Engine
Oil Cooler Hose Leaks and Failure on Older Mercedes (especially OM 616 and OM 617 Diesels)
Failure of these hoses can lead to total destruction of your engine
What's wrong with my Mercedes?
Engine Problems
Engine
Finding the Best Diesel Performance Upgrade
Injectors do not last forever. Changing over to Monark nozzles can boost performance!
Engine
1984 to 1995 601 602 603 Diesel Performance Enhancement
Quick list of things you can consider to increase performance and mileage
Engine
Increasing Turbocharger Performance on Diesel Engines
Don't just ignore your turbo charger or major problems can occur!
Engine
Preventing Catastrophic V8 Engine Failure
Plastic guide rails and oiler clips can fail leading to major engine damage
Engine
Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke
Top problems for diesel owners. Kent recommends starting with the basics
Engine
Bad Motor Mounts can Ruin a Diesel Engine
Yes, Kent has seen it first hand. Don't neglect this!
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
Diesel Injection Pump Timing
Timing tends to retard over time with wear and chain stretch
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
615 616 617 Diesel Engine Timing Chain Routing and Parts Needed
Good reference material if you plan to replace timing chain and related parts.
Engine
Diagnosing Diesel Engine Knocking Noises
Diesel Purge can help you isolate the noise
Engine
Diesel Engine Oil Leaks
Most of those annoying leaks can be fixed with our DIY kits
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
Engine or Climate Control Heater not Getting Hot
It is almost always a failed thermostat
Engine
617 Turbo Diesel Engine Rack Damper (Idle Stabilizer) Adjustment
This can help smooth out a rough shakey idle on an 5 cylinder turbo diesel
Engine
Hard Starting Gas Engine
Don't neglect the fuel filter and fuel pump check valves
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
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
Worn Timing Chain and Guides
Failure of these chains can lead to catastrophic engine failure
Engine
Keeping the Power Steering Fluid Clean
Many are surprised to learn there is a filter down inside the pump
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
The Challenge of Overhauling a 615, 616, or 617 Diesel Engine
Applies to 220D 240D 300D 300CD 300TD 300SD 1972 to 1985
Engine
617 Turbo Diesel Timing Chain Tensioner Installation
This MUST be installed properly when replacing it or timing chain or engine damage can occur!
Engine
Exhaust and Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks on Older Diesel Engines
Alert for all Diesel Owners - Check for loose Intake / Exhaust Manifold Nuts.
Engine
Preventing Bolt or Thread Seizure
A special compound should be used - especially with steel bolts in aluminum threads
Engine
Rubber Exhaust Hanger ( Donut ) Replacement
These can be a little tricky to get on
Engine
Gas or Diesel Engine Runs Too Hot or Too Cold
Too Cold think thermostat - too Hot think a number of possible causes
Engine
Buying a Used Mercedes Quick Check No. 1
Your inspection should always include this
Engine
How Hard is it to Change the Glow Plugs?
With the right instructions this is a beginner DIY job.
Engine
Avoiding Internal Engine Corrosion
You neglect the maintenance here and you WILL pay the price
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
Using Silicone RTV Gasket Adhesives
Alert! Use at your own risk
Engine
Diesel Engine Front Crank Bolt Failure and Loss of Pulleys
Pay attention! This is very common and can happen to you if you own a 1968 to 1985 diesel
Engine
Checking for Slow Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Check Your Low Pressure Power Steering Pump Hose
Engine
Removing Stuck Radiator and Coolant Hoses
An old hose can be very difficult to remove due to age and corrossion
Engine
Breaking Free Frozen Hex Bolts: Part 1
At all costs avoid rounding out the hex head of the bolt!
Engine
Finding a Replacement Turbo Diesel Oil Cooler
Some are no longer available new and the last ones will disappear soon
Engine
Removing a Stubborn Power Steering Pump Pulley
Sometimes they are really stuck on the shaft!
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
Plastic Radiator Neck Failure
An ounce of preventation is worth hundreds of dollars in repair
Engine
Gas Engine Runs Rough
Sometimes fuel injector cleaner can work wonders
Engine
Removing a Broken Off Glow Plug
Not easy by any means. Options and ways to prevent it are listed here.
Engine
Bad Diesel Engine Oil Leak at Front Crank Seal
We have a special kit with complete instructions so you can fix it yourself.
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
How to Get a Glow Plug Out Without Removing the Injector Lines
Some special tools can help
Engine
Diesel Engine Camshaft Inspection and Adverse Wear
This can be a sign that the engine has not been well maintained
Engine
Finding a Strange Ticking Noise in an Alternator
If you don't look closely this one can be hard to find!
Engine
Garrett T3 Turbo Removal from Turbine Housing
Sometimes it can be near impossible to get the bolts out and the parts separated
Engine
Keeping Things in Place - On and Off a Car
This is Kent's favorite
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
What Does a Healthy 240D Diesel Engine Sound Like
Listen and learn from a live video with sound.
Engine
I Installed a New Timing Chain and It "Jumped" Some Sprocket Teeth
Now the timing marks don't line up - What do I do! - Help...
Engine
Oxygen 02 Sensor Removal
Sometimes having the right tool is key
Engine
Testing and Adjusting Turbo Charger Waste Gate Assembly
A faulty 617 turbo diesel waste gate can really affect engine performance
Engine
Problems Adjusting Diesel Valve Clearances
You of course need the right wrenches - but if one or more won't adjust - what then???
Engine
Cleaning Old Engine Aluminum Parts
How can you do it without removing them from the engine?
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
Avoiding Engine Trouble When Running Vegetable Oil in your Diesel
Fuel injectors will need the most attention
Engine
Easy way to Drain Coolant from the Radiator
Applies to most models from 1980 to 1995
Engine
617 Turbo Diesel Loud Engine Rattle Noise
Common problem due the failed air cleaner mounts and mounting bracket
Engine
Draining Oil Out of Your Engine
The best way is to use an oil extractor
Engine
Excessive Engine Oil at the Inlet or Outlet of the Turbo Charger
It could be turbo seals but it could also be excessive diesel engine blow-by
Engine
How to Easily Add Life to Your Old Benz
You can do it with magnets!
Engine
Locating the OM616 and OM617 Internal Engine Timing Marks
These can be hard to see if your engine is dirty and you don't know the exact location
Engine
Garrett T3 Compared to KKK Turbo Charger
How to tell which one you have?
Engine
Plastic Radiator Neck Failure - It Can Happen Anywhere and to Anyone!
Even low mileage gas Mercedes as Kent recently discovered.
Engine
Swapping Different Engines into My Old Tired Diesel
When you engine wears out - look seriously at swapping in a different engine
Engine
Engine Oil Leaks On Your 201 124 and Late 126 Chassis
Catch them with a diaper before they drip on the ground!
Engine
Curing the Common Valve Cover Oil Leak on the OM616 and OM617 Diesel Engines
A very common problem that requires MORE than just installing a new rubber gasket
Engine
Inspecting and Replacing Rubber Exhaust Hangers
With the right tool and a little know-how it is super easy.
Engine
Cleaning Large Engine Parts
You actually may not need a large tank to thoroughly clean them
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
Removing Rounded Out or Damaged Hex Head Bolts
Avoid the pain of having to drill or cut the bolts off
Engine
Finding a Use for Old Diesel Engine Parts
Sometimes you just have to take a break from working on your diesel... :-)
Engine
Problems You Might Encounter Running Biodiesel
Biodiesel is not too kind to rubber
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
Buying a Mercedes W126 300SDL
Milestone 6 cylinder diesel only available in 1986 and 1987
Engine
They Said it Only Needed a Head Gasket!
If the engine has been overheated it is almost never "just a head gasket"
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
616 617 Used Diesel Engine Transplant / Major Service Requirements
Don't just install the engine without taking care of a number of potential problems
Engine
Throttle Linkages Binding
Ball joints and pivot points should be lubricated on a 6 to 12 month basis
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
Engine Won't Start? Could It Be the Distributor Cap?
You would be amazed at the pesky problems these can create!
Engine
Dealing with Problem Engine Studs
How to get the frozen nuts off and the stud back in safely
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
Rotating Your Engine During Service and Maintenance
Best done from the front crankshaft bolt
Engine
Diesel Engine Starting Problems - A Quick Reference Solutions Guide
Summary list of the most common causes and parts needed to fix them
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
Where in the World Can You Get a Good Shop Light?
You may have to make your own like Kent did...:-)
Engine
Is a Third Wrench Needed When Adjusting the Valves on an Old Diesel?
This is how Kent deals with the problem
Engine
Leaking Mufflers and Exhaust Pipes
If not too far gone you can fix them - and yes it is a miracle!
Engine
Rattle Noise Coming From the Front of the Engine
Fan clutch can make metallic clinking noises
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
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
Checking Out a Diesel Engine Before Purchase
Here are some quick checks you can do yourself to determine how good the engine is.
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
Fan Belt Noises
They can be a little tricky to isolate
Engine
102 103 Engine Oil Consumption and Blue Smoke
A common problem due to failed valve guide seals
Engine
Identifying a late 1984 or 1985 617 Turbo Diesel Engine with Trap Oxidizer
Parts are different so it is important to know which engine you have!
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
Should I Buy a Cheap Mercedes?
6 part video series on reasons why you should or shouldn't
Engine
Are There Better Shop Work Lights Out There?
Kent has been inspired to design his own series of ultimate shop lights
Engine
Diesel Motor Mount Bolt or Thread Damage
A real problem when changing an engine or the rubber mounts
Engine
Securing Rubber Exhaust System Hangers (Donuts)
They can fall off especially if your exhaust system is sagging or not mounted properly
Engine
Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Overheating
It could be a number of things causing the problem. Follow Kent's video series
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
Using the Wrong Gasket Sealant
If you use RTV you can create some real problems
Engine
Cleaning an Old Dirty Oily Diesel Engine
There is a better and cleaner way!
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
Keeping Your Engine and Engine Compartment Clean and Detailed
Are you concerned about damage to the electrical components and sensitive electronics?
Engine
Troubleshooting Front Engine Noises on Newer Models
It will require the removal of the serpentine belt
Engine
Challenges to Owning a 1985 Model W123 or W126 Diesel
Quite a number of changes for just a one year and final run of the 300D 300CD 300TD 300SD
Engine
How to Tell if Your Thermostat is Failing?
Monitor your engine temperature gauge in the morning for telltale signs.
Engine
Diesel Engine Transmission Torque Converter Flex Plate Failure
This can be difficult to diagnose
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
Worn Out Engine Motor Mounts
How to determine if they need replacement
Engine
Removing a Power Steering Pump Pulley
Most often this can be done without special tools using a helper and a heavy hammer
Engine
How to Prevent Problems When Your Benz is Stored Over Winter
Do not neglect to give it Kents 30 day exercise program