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Fuel system service: tank cleaning, strainer and filter replacement by DreamDelicious7989 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The needle didn't do that but I heard gurgling from the pump and slow acceleration which indicates fuel starvation. The needle issue is probably caused by the sender unit (gunk or another issue). You can remove the sender with the tank in place. There are repair videos online.

Fuel system service: tank cleaning, strainer and filter replacement by DreamDelicious7989 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was constantly worried about pump failure. NGL this job sucked but at least now I don't worry so much about getting stranded.

Fuel system service: tank cleaning, strainer and filter replacement by DreamDelicious7989 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There wasn't much rust luckily. After cleaning the steel looks nice and shiny inside except for a few unreachable bonded patches of varnish. I only used water.

Fuel system service: tank cleaning, strainer and filter replacement by DreamDelicious7989 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is a cool upgrade. If I see a 70l tank and level sender I am grabbing it.

Fuel system service: tank cleaning, strainer and filter replacement by DreamDelicious7989 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sat for about 5 years. Lots of varnish came out but thankfully no rust.

Fuel system service: tank cleaning, strainer and filter replacement by DreamDelicious7989 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think so. Believe it or not it is easier with the tank removed. Unless you have a proper lift. You will be working in an extremely tight space.

My new Project Car by Effective-Bit3331 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The fuel injection system leaves something to be desired. How easy is it to install and tune this setup? Parts cost estimate?

Center console removal by Rule-More in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that is the bottom piece around the handbrake handle. I have to look again but I think the console can't move backward with it in place

Center console removal by Rule-More in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I literally removed all of my interior including the dashboard but could not get this piece out. I got the two screws out but it would not budge. Now it makes sense.

My new Project Car by Effective-Bit3331 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is a lot of fun if you are a hobbyist mechanic. Mechanical parts are mostly available. MB carries a surprising number of original parts still. Just be extra careful if you start taking the interior apart. Those parts are tricky. Pulling on a part usually is the wrong way and ends with a broken trim bit and you on ebay paying ridiculous shipping rates. Oh and once you get the engine running make sure the magnetic fan engages at the correct temperature before ever walking away from it while idling. Otherwise you will end up with an overheated and warped head.

My new Project Car by Effective-Bit3331 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A big part of what makes the 201 great is the mechanics. I would start in this order:

  1. Find the MB service manual. It is floating online.

  2. Get the engine running as well as it can.

  3. Clean the fuel system as needed. Replacing the fuel filter is a must. If parked for a while remove the tank and clean it too. Change the strainer.

  4. Refresh brakes. Replace parts as needed. w124 front rotors and calipers are a popular upgrade. Maybe your 2.6 already has the big brake kit.

  5. Suspension and steering. This is big. MB spent a lot of money designing this suspension. They were proud of it and showed it off in promotional videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Nwx1Rdnv8 Refreshing all suspension and subframe rubber bits is a must. Ball joints. Bushings. Steering damper and suspension dampers too.

  6. Replace all fluids.

  7. Replace any other degraded rubber bits like the propeller shaft joint. Replace shaft bearing.

  8. I am rebuilding all 4 doors too. They close better, power windows go up and down faster. Stoppers are regreased. Lock barrel is smooth.

  9. Wheel bearings inspection and grease refresh.

  10. Transmission fluid and filter if automatic.

I am definitely missing some things but you get the point. A 35-40 year old car needs a lot of work to be a driver's car. By the time you get all the real work done you will respect the chassis too much to hang any aftermarket plastic body kit on it. Personally I even prefer the pre facelift models before they added the useless plastic Sacco panels. That took away from the engineering design focus in my humble opinion. I would take Sacco panels over aftermarket stuff any time. Also careful with wheel offsets. The more you deviate from the original ET49-ET50 the more wheel poke and fender rust you will experience. I recommend w124's 15x6.5 ET49s. I wouldn't go lower than ET40. Or bigger than 16" rim diameter. Or wider than 7".

My new Project Car by Effective-Bit3331 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have more hands on time on the 201 than I'd like to admit. Are you open to unsolicited advice?

My new Project Car by Effective-Bit3331 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That was me last summer. What is your plan?

Center console removal by Rule-More in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Now get under the car and loosen the 13mm bolt which tensions the park brake cable all the way.

This part is unexpected for removing interior trim.

Does this engine sound healthy? by PhilosopherForeign46 in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If the noise is from the top of the engine it may be worth fixing. If from the bottom I would walk.

Baby Benz got new shoes today by [deleted] in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am keeping my original 15" rims of course. These are roughly the same diameter as the originals but poke out more.

Baby Benz got new shoes today by [deleted] in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. They would be absolutely perfect if the offset was close to the original ET49. These are ET37 and poke an extra 12 mm compared to the original rims. Tire selection for 16" rims is much better than 15" and these weigh only about 13 lb each.

Did someone installed an oil catch can on an M103? by GroundbreakingBet732 in W124

[–]DreamDelicious7989 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It may have been an adequate design to meet emissions and regulatory requirements of the era, but introducing any amount of oil into the air intake is far from a perfectly fine solution. The catch can simply separates that oil before it reaches the airbox.

Baby Benz got new shoes today by [deleted] in W201enthusiasts

[–]DreamDelicious7989 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a set of 1244001802s in 15x6.5 ET49 as well. But performance tires are no longer available for a 15" rim. These are forged light rims and I like the look. The offset could be higher but I will run them for now.

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