1963 Mercedes Benz 190DC Fintail. First start of 2025.

[Dyslexic Viking]

Thanks @Mr Pastry wiring diagram 1 looks too complicated but 2 is doable. So if that alternator doesn't come with a wiring diagram, I'll have to try number 2. But it's a bit strange that there's no earth.

[Mr Pastry]

2 minutes ago, Dyslexic Viking said:

But it's a bit strange that there's no earth.

It's assumed that it will earth through the casing.

[Dyslexic Viking]

Then I have got hold of the other alternator and this one fits better.

 

But I had to make some modifications to it to get it to fit and to get the pulleys to line up

 

The next thing was the tensioner, I tried a few but they didn't fit so the only one I got to work was the one someone had made for the old alternator, it's not exactly beautiful but it works.

 

And then everything was put together, I think I have got the pulleys reasonably aligned. But I feel this is a bit bodge but I can't do anything better.

 

I need a shorter fan belt now and next is wiring, hoping to find some of what I need for the alternator in some of the cut wires as it will make things easier.

[Dyslexic Viking]

Got hold of a shorter fan belt and it fit, so the new alternator is fitted. The next thing is wiring, I've got most of it done but I'm struggling to find an ignition source so will have to look more at that when I have more time.

 

So will have to study this and see if there is anything I can connect to.

[Dyslexic Viking]

The wiring for the new alternator is done. All that remains is to test if the alternator charges.

And I've received a box of parts so can get started on the next thing.

 

And the next thing is to change the clutch master, if one is capable then it is possible to overhaul the old one, but I'm not so I just change to a new one.

'

 

The tank part on this new one is bigger than the old one, but luckily it fit. And with new fluid and bleeding the system the clutch seems to work.

 

The old one seems to be original to the car so it has really done its job. It was also a little damp on the back of it so it has started leaking too.

The next thing is to change the coolant it looks fine but I have no idea how old it is. And I was thinking of changing the upper and lower radiator hose together with this, but the lower one I got doesn't seem to fit so unsure what to do if I should just use the old one or find a new one that fits.

That's all for now thanks for reading.

[Scruffy Bodger]

@Dyslexic Viking https://www.thedarkwob.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=20064 You need to check that thread out for inspiration!

[Justwatching]

I'd have a go at rebuilding the original if the seal kit isn't expensive. It will give you experience and spare cylinder. 

[Dyslexic Viking]

Yes will not throw away the old one and will possibly try to rebuild it later.

[Dyslexic Viking]

Today is actually spring and warm, so can now open up the garage for the first time since October.

The first job was to add a diesel additive and then change the fuel tank cap as the old one was leaking.

Old one don't look so good.

 

The only new one I found was this which a Mercedes specialist said would fit and it did.

 

Then it was time to start it for the first time since October and it started quickly this year, faster than last year but as always was a bit grumpy in the first few minutes.

 

My current phone doesn't film as well as the last one so this isn't the best but it's something.

 

Now got the charging tested after I made a completely new charging system this winter and the result is 14.56 at idle without headlights and 13.10 at idle with headlights, so can call this a success. The next thing is to look at the cooling system and change the coolant and maintenance and it is ready for the road again. Hope it happens within 2 weeks waiting for the roads to be clean and safe from salt.

[Popsicle]

Great work as usual DV, I've said it before, that engine sounds really good and healthy for a 60+ year old diesel.

Like the fuel filler location, I didn't realise it was behind the rear number plate, I appreciate nice little details like that.

[Nullzwei]

4 hours ago, Dyslexic Viking said:

Today is actually spring and warm, so can now open up the garage for the first time since October.

The first job was to add a diesel additive and then change the fuel tank cap as the old one was leaking.

Old one don't look so good.

 

The only new one I found was this which a Mercedes specialist said would fit and it did.

A fuel filler cap off a w201/w124/w126/r129 or r109 might be more original looking, assuming your original one was metal.

[Dyslexic Viking]

1 minute ago, Nullzwei said:

A fuel filler cap off a w201/w124/w126/r129 or r109 might be more original looking, assuming your original one was metal.

It was metal and I would like to have one in metal again, but the problem with used ones is that the gaskets are bad and I haven't found new gaskets, at least for the W110.

A metal one with diesel written on it like the original on this one is something I want so I'll see if I can find one.

[hairnet]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/225973069968

[Dyslexic Viking]

9 minutes ago, hairnet said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/225973069968

This is very nice, the only thing is that it doesn't have a gasket, so will have to see if I can find one.

[Matty]

5 hours ago, Dyslexic Viking said:

Today is actually spring and warm, so can now open up the garage for the first time since October.

The first job was to add a diesel additive and then change the fuel tank cap as the old one was leaking.

Old one don't look so good.

 

The only new one I found was this which a Mercedes specialist said would fit and it did.

 

Then it was time to start it for the first time since October and it started quickly this year, faster than last year but as always was a bit grumpy in the first few minutes.

 

My current phone doesn't film as well as the last one so this isn't the best but it's something.

 

Now got the charging tested after I made a completely new charging system this winter and the result is 14.56 at idle without headlights and 13.10 at idle with headlights, so can call this a success. The next thing is to look at the cooling system and change the coolant and maintenance and it is ready for the road again. Hope it happens within 2 weeks waiting for the roads to be clean and safe from salt.

Ticks over like a Swiss watch pal. Absolutely lovely 👍

[junkyarddog]

Just love the sound of an old Merc diesel.

[bigstraight6]

13 minutes ago, junkyarddog said:

Just love the sound of an old Merc diesel.

Yes it’s lovely, one of my favourite Mercs these old fin tails.

[JMotor]

Top work with this sir. Have enjoyed seeing the progress with it. Sweet running thing too!

Also 1+ for the looks of it. The Fin tails are rather nice looking car. 

[Matty]

What we need now that you've perfected the car idling video is a good driving video. Come on @Dyslexic Viking, make it happen pal!

[Dyslexic Viking]

2 minutes ago, Matty said:

What we need now that you've perfected the car idling video is a good driving video. Come on @Dyslexic Viking, make it happen pal!

Will see what I can do!

[Matty]

19 minutes ago, Dyslexic Viking said:

Will see what I can do!

I bought an incredibly cheap Chinese phone mount with the idea that I'd afix it in the car somehow to do a video myself. Mind, as I struggle to text properly it's unlikely to happen 🤣

[mercedade]

I've known people to just roughly cut a gasket out of some 3mm ish neoprene sheeting.

[Dyslexic Viking]

I changed the engine oil and oil filter today and there was some good news. I have until now used a heavy duty diesel engine oil in this and think it has cleaning stuff in it, this has now got all the oil sludge out of the engine.

This was the oil pre-filter that came out of the engine now after 1000km and had little in it.

 

For comparison, this is how the pre-filter was at the last oil change, which was only 280km. This was then so clogged that it was not possible to clean and had to be replaced.

 

So now with the oil sludge gone I can do regular oil changes. And now switching to a slightly thicker oil.

After cleaning the pre-filter, it was to find a new oil filter and install them. The oil filter on these is, as I have previously mentioned, is a challenge as it is tight and must be careful that the pre-filter does not come off during installation. But got it done this time too.

I like the oil filters on these they are unlike anything else I have seen before.

 

So with new engine oil and filters it was time to start it again.

 

[Dyslexic Viking]

I had some time to look at the cooling system today. And the old coolant that came out it didn't look too bad, but it's old so it's time to change it. The hoses are also very old and soft and not in good condition, so they were also replaced with the exception of the hoses for the heater they will be replaced later.

Old hoses

 

The 4 bolts for the thermostat housing came out without breaking which was nice and the thermostat housing has no gasket but an o ring which is great thank you Mercedes.

 

The cooling system looks very clean inside which is a nice surprise.

 

The old thermostat works but is old so I don't trust it so changed to a new one. I bought a new 79 degree thermostat which was luck as the old one was 80 degrees. And the new thermostat's box is marked with Behr, which is the same brand that made the radiator in this one. And will keep the old thermostat as a spare.

 

With a new thermostat fitted together with a new o-ring, I put on the new hoses.

 

The new hose I marked with a red arrow was a struggle to get on, but after much struggle I got it on. And I had 2 of these hoses, one from Febi bilstein and one from Gates, and the one from Gates was much thicker and seemed better quality, so this one was used.

 

So with the new hoses and thermostat installed, I wanted to pressure test the system but had no adapter that fit so just had to do it the old way and fill up with new coolant and check for leaks and luckily there were no leaks.

Then it was time to start it and let the engine run for a while and the new thermostat opened when it was supposed to and everything worked and there were no leaks so the cooling system is now done.

[egg]

23 minutes ago, Dyslexic Viking said:

thermostat housing has no gasket

Great work nice update. Was it meant to have a gasket to be clear?

[Dyslexic Viking]

I forgot to mention that the cooling system was easy to bleed so that was nice.

And the reason I didn't change the heater hoses was that I'm not sure what to do with the heater. I don't trust this and am afraid that it will leak coolant all over the new carpets and I've never used it I think, so I'm not sure if I should disconnect it or if I can install taps on the inlet and outlet for to have the option of turning it off  if i can do that. Not sure what to do so this needs some thought.

[Dyslexic Viking]

 

38 minutes ago, egg said:

Great work nice update. Was it meant to have a gasket to be clear?

Thanks. And I don't think so as there was only one o-ring there when I dismantled it and the way it is I think it is only the o-ring that makes the seal.

The thermostat is in that groove with the o-ring on top in the same groove and the lid goes in the same place and presses against the o-ring.  Does that make sense?

[Nibbler]

That engine sounds so nice!!!

[Dyslexic Viking]

Small update. Have now greased all the grease points and checked the oil level in the gearbox and differential both were fine and refilled oil on the diesel pump and steering box.

So then all the maintenance is done.

One small thing I do that I recommend is to take a picture of the manual with maintenance points and print it out and have it with you when working on the car and cross it off while you are working so you don't forget anything.

 

And since I don't have a car lift, things are done the old way by driving the car up onto blocks and crawling under it, which is not exactly good for the body.

 

And now with this done, all that remains is to drive it, something that will hopefully happen soon.

[Scruffy Bodger]

Not jealous at all, that old girl is fucking 😎 A custodian of that car the way you are going.