201

SELF LEVELING SUSPENSION - Theory - Troubleshooting - Maintenance by Kent Bergsma

For 123 Chassis 300TD, 201 Chassis 190E 16V and 126 Chassis 560SEL

Item: MRM-COMSLSS
$19.50

This manual was written specifically for 123 300TD wagon owners, but also applies to the models mentioned above, 300TDs from 1979-1985 and other chassis above up to 1990. If you own or are planning to purchase one of these popular wagons, I guarantee at some point you will have to deal with the SLS (Self Leveling Suspension) system. PLEASE NOTE: If you have a 1987 to 1995 124 chassis wagon this manual will only cover basic principles of troubleshooting. It does not cover the pump or the rear sway bar which are different on 124 wagons.

Monark Diesel Fuel Injector Nozzles-Best Engine Performance Upgrade

Of all the upgrades for diesel engines that we offer on this site, I believe changing over to Monark injector nozzles will give you more performance improvements for the money that any other single product. From our own diesels to the glowing reports we hear from our customers - you may have a hard time believing just how try this claim is until you experience it first hand! And Monark nozzles are probably the last of a breed. Yes, they are still manufactured in Germany...

Complete MBZ Brake System Service and Repair Resources

Recently, I set out with the goal to provide our customers with all the resources they would need to troubleshoot and repair the brake systems on their own cars. As your favorite Benz ages brake problems will arise and they can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Since brakes are a safety related system it is also VERY important that any repair work be done properly and with great care.

NEWS FLASH! Club Mercedessource is Here! - with Member ONLY Benefits

Announcing Club Mercedessource! For a long time now we have been trying to find a way to reward friends of Mercedessource. We decided the best way to do this would be through a membership subscription that would automatically change one's access level on our website. Once you join you will be able to gain access to all the unique club products and services

Here is a summary of current key benefits:

Brake Bleeding Equipment and Procedures Manual

Item: MRG-COMBBEP
$16.95
This new manual by Kent Bergsma covers brake bleeding equipment and procedures for all model Mercedes from the mid 1950s to the mid 1990s. This cover chassis Ponton 110 111 112 113 108 109 114 115 116 107 116 123 126 201 and 124. Special Includes Brake Bleeder Kit as shown. This new easy to understand 20 page guide will walk you through the different ways to bleed your brakes and the equipment needed to do the job right. Brake bleeding is something that no sane person finds enjoyable. It can be messy and often involves painful bodily contortions to access the bleeder screws. There seems to varying opinions as well as a bit of black magic involved with the bleeding process. It may be more of an art than a science. Sometimes the procedure works perfectly, and then other times it seems like you end up with endless air in your system that just wont come out. The information contained in this manual with eliminate some of the mystery and give you the knowledge and confidence to do the job right the first time. Covers safety tips, types of bleeding equipment and four different ways you can bleed your brakes.

Diesel Fuel Injector Balance Pressure Tester - Free Manual Included

For all MBZ diesel engines 1950 to 1993

Item: TUL-COMDIPT
$179.50

You are looking at the worlds first production diesel mechanical fuel injector bench tester available in the U.S. for under $200. These are built at the Mercedessource shop to control quality and production demands. This bench mount pop tester will allow you to economically test the spray pattern and fine tune (balance) your fuel injectors at home. With the injector fitting included it will work on all Mercedes diesels from the early 1960s up to 1993. This includes chassis 110, 115, 116, 123, 126, 201 and 124 and models 200D 220D 240D 300D 300CD 300TD 190D 300SD 300SDL 350SD.

201 and 124 Chassis Flex Disk Alert

Bad 300E flex disk
190E Flex Disk with torn bushing mounts
DRIVELINE FLEX DISK DETERIORATION ON LATER MODELS:

The newer flex disks on the 201 and 124 chassis are designed a little different from those found on earlier models. They do not have the same tendency for catastrophic failure, but they are prone to other problems like clicking noises and drive line vibrations. This is becomming a very common problem as these cars get older. Failure has proven to have more to do with age than vehicle mileage. Just recently I had a 1987 190E come into the shop with only 80,000 original miles and the front flex disk was totally shot. 

FM 100 30 Micron Replacement Filter Element - On Clearance!

Item: GOC-SF30M
$23.50

Description: Single replacement 30 micron filter element for our standard FM 100 filter used in all our conversion systems. Comes in box sealed in plastic for long shelf life. This element is used as a first primary filter when two filters are used in series. It is also a water separator. I recommend using two filters if you re-fuel on the road. Buy using 2 filters in your system you can increase filter life and extend top engine performance during more of the filter life. Please read more about this unique filter in our product listing for Stanadyne FM 100.

Gas Engine C.I.S. Fuel Injector Testing Kit - Introductory Special

Works on all CIS V/8, 6 Cylinder, and 4 Cylinder gas engine injectors from 1977 TO 1993

Item: GEG-COMCISTK
$175.00

Welcome to the first inexpensive CIS fuel injector tester for the home mechanic. This bench mount tester will allow you to check the release pressure and spray pattern of your injectors. It will not accurately measure quantity of fuel delivered nor the release balance between the injectors as do the big commercial test units. With a little practice you can get a "feel" for balance by quickly testing all injectors one right after another and analyzing spray patterns. CIS injectors are spraying all the time in your engine. There is no way you can get this hand pump to spray continuously, but by pumping rapidly and can get a fairly good idea just how well each injector is atomizing the fuel. 

Diesel to Gasoline Fuel Injector Pressure Testing Conversion Kit

Use your current Diesel Pop Tester for testing CIS injectors on gas model Mercedes 1977 to 1993

Item: GEG-COMDTGTC
$58.00

With this conversion kit you can use your current Mercedessource diesel fuel injector tester to test Bosch gas engine fuel injectors on 450SL, 380SL, 560SL, 280E, 280CE, 280SE/L,450SE/L, 380SE/L, 500SE/L, 380SEC, 420SEL, 560SEL, 560SEC, 300SE/L, 190E 2.3, 190E 2.6, 260E, 300E, 300TE, 300CE, 300SL, and 500SL.

Early CIS 6 and 8 cylinder and 190E 2.3 4 Cylinder Fuel Injector Rubber Seal

For CIS 280E 280SE 450SL 450SLC 450SEL 1977 to 1980 and 190E 2.3 1984 to 1993

Item: GEG-COMEV8IRS
$2.10
Rubber fuel injector seal fits the models listing in the subtitle above. These should always be changed when replacing fuel injectors. They are also one of the most common sources for intake air leaks causing high idle speed and rough running.

201 124 103 Engine Bosch CIS Fuel Injectors (6)

For 6 Cylinder 190E 2.6 260E 300E 300TE 1986 to 1992

Item: GEG-COMCISI6
$148.00

Now available as a cost savings kit! Six new Bosch CIS fuel injectors with six holder bushing O-ring seals. If your 6 cylinder 103 engine has over 120,000 miles and you think your injectors are ok then you might want to think again. I have been amazed with the poor results of our recent testing of large number of fuel injectors from various gas engine models ( 1977 to 1993). Less than half of those injectors tested passed a simple spray pattern and leak test. Unlike diesel injectors there is no way to take them apart, adjust, or rebuilt them. It is possible to send them out for ultrasonic cleaning but in cases where cleaning does not help your only option is to replace them.

190E 2.6 260E 300E Bosch CIS Fuel Injector Holder

For 103 6 Cylinder Gas Engines M103.983 with A/T from 061403 - Sold Individually

Item: GEG-COMCISIH
$6.75
This is the plastic fuel injector to intake manifold insulation holder. It is not necessary to replace this part unless the end is damaged or deteriorated. A bad holder can affect engine performance.

190E 2.3 and 16V Bosch CIS Fuel Injectors

All four cylinder gas 190E 1984 to 1993

Item: GEG-201CISI4
$99.95
190E 2.3 and 16V Bosch CIS Fuel Injectors

Now available as a cost saying kit. 4 new Bosch CIS fuel injectors. If your 190E has over 120,000 miles and you think your injectors are ok then you might want to think again. I have been amazed with the poor results of our recent testing of large number of fuel injectors from various gas engine models ( 1977 to 1993). Less than half of those injectors tested passed a simple spray pattern and leak test. Unlike diesel injectors there is no way to take them apart, adjust, or rebuilt them. It is possible to send them out for ultrasonic cleaning but in cases where cleaning does not help your only option is to replace them. If you can't get them properly tested you may not be sure of the results and in the end just wasted time and money for cleaning.

Fixing Underbody Rust Permanently Without Welding

In the 45 plus years that I have been working on old cars I have tried every product on the market that promises to fix rust. Almost all of them do not live up to their promises nor do they product permanent lasting repairs. Even welding does not last if the weld line can not be treated properly on the back side of the weld.

Nothing works like Miracle Paint. Their new heavy duty (thicker formula) stands above the competition and is ideal for making the types or repairs you see in the picture below. To learn more about this amazing product and to see how I am using it to repair my 1978 6.9 CLICK HERE to read the full story.

Oxygen 02 Sensor Removal Socket Wrench

Specially made to remove frozen sensors

Item: TUL-02SRS
$29.50

Brand new 02 Sensor removal socket. 3/8" drive with 22 mm 12 point open head. Fits Mercedes 201 190E 2.6 ONLY and 124 chassis 260E 300E 300TE from 1984 to 1990.

02 sensor replacement is one of those neglected maintenance items. They really should be replaced every 100,000 miles for peak engine performance. If left in too long they seize in the threads and are impossible to remove with a standard open end wrench. This special socket will remove even the most stubborn sensors. 

We also sell a universal Bosch 02 sensor for above models at a great price! CLICK HERE to view sensor.

Socket works due to a cutout that will allow you to slip it over the wire harness:

Early 201 124 Chassis Gasoline Ignition Steering Lock Assembly - ON SALE!

Fits 190E and 260E 300E 300CE and 300TE up through 1989 ONLY

Item: INT-COM124ESL
$99.95

This is the part you need when your ignition key continues to stick even after installing a new tumbler assembly. In over 70 percent of the cases involving a severely sticking key, I have found you need to replace both the tumbler AND the steering lock if you hope to have a lasting repair. They tend to wear each other out if the problem is not corrected early on. In cases where the key just begins to stick slightly while turning, you can sometimes get by only having to replace the tumbler assembly. 

Ignition Steering Lock Removal Guide - Introductory Special!

For all 108 109 114 115 107 116 123 126 201 and 124 Chassis

Item: MRG-COMSTRG
$12.95

Brand New Release! This manual writing by Kent Bergsma will walk you step by step through the process of removing and replacing a Mercedes steering lock assembly. This can be a very frustrating job if you don't know some of the factory secrets. For anti-theft reasons the engineers designed it to be very difficult to remove!

Quality Reinforced Original Style Window Squirter Hose - per Meter

Fits all 116, 123, 126 and other models that use this type hose

Item: BDP-COMWWSH
$4.95

Includes 1 meter of nylon braided clear windshield washer hose. No instructions included.

CLICK HERE to view the complete windshield washer squirted kit.

Steering Lock Salvation - MARCH MADNESS Prevention! New Ignition replacement manual and Kits available

We decided that MARCH will be Ignition lock repair month. Talk about March madness!  Lock problems on your Mercedes can drive you mad. During this month we will be offering a number of lock related items on sale. Some with have special tools and instructions included. When we are talking locks we mean ignition lock, door locks, vacuum locks and even bolt locks....

Late 107 and 123, 126, 201, 124 Chassis Ignition Switch Only

Item: INT-COMLISO
$22.95
Late 107 and 123, 126, 201, 124 Chassis Ignition Switch Only

No instructions or special tool included

This switch will work on all 380SL and 560SL, all 126 chassis sedans and coupes 1981 to 1991 , all 123 chassis from 1982 to 1985, all 201 chassis 190E 2.6 and 190D ( 190E 2.3 up to 1988 ONLY )and all 124 chassis from 1986 to 1993.

25 Inch Long 1/2 Inch Socket Drive Breaker Bar

Use in hard to remove bolt - starter, transmission bellhousing, front crank bolt, lug bolts, etc.

Item: TUL-25BBAR
$18.50
Quality breaker bar from Taiwan. 25 inches long, one half inch drive. Is built with chrome vanadium steel construction. The drive head swivels 180 degrees. When working on Mercedes there will come a time when you need a lot of torque to remove a stubborn or very big bolt (like from crankshaft bolt). When this happens you need a LONG breaker bar. Even removing head bolts can create a sweat if you don't have the leverage. This is a very nice tool for the price.

How Can I Tell if My Automatic Transmission Needs Replacing?

The following are key signs your transmission may be in trouble. 

  1. Burnt smelling transmission fluid (dark in color)
  2. Fine metallic particles in the bottom of the oil pan
  3. Delay in shifting out of park. More than 1 second to engage in reverse or drive
  4. Won't shift into higher gears or does so reluctantly
  5. Transmission jerks or slips between shifts

But before you let anyone try to convince you to replace it, DO proper diagnose first!  Here are some diagnostic tips and some things you can do to improve performance and extend its useful life:

Gas Engine Bosch C.I.S. Fuel Injector

Fits most gas engines 1977 to 1993 - See List Below

Item: GEG-COMBFI
$27.20
Brand new Bosch Fuel injector for most CIS engines built between 1977 to 1993. Contrary to popular opinion these do not last forever! AND once they reach a certain age they can not just be simply cleaned to restore peak performance. If you engine idles rough, quicks after startup, smokes, and/or delivers poor fuel economy, it may be time to replace the injectors. They need to be spraying a find pattern (mist). Most of the injectors I test on engines with more than 120,000 miles have lousy spray patterns. Take a look at the images below of injectors I recently tested from a 300E.

25 AMP Blue Fuses - 20 PACK

Fits All Mercedes up to 1995

Item: ELT-25ABF20
$5.95

25 amp Fuses, made of brass copper alloy. High quality. Sold in a package of 20.

CLICK HERE to see our fuse kits with Instructions.

16 AMP Red Fuses - 20 PACK

Fits All Mercedes up to 1995

Item: ELT-16ARF20
$5.95

16 amp Fuses, made of brass copper alloy. High quality. Sold in a package of 20.

CLICK HERE to see our fuse kits with Instructions.

8 AMP White Fuses - 20 PACK

Fits All Mercedes up to 1995

Item: ELT-8AWF20
$5.95

8 amp Fuses, made of brass copper alloy. High quality. Sold in a package of 20.

CLICK HERE to see our fuse kits with Instructions.

SLS (Self Leveling Suspension) Fluid Service Kit with Instructions

For 300TD Wagon 190E 16V 560SEC 560SEL and Other Euro Models

Item: SRS-SLSFSK
$59.95

Dont neglect this service as many do! I recommend the hydraulic fluid and filter be changed every 30,000 miles. You would not believe how many SLS vehicles I have seen with dirty hydraulic fluid - I mean nasty!  Sometimes I have even found engine oil in the system!  Let me tell you, the system does not respond very well with dirty or high viscosity oil.  ALWAYS use the proper hydraulic fluid made specific for Mercedes Benz SLS suspensions.  If in doubt about what is currently in your reservoir, flush your system and install new fluid and filter.  An empty SLS will require approximately 3.5 liters of fluid to fill it.  You will need 4 liters to thoroughly flush out the old fluid.

Ultimate Oil Resistant Hi-Temp Reinforced Vacuum hose - 3 FEET

For 1/8 inch vacuum hose connectors on 240D 300D 300TD 300CD 300SD

Item: VAC-UVH
$4.20

I have never been impressed with the rubber vacuum hose found on older Mercedes diesels. I don't think the engineers ever anticipated how much abuse or how long these hoses would need to last! Over the years I have seen way too many vacuum related problems lead back to a failed hose connector or short hose length. The combination of high heat generated in the engine compartment as well as both internal and external engine oil contamination are the chief causes of its early demise.

Timing is Everything!

Timing chains have been used on Mercedes engines since the early 1950's. My 1953 220 has an overhead cam six that is driven by a twin row chain - similar to engines well into the 1990's. Timing chains may be old technology, but they are proven and they work for long periods of time (provided the engine receives proper service).

WARNING: Timing chain failure is the NO. 1 cause of catastrophic engine failure in these old engines. If it lets go the valves will hit the pistons. If it comes off at high speed, the pistons can be damaged and the camshaft can driven right out through the valve cover!

CAUSES: There are a number of reasons for excessive chain stretch / chain failure.