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Featured Problems & Solutions

Transmission Problem:

Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts

Proper diagnosis is priority one - then repair! DIY testing and repair kits available.

I have a number of kits and manuals that will help you solve your diesel automatic transmission shifting woes. As these old automatics continue to age the problems become more complex and the solutions more challenging.

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Body and Exterior Trim Problem:

Fixing the Tilting Sunroof

A true challenge - but you can do it with the right knowledge.

Fixing the many problems that plague these aging tilting sunroofs can be frustrating and time consuming. As you can see from his expression in the picture, even Kent can find it challenging at times. When these sunroof mechanisms are operating properly it is a pleasure to open, close and tilt the roof. When not working properly it can be a real pain.

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Fuel Delivery Problem:

Testing Diesel Fuel Injectors for Peak Performance

You will need a bench mount pressure release tester to do this yourself.

Testing mechanical diesel fuel injectors is not difficult if you have the right tools and knowledge. When you do it yourself you KNOW the job will get done right and you can save big $$$. Kent has seen so many injectors damaged by "professionals" he is convinced if you want your injectors to be set correctly and without damage then do it yourself. No one cares as much as you do.

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Engine Problem:

Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke

Top problems for diesel owners. Kent recommends starting with the basics

What is wrong with my diesel engine? This technical question wins the grand prize! It is by far the most often asked question that we have received from our customers over the years. It can not be easily answered without some troubleshooting on your part.

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Transmission Problem:

Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions

You CAN do this yourself if you have the right information and equipment!

High Mileage and age can raise havoc on the shifting patterns of an automatic transmission. Even if the fluid has been changed on a regular basis, they still wear out. Seals harden and leak both internally and externally. Vaccum and cable shift controls leak and fail. Rubber hose connections crack and work loose. And quite often some mechanic gets in there and messes things up.

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Common Mercedes Problems & Solutions

If you have a problem with your older Mercedes and are trying to figure what is causing it or how to fix it, you have come to the right place.

Let Kent explain how his solutions finder works: "Just select the location of the problem you are experiencing, the chassis designation of your car and a few key words and click Search. If I have written a description of the problem or one related to it, it will show up on the results page. The causes of the problem will be explained and all possible solutions we offer to diagnose and fix it will be listed. Read More

Body and Exterior Trim ProblemsView All

Body and Exterior Trim

Malfunctioning Non-Tilting Sunroof

Nothing like a good smooth working power or manually operated non tilting sunroof (up to 1985)!

Body and Exterior Trim

Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim

It can be restored but it takes a special power tool and hard work

Body and Exterior Trim

Fixing the Tilting Sunroof

A true challenge - but you can do it with the right knowledge.

Brake ProblemsView All

Brake

How to Diagnose Common Brake Troubles

Shake, side pull, binding, grabbing, grinding, squealing, overheating and soft / hard pedal issues.

Brake

Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts

Fixing brakes is not difficult and can save you hundreds

Brake

Flushing Old Fluid and/or Excessive Air Out of Your Brake System

Efficient and affordable pressure bleeding, system flush and fluid capture is here for all.

Climate Control ProblemsView All

Torn Mono-valve Diaphragm

Climate Control

Intermittent Cabin Heat - Second Generation Climate Control

Applies to late 123 and 107 chassis and all 126 chassis 1981 to 1991

Climate Control

Intermittent or No Cabin Heat - First Generation Climate Control

No heat or heat all the time are common problems with 1977 to 1980 models with automatic controls

Climate Control

Heater Blower Motor Won't Run

A common problem on all models. Options for repairing it yourself and saving big $$$.

Driveline and rear end ProblemsView All

Driveline and rear end

Drive Line Flex Disk Deterioration and Catastrophic Failure

Start with inspection and replace at first signs of wear to prevent expensive damage to transmission

Driveline and rear end

Avoiding 201 and 124 Chassis Flex Disk Trouble

Watch for signs of impending failure

Driveline and rear end

Diagnosing and Repairing Common 114 115 107 116 123 and 126 Rear End Problems

The Differentials are very rugged. It is the associated parts that usually fail due to age and high mileage

Electrical ProblemsView All

Electrical

Diesel Engine Glow Plug Timer Relay Failure - Options for Repair

Here is an option to replace the pre-glow factory unit with a reliable manual controlled relay

Electrical

Troubleshooting an Electrical Problem

Unknown battery drain, electrical shorts, blown fuses - these can be difficult to isolate!

Electrical

O.E. Aluminum Fuse Failure

One of the most common problems we see on older Mercedes.

Engine ProblemsView All

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

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

Fuel Delivery ProblemsView All

Fuel Delivery

Testing Diesel Fuel Injectors for Peak Performance

You will need a bench mount pressure release tester to do this yourself.

Fuel Delivery

Fuel Restriction at the Internal Fuel Tank Filter Screen

A plugged filter inside your fuel tank can lead to hard starting and power loss

Fuel Delivery

Diesel Engine Fuel Leaks

The sources of fuel leaks and procedures needed to repair them are many

Interior ProblemsView All

Interior

Ignition Key Sticking or Jamming

Steps to diagnose and repair it before it becomes a MAJOR problem. Steps to fix it after it does!

Interior

Inside Door Related Problems

Failure to do preventative maintenance could lead to some very expensive repairs

Overloaded keychain

Interior

Ignition Tumbler / Key Wear

There are ways to reduce it - and we have ways to fix it!

Lights ProblemsView All

Lights

Moisture Buildup Inside Your Headlights

This can happen on a number of models for a number of reasons

Lights

Replacing a Plastic Headlight Door Surround on a W126 or W124

Get rid of and change that ugly head light door yourself. What a difference!!

Lights

What If It Is NOT My Dash Light Bulbs

If your dash is not lighting up at night it could be a number of problems

Rust / Corrosion ProblemsView All

Rust / Corrosion

Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes

Yes there is! Miracle Paint and fiberglass cloth can work miracles.

Rust / Corrosion

Rocker Panel and Floor Permanent Rust Repair without Welding

You can do it yourself without the hassle and bad side affects of welding!

Rust / Corrosion

Welding in New Sheet Metal When Repairing Rust Out

Not always the best solution as you will see here.

Suspension ProblemsView All

Suspension

Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension

Parts breakdown will help you find what you need fast

Suspension

Determining Parts Needed for Loose 126 Front Suspension

Know what to look for and understand the parts you will need

Suspension

Diagnosing Loose Front End Steering

Inspect the tie rod ends first for wear

Transmission ProblemsView All

Transmission

Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts

Proper diagnosis is priority one - then repair! DIY testing and repair kits available.

Transmission

Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions

You CAN do this yourself if you have the right information and equipment!

Transmission

Does Your Automatic Transmission Really Need Replacing?

Be careful to not let someone sell you a rebuilt transmission!

Vacuum ProblemsView All

Vacuum

Determining Correct 1980 to 1985 Diesel Vacuum System Hose and Line Routing

When troubleshooting your vacuum system you must know where the hoses and lines go

Vacuum

126 Chassis Sedan Vacuum Door Lock Failure

Different from the 116 / 123 chassis and more difficult to troubleshoot

Vacuum

123 Chassis Vacuum Door Lock Failure

A very common problem that requires precise troubleshooting

SVO / Biodiesel ProblemsView All

SVO / Biodiesel

Installing a Mercedessource Diesel to Vegetable Oil Fuel Conversion

We offer an easy to install kit or you can build one from our components

SVO / Biodiesel

Converting an Older Mercedes Diesel to Run on Vegetable Oil (SVO) Using the Mercedessource STC Kit?

Questions and answers to help you decide if this is right for your diesel

SVO / Biodiesel

Running your Diesel Engine on Straight Vegetable Oil

The pros, cons, effort, and expense of running your Mercedes Diesel on waste vegetable oil