine
Dealing with Problem Engine Studs
How to get the frozen nuts off and the stud back in safely
Engine
1976 to 1993 Gas Engine Shakes at Idle ( Runs Rough )
4 key performance related issues to consider. Do proper troubleshooting first BEFORE buying parts
Engine
Slow Loss of Coolant and Minor Drips Around and Under Radiator or Coolant Tank
Be sure to check your radiator / expansion tank cap
Engine
Removing Stuck Radiator and Coolant Hoses
An old hose can be very difficult to remove due to age and corrossion
Engine
Draining Oil Out of Your Engine
The best way is to use an oil extractor
Engine
Where in the World Can You Get a Good Shop Light?
You may have to make your own like Kent did...:-)
Engine
How to Restore the Paint on Your Black Engine and Chassis Parts
With the right paint and technique YOU can do it yourself!
Engine
Garrett T3 Compared to KKK Turbo Charger
How to tell which one you have?
Engine
Checking Out a Diesel Engine Before Purchase
Here are some quick checks you can do yourself to determine how good the engine is.
Engine
Removing Rounded Out or Damaged Hex Head Bolts
Avoid the pain of having to drill or cut the bolts off
Engine
Checking for Slow Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Check Your Low Pressure Power Steering Pump Hose
Engine
Garrett T3 Turbo Removal from Turbine Housing
Sometimes it can be near impossible to get the bolts out and the parts separated
Engine
Inspecting and Replacing Rubber Exhaust Hangers
With the right tool and a little know-how it is super easy.
Engine
Are There Better Shop Work Lights Out There?
Kent has been inspired to design his own series of ultimate shop lights
Engine
Finding a Strange Ticking Noise in an Alternator
If you don't look closely this one can be hard to find!
Engine
Engine Won't Start? Could It Be the Distributor Cap?
You would be amazed at the pesky problems these can create!
Engine
Cleaning an Old Dirty Oily Diesel Engine
There is a better and cleaner way!
Engine
102 103 Engine Oil Consumption and Blue Smoke
A common problem due to failed valve guide seals
Engine
Curing an Intermittent Rough Running Diesel Engine
This can be a real challenge if the problem comes and goes either warm or hot
Engine
How to Determine the Real Condition of a Used Engine
It is best if you can see and hear it run - if not some tests are essential
Engine
Avoiding Internal Engine Corrosion
You neglect the maintenance here and you WILL pay the price
Engine
Securing Rubber Exhaust System Hangers (Donuts)
They can fall off especially if your exhaust system is sagging or not mounted properly
Engine
Easy way to Drain Coolant from the Radiator
Applies to most models from 1980 to 1995
Engine
Diesel Engine Smoke and Lack of Power Problems - A Quick Reference Solutions Guide
Summary list of the most common causes and parts needed to fix them Part 2 of 5
Engine
Diesel Injectors Still Not Working Properly After Rebuild
It is not the problem with the new nozzle - there are other issues that cause poor spray
Engine
Starter Motor Grinds When I Turn the Key - How to Bench Test?
Could be the starter itself, ring gear on the flywheel or a combination of both
Engine
Engine Oil Leaks On Your 201 124 and Late 126 Chassis
Catch them with a diaper before they drip on the ground!
Engine
Diesel Engine Starting Problems - A Quick Reference Solutions Guide
Summary list of the most common causes and parts needed to fix them
Engine
Should I Buy a Cheap Mercedes?
6 part video series on reasons why you should or shouldn't
Engine
Cleaning Old Engine Aluminum Parts
How can you do it without removing them from the engine?
Engine
Rubber Exhaust Hanger ( Donut ) Replacement
These can be a little tricky to get on
Engine
Problems You Might Encounter Running Biodiesel
Biodiesel is not too kind to rubber
Engine
Diesel Engine Shut Off / Stop Problems - A Quick Reference Solutions Guide
Summary list of the most common causes and parts needed to fix them Part 3 of 5
Engine
Using the Wrong Gasket Sealant
If you use RTV you can create some real problems
Engine
How to Easily Add Life to Your Old Benz
You can do it with magnets!
Engine
Gas Engine Runs Rough
Sometimes fuel injector cleaner can work wonders
Engine
Diesel Engine Fluid Leak Problems - A Quick Reference Solutions Guide
Summary list of the most common causes and parts needed to fix them. Part 5 of 5
Engine
Troubleshooting Front Engine Noises on Newer Models
It will require the removal of the serpentine belt
Engine
My 190E 300E 300SE 300SEL Won't Start or Just Quits While Driving
The distributor cap has become the number one culprit due to age and neglect!
Engine
Rotating Your Engine During Service and Maintenance
Best done from the front crankshaft bolt
Engine
Diesel Engine Knock and Noise Problems - A Quick Reference Solutions Guide
Summary list of the most common causes and parts needed to fix them Part 4 of 5
Engine
Worn Out Engine Motor Mounts
How to determine if they need replacement
Engine
Possible to Fix a Broken Off Plastic Tank Radiator Neck?
If the break was clean and the tank still solid you can be repair it for less than $50.
Engine
Leaking Mufflers and Exhaust Pipes
If not too far gone you can fix them - and yes it is a miracle!
Engine
Oxygen 02 Sensor Removal
Sometimes having the right tool is key
Engine
Keeping Your Engine and Engine Compartment Clean and Detailed
Are you concerned about damage to the electrical components and sensitive electronics?
Engine
Understanding and Testing the EGR Valve
Find out what it does, how to test it, and what happens if it does not work.
Engine
How to Clear the Check Engine Light: 1988 to 1995 OBD1 models
Very easy to do if you know what to do with that little numbered black box!
Engine
Fan Belt Noises
They can be a little tricky to isolate
Engine
Avoiding Engine Trouble When Running Vegetable Oil in your Diesel
Fuel injectors will need the most attention
Engine
Temporary or Emergency Repair Kit Contents? - Especially When on the Road
Here are some of Kent's favorites - most you should carry in your trunk
Engine
Plastic Radiator Neck Failure - It Can Happen Anywhere and to Anyone!
Even low mileage gas Mercedes as Kent recently discovered.
Engine
How to do OVER THE TOP Engine Compartment Detailing
It takes work but with the right products and techniques you will be amazed
Engine
Buying a Used Mercedes Quick Check No. 1
Your inspection should always include this
Engine
Garrett T3 Turbocharger Waste Gate Problems
You MUST make sure this is working and adjusted properly if you want your diesel to GO !!!!
Engine
Excessive Oil in the Intake and Compressor on Turbo Diesel Engines
This is normally not due to "leaking seals" inside the turbo charger
Engine
Using Silicone RTV Gasket Adhesives
Alert! Use at your own risk
Engine
Throttle Linkages Binding
Ball joints and pivot points should be lubricated on a 6 to 12 month basis
Engine
Breaking Free Frozen Hex Bolts: Part 1
At all costs avoid rounding out the hex head of the bolt!
Engine
Cleaning Large Engine Parts
You actually may not need a large tank to thoroughly clean them
Engine
How to Tell if Your Thermostat is Failing?
Monitor your engine temperature gauge in the morning for telltale signs.