6.9 # 7114 - it lives !

[CraigS]

Should be OK now.

 

[260ebenz]

Sure is thank you Craig.

How is the sale of the green Mercedes going Craig?

 

[CraigS]

How is the sale of the green Mercedes going Craig?

In a word, slow, but no big deal if it doesn't sell. I am not going to give it away, so if I have to keep it a few more years, it's not a big problem.

 

[260ebenz]

Fair enough Craig good luck with the sale.

I have seen the car on eBay for sale and I have also seen the car in person at last years Concours it is a great looking car.

How is the 300CE going Craig?

Why not bring one of the Mercedes to the Motor Fest next month?

 

[CraigS]

Where/when is the MotorFest ? I probably should know but I have been a bit preoccupied lately, what with working on the 6.9 and I also brought the 300b down from Brisbane, so am doing some work on that as well. I don't know when I have time for a day job.

The 300CE just keeps on running. I had a minor problem with it overheating, but that was caused by a faulty radiator cap not holding pressure.

 

[260ebenz]

Here go you Craig.

Hawks Nest Motorfest Saturday 8th March.

More info check out my earlier post this week about the Motorfest as well Craig.

Sounds like you have enough to keep you busy Craig!

Quick fix with the rad cap for the 300CE.

 

[Styria]

Craig, thanks for the photos and update. Irrespective of the money spent, doesn't it'd gladden your heart when you see those refurbished heads ? Looks quite a superb job. It's interesting to see those cracked valves - I had one of those, and do you have any thoughts on why they are cracked ? Overheating, lack of lubrication on account of fuel quality ? Initially, I would discard lean running, because the car had hardly seen any use for some, say, ten years ? I am really surprised with the amount of head deterioration considering the small mileage. What do you think ?

Also, right at the back of the head, is there an oil return hole as on the 6.3s ? I know that there are two return holes in the middle of the heads, but I am not sure about rears. I do know for a fact that 6.3 heads require re-tensioning after about 500 kilometers, and if one fails to do so, the heads will start leaking oil at the back of the heads. I was under the impression , and this is also stated in MB literature, that 6.9 heads, on account of the type of head gasket used, do not require re-tightening. Maybe Helmet may also like to offer his valued opinions ? I have taken note of your thoughts on this matter expressed earlier in the thread.

Last ,but not least, Craig, would you care to put a time factor on this job ? Thirty hours, forty ? Interested in your assessment. Regards. Styria

N.B. $1400.00 for valves - Exhaust only ? $200.00 for guides - Old stock ?

 

[CraigS]

I don't see any return oil holes at the rear of the heads. As to the cause, it is only speculation as to what I mentioned earlier. As far as time is concerned, and I presume you are talking about the head machining, I know he spent almost one day welding up the valve recession. I would guess no more than about 20 hours. As for removal and re-fitting, probably another 10 - 12 hours by the time you remove the brake booster. I expect the installation will go easier and quicker than removal as you are not dealing with rusty bolts and you have a better idea of what you are doing. I will be doing it at home, so it will not be as convenient as a workshop, but still expect to do it in one day.

The $1400 for valves is a complete set, and the valve guides were off the shelf in Brisbane - no special price as far as I know. Having said that, I bought 2 sets as a friend of mine is also rebuilding his motor and I think I exhausted their stock, but whether they will get more, I don't know.

 

[Styria]

Thanks for your reply, Craig. I daresay it will probably take a bit longer than a day to refit the heads, all ancillaries, steering box (maybe you have already done that), brake booster, alternator, ignition distributor, radiator (?), and get it running.

Anyway, whichever, you're going great guns. Also, those prices for the valves are exceptional. Good luck. Regards Styria

N.B. I'd imagine you didn't check OZ prices for those valves, did you ? An eye opener, without going into details.

 

[CraigS]

I will be very disappointed if I don't have it running at the end of the day ! Steering coupling will have been done and starter motor back in.

I didn't even bother to ask for local prices on the valves. Just a waste of time and energy. We all know what the reply will be - unaffordable.

 

[CraigS]

I have temporarily halted the installation of the heads pending a new set of engine mounts. Having had a good look at the difficulty of replacing them at a later time, I thought now was the best time. I am going to put the mounts from a W123 diesel in, rather than the conventional 6.9 part as they are a bit harder. Both parts have a 123 part number.

 

[CraigS]

Removed the engine mounts. It was difficult enough with access, so how you would do them with all the parts assembled on the engine, I do not know. It would be a very slow and arduous job. Fortunately, nothing broke, so the new ones should be installed this week and progress can continue.

 

[Michel]

I really can't wait to see that car finished.
Just thinking of all the money I have saved

 

[Styria]

Hi Michel, in view of your remark/statement/observation, should we create a new thread ? I am thinking along the lines of money saved, or not spent, the type of work already carried out/or needing to be done, what one started off with, what you finish up with etc. etc. - a general discussion, and more than likely without going into specifics costwise, whenever possible.

As you would realize, I do have a lot of personal experience with the Red Terror (as we call it)' and thanks to Craig and his updates, I am very familiar with the work that he has carried out on 7114 - I think that's the chassis number. Additionally, there is work and restoration on both Gleaming Beauty, my ex. Astral Silver 6.9 (I wonder if it lives), Blattenhausen (in Qld.), Ofontenay's Magnetite Blue, David's 6.9 etc. etc.

It needs to be remembered that Craig is very streetwise when it comes to the purchase of parts, and he is also very capable in doing his own work, invariably to a high standard. Anyway, what are your thoughts on what I am proposing. Regards. Styria

 

[CraigS]

That's a good, positive response Michel ! When I spread the cost out over the past 7 years, it's not much at all.

You will get to see it. I want Jerry to do some work on it, so it should be a not-so-subtle reminder that I pipped you at the post !

 

[Styria]

That's a good, positive response Michel ! When I spread the cost out over the past 7 years, it's not much at all.

You will get to see it. I want Jerry to do some work on it, so it should be a not-so-subtle reminder that I pipped you at the post !

Two crash hot ebayers going head to head - it must have been some contest !

 

[CraigS]

There was blood on the streets - or was that tears from Michel ? Hard to tell. All I know is that he wanted it and I got it - but only because the auction ended on Christmas Eve and he was probably out partying and I didn't have a life - actually, I was in NZ at the time and didn't have much to do so I was cruising eBay, spotted it, bid on it and got it.

 

[Styria]

Anybody want to respond ? It would probably make interesting reading for a couple of years down the track. I am ready to shoot ! Regards Styria

 

[CraigS]

As part of the 6.9 rehabilitation, I am investigating replacing all the accumulators. After considerable research (30 minutes on Google), I have come up with a price of US$630.75 plus shipping for all 5. Question is - is this a reasonable price ? What have others paid ?

I hope to have the car started this weekend !

 

[motec 6.9]

Be nice to see picture's off the car when complete Craig.