[W124] Re: [Mercedes] looking for quick sanity check on suddencooling system repair needs

Sat Dec 10 02:00:24 EST 2005

Steve
You're  correct about everything but the retractible  lights...not in 
1963
The  "engineering"  was in the 
fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-simplicty....and it did work.
Something which has been lost in  the last  few  decade of cars by 
accountants
On Dec 9, 2005, at 10:06 PM, Steve Rankin wrote:

>
> Yes, the Pontiac water pump only has 4 bolts and it’s a snap to 
> change.  As I recall, not only does the water pump only have 4 bolts, 
> but you don’t have to do a thing with the power steering pump or belt 
> to R&R the water pump.  But I have a really hard time calling that 
> “engineering” on a car that was known for its retractible highlights: 
> slant 4 engine (half of a V8), swing-axle, etc.  More like luck.  Then 
> again, if you’re lucky enough to have a Tempest with a 389 & 3-2 BBL 
> carbs and a 4-speed, you’re one lucky goat.  J
>  
> Steve Rankin
>  
>  
>  
>
> From: w124list-bounces at mbcoupes.com 
> [mailto:w124list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of J Hirsch
> Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 6:23 PM
> To: W124 CE Coupes and Convertibles
> Subject: Re: [W124] Re: [Mercedes] looking for quick sanity check on 
> suddencooling system repair needs
>  
>
> Some prices from Autozone
>
>  DURALAST_NEW
>  CWP-810
>  LLT$148.99
>
>   
>  *** EXTENDED LIFE ANTIFREEZE IS HIGHLY
>  RECOMMENDED WITH THIS ALUMINUM PUMP. ***
>
>  BECK_ARNLEY water pump
>  131-2079
>  3 MO $269.99
>
>  TRANSPRO432280 $329
>  LLT$329.99
>
>
>  If you can use a wrench and screw driver it is not that difficult a 
> job and can save $700 or more
>  do it yourself
>
>  Changed the water pump in my 1963 Pontiac Tempest convertible last 
> week. Four bolts
>  Pump was $32
>  Time: fifteen minutes out and fifteen minutes in
>  That is engineering
>
>  Auto repair shot....$325!
>  keep cruisin
>  Jay H
>
>
>  On Dec 9, 2005, at 4:57 PM, Steve Nervig wrote:
>
>
>  On Dec 9, 2005, at 1:28 PM, Alec Cordova wrote:
> Well, my 89 300CE didn't survive the freeze we just got in the Austin,
> Texas area. She was overheating on this morning's commute, and only
>  giving me cold air in the cabin, even on defrost. Upper and lower rad
>  hoses were warm. Heater hose coming off the back of the head was warm
>  near the head, but not warm on the other end.
>
>  Mercedes of Georgetown, which isn't my favorite but does give free
>  loaner cars, claims my radiator is leaking and my thermostat needs to
>  be replaced. They also say my water pump has some extra play in the
>  shaft and is probably on its way out, although it's not leaking yet.
>
>  They want almost $700 to replace the rad and thermostat, plus another
>  $700-ish to do the water pump. Not yet clear if that includes the
>  couple hours of labor saved by replacing the water pump while they're
>  in there for the rad and thermostat.
>
>  The car has almost 197K miles, and she's in reasonably good shape
>  except for the climate control blower, which I'm pretty sure is not
>  the blower motor itself. I had shocks, struts, and front suspension
>  rubber replaced a year or so ago, so that's all good. Some of the
>  wife's recent expenses leave me in a position where I probably
>  shouldn't replace the car (which kinda stinks, since John M on the
>  diesel list is selling his 91 300D 2.5, and I'm sure he's got it in
>  great shape), so I'm basically committed to repairing this one.
>
>  Do those numbers sound like the right ballpark for these repairs at a
>  stealership? I know the radiator and thermostat retail for $250 -
>  $300, and the water pump retails for about $230.
>
>  I need to give them a Go or No Go within the next hour or so.
>
>  Why oh why must I be so addicted to these cars? ;-)
>
>  Thanks,
>  Alec Cordova
> Taylor, Texas
>  89 300CE, 196K
>
>  Alex, here are some numbers I found in the STAR Time Guide:
>
>  R&I Rad 1.2 hours
>  Thermostat .5 hours
>  Coolant Pump 3.9 hours, 3.4 hours with Rad removed.
>
>  Draining and filling coolant and possible flush might add a bit of 
> time. I would think a skilled tech would be able to beat those book 
> times by anearly half, but of course that isn't the way it usually 
> works.
>
>  If it were me, after driving a coupe, I can't imagine trading it in 
> and driving a stinker, but that's just me. ;-) But you are probably 
> right, John will have his car in great shape (I've seen it).
>
>  If you've had the valve/guides/heads done recently, I'd keep it.
>
>  Regards,
>  Steve Nervig
> Seattle
>  1990 300E
>  1992 300CE Sportline
>
>
>  --
>  If you don't know where you're going,
>  any road will do.
>
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