Hydrak Clutch

[Styria]

An insight into the source, and workings, of what essentially became a short lived mechanical system. Regards Styria

 

[CraigS]

Good article and well explained. As the owner of 2 cars with hydrak transmissions, I can only concur with their comments about being rewarded by the experience.

 

[Michel]

and 'Oh So' Touchy!

 

[Styria]

It is surprising how brutally honest the article deals with what was essentially a comparative failure by Mercedes standards - or perhaps more appropriately, an Automatic transmission was a step or two above the Hydrak in any case as far as ease of operation was concerned.

Many years ago, I knew a fellow that was genuinely "Mercedes" trained - yes, in Stuttgart of all places, and he opened the first "Self Help" car repair shop in Waitara, Sydney. There was not a single task that he was not able to complete, and he did in fact own a 220SE with "that" Hydrak clutch. I remarked to him as to "how the hell do you make it work" and his simple reply ? Well, there is nothing particularly difficult about it'. That was him. He knew his stuff virtually like no other mechanic I have known - and the most remarkable aspect was that he handled the most difficult tasks quietly and efficiently. He never uttered a swear word. Regards Styria

 

[SEL_69L]

Styria: I remember Self Help Engineering in Waitara. My older brother (you know him) took his cars there occasionally, to use the specialist tools provided that he did not have himself.

 

[Styria]

Yes, his name was Dieter Bartsch, and an absolute gentleman. One of his sons became, I think, Managing Director of Porsche Australia. If not MD, certainly a Senior Position. I well remember inviting Dieter and his wife to an event that I organised for the MB Club. They were a fairly shy couple, but it was sad to see that the "Glitteratti" of the Club completely ignored them - I expressed my disappointment to them, but I never saw them again at an event. Yes, Dieter was the first person in Sydney to establish a Self-Help workshop, providing all tools (there were five to six "cubicles" well equipped with all manner of tools) and if anyone got stuck, he was there to help. There was not a single job hat he could not cope with. A rarity of a person.

 

[Michel]

Yes, his name was Dieter Bartsch, and an absolute gentleman. One of his sons became, I think, Managing Director of Porsche Australia. If not MD, certainly a Senior Position.

That is Michael Bartsch... He's now MD at VW group Australia

 

[Styria]

Thank you Michel. I knew the boys from when knee high to a Grasshopper. Well, they were, not me. I recall vividly when I organized a barbecue when I had my property in Wahroonga - I bought it when I was twenty three, married to a Lebanese girl who is now a doctor and still alive. Dieter and his wife Patricia (an absolutely beautiful person) were attendees at the Barbecue, which turned out to be a disaster. I had no experience with organizing such an event and I think, in the end, no one got any meat as I didn't know how to cook it. Yet, everyone still had a good time. Regards Styria