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Frequently Asked Questions

Problems & Solutions

Q: Why the new website? 
A: When we originally started our web business in 1999 we quickly discovered that people needed more than just repair parts. They needed solutions to their technical problems. That required providing information on how to diagnose the problem as well as step-by-step instructions on how to fix it themselves. Nothing has changed since then. Recently we decided it was time to design and build a website that revolved around helping visitors find their own solutions. Welcome to the new Mercedessource.

Tech Help

A/C blowing out of defroster on HOT days????

My 1990 350SDL is blowing the A/C out of the defroster on day when it's over 80-85 outside. If it's a little cooler, the A/C come out of the dash vents as it should. If the hot day cools down, the climate control will switch from defrost to dash. Is this a vacuum pod problem or a climate controle unit problem? Any guidance would be great. Thanks!

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Radiator Neck Kit - 1988 560SL

I reviewed with interest the description of the radiator neck repair kit offered on this site. Not having had any problems - never gave it another thought. After an enjoyable cruise last evening along the Niagara River, before putting the 560SL away, I was checking the oil level and was shocked to see the smallest little bead of coolant at the base of the upper radiator neck. It was only about 1/32" but when I wiped it away, it slowly reappeared. Kent, is it too late for me or will your kit save my bacon? If not, can I assume you have a better replacement rad. available?

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A/C problem below 1200RPM - '82 300TDT

I browsed the forum topics, but couldn’t find a way to search them, so please forgive me if this question is redundant. I just flushed my A/C system with Hecat Flush, replaced all o-rings (assembled with Nylog), replaced the compressor (used new seals), receiver/drier, expansion valve and the short hose that goes between the condenser & receiver/drier. I added the appropriate amount of oil upon assembly, and took it to the shop to have it charged with R12. The shop said it held vacuum well and that the compressor was working properly. The pressures for the R12 are according to spec.

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450 SL starting problem hot

I have a 76 450 SL it starts fine cold and runs great, after it is warmed up and shut off it will not restart. It almost acts like a vapor lock. The only way I can get it to run is to hold down the throttle body piston with a screw driver and it will idle. It seems to be more frequent in hotter weather. Any ideas were to start would be appreciated.

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Putting my 84' 300sd front end in order

Hello everyone, I am working on some of the final steps of restoring my 84' 300SD and one of the last steps in the suspension. I have purchased a lot of the stuff already (from the source of course) and the rest my Benz insane brother gave me. Here is what I am doing and replacing to get back the newer ride and handling like when it was new(er). Any advice or missing items, I would sure appreciate before I get things torn down and and advice or thing to watch out for would be good also. Front Bilstein Comfort Shocks Front wheel bearing replacement kit (both sides) Front Rotors, pads,shim kits and sensors Support rod repair kit Lower ball joints Tie Rod replacement kit Upper control Arms (both sides) Steering Idler repair kit Steering shock absorber

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1979 300D convert to Turbo?

My 1979 300D is still painfully slow and runs a little rough even after the valve adjustment, purge, injector rebuild and fresh oil and fuel filters all the way around. Is it possible to retrofit an entire turbo assembly with the intake and exhaust manifold (like the used one for sale on this site) on this non-turbo 3.0 engine? Isn't it the same block and manifold? I'm sure someone has had this idea before but I can't find it on any blogs. Thanks

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1982 300td - Do rear headrests exist?

I *think* I have seen some 300td wagons with rear seat headrests. My 1982 version does not have such things, but I am interested in them given that I often carry passengers in the rear seat. (By rear seat, I am referring to the actual rear seat, not the 3rd row flip-up seat.) Any info about obtaining / installing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dale

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81 300D Big valve stem mistake

Kent, OK, I know I could have completely avoided this problem if I had only been using your instructions. But (& it always starts that way) I had replaced 2 sets of valve stem seals in the past 6 months using your instructions & I thought I knew the steps. Yup, the one biggest warning you give was what I did: removed the nuts on a stem & it dropped down. The cam is in the 1 o'clock position & the stem is about 3/4" from the surface.

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