First up, a recently published video on a Mercedes model that's been an icon, a source of folklore, an item of desire, for many years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTEGUc6HK9Q
There aren't too many items in this video that haven't been chronicled before, many many times. I would like to put my own interpretation on either owning, or working, on these cars. abl567 owns a 6.3 that I was intimately involved in as far as the restoration process is concerned, and I hope he forgives me for any facet of the restoration that may not meet his standards.
When owning a 6.3, that are certain aspects that will require one's attention. Firstly., the fuel system. Unfortunately, parts are no longer available or, if they are, they are expensive. I am talking about the Injection Pump that can be rebuilt and calibrated by experts only, and they don't come cheap. Injectors are expensive, if you can buy them - someone once said they were about a grand each. I can't confirm that, but they won't be cheap. At one stage, I was dealing with a Diesel engineer that knew all about the pumps, he had all machinery to flow test the pump in operation, but he could not set up the pump. A company in Melbourne has the equipment needed to carry out this operation. While still on the fuel system, removal of the pump is a back breaker, refitting even harder and not a job for the faint hearted. There are other facets of the fuel system that I could talk about, but that would become very time consuming and may test the patience of the reader.
The car in question here is an early model with the gear change "the other way" round. Positioning of the selector quadrant is the reverse when compared with later models. Also, the positioning of the window switches varies from the later models by being part of the door trims. Quite a beautiful arrangement. With this car being an early model, some interior fittings are of a better quality to what you get with the next models, such as door lock fittings, chromed interior rear vision mirror etc. One has to look, but the variations are evident. One other aspect of this car is the upholstery material. It is known as Cognac, being caramel in colour with red flecks interposed - not sure if I am expressing myself correctly. It is probably the most desirable upholstery. I still have a car with that very same material. It is simply exquisite.
Suspension - much maligned by many but I find it one of the easier items on the car to work on. Suspension valves can be rebuilt locally at fair prices, but Air Bags can be costly to purchase. Replacement not that easy, but it's all nuts and bolts, with the right rear being the most difficult on account of its proximity to the exhaust system. I used to own a Finnie 300SEL with similar suspension, and I found that the lifespan of Air Bags is about five years. When they blow, even just one, it just about shook my Fibro House and the car dropped down to its haunches - right down ! Also, the left front valve needs to be treated with kid gloves - there are about, from memory, six steel pipes that need to be fitted to it, and they are all fine threaded like brake pipes. So easy to cross thread.
Heads Removal - been there, done that. It is important to benchfit the left hand manifold because it is impossible to attach it to the head once that has been fitted to the engine block. It is also of the utmost importance to retighten cylinder heads after the initial five hundred kilometres because, if you fail to do so, the left hand cylinder head will start leaking oil at its rearmost position. I might elaborate a little further on what is quiote a fascinating and rewarding car to own. Regards Styria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTEGUc6HK9Q
There aren't too many items in this video that haven't been chronicled before, many many times. I would like to put my own interpretation on either owning, or working, on these cars. abl567 owns a 6.3 that I was intimately involved in as far as the restoration process is concerned, and I hope he forgives me for any facet of the restoration that may not meet his standards.
When owning a 6.3, that are certain aspects that will require one's attention. Firstly., the fuel system. Unfortunately, parts are no longer available or, if they are, they are expensive. I am talking about the Injection Pump that can be rebuilt and calibrated by experts only, and they don't come cheap. Injectors are expensive, if you can buy them - someone once said they were about a grand each. I can't confirm that, but they won't be cheap. At one stage, I was dealing with a Diesel engineer that knew all about the pumps, he had all machinery to flow test the pump in operation, but he could not set up the pump. A company in Melbourne has the equipment needed to carry out this operation. While still on the fuel system, removal of the pump is a back breaker, refitting even harder and not a job for the faint hearted. There are other facets of the fuel system that I could talk about, but that would become very time consuming and may test the patience of the reader.
The car in question here is an early model with the gear change "the other way" round. Positioning of the selector quadrant is the reverse when compared with later models. Also, the positioning of the window switches varies from the later models by being part of the door trims. Quite a beautiful arrangement. With this car being an early model, some interior fittings are of a better quality to what you get with the next models, such as door lock fittings, chromed interior rear vision mirror etc. One has to look, but the variations are evident. One other aspect of this car is the upholstery material. It is known as Cognac, being caramel in colour with red flecks interposed - not sure if I am expressing myself correctly. It is probably the most desirable upholstery. I still have a car with that very same material. It is simply exquisite.
Suspension - much maligned by many but I find it one of the easier items on the car to work on. Suspension valves can be rebuilt locally at fair prices, but Air Bags can be costly to purchase. Replacement not that easy, but it's all nuts and bolts, with the right rear being the most difficult on account of its proximity to the exhaust system. I used to own a Finnie 300SEL with similar suspension, and I found that the lifespan of Air Bags is about five years. When they blow, even just one, it just about shook my Fibro House and the car dropped down to its haunches - right down ! Also, the left front valve needs to be treated with kid gloves - there are about, from memory, six steel pipes that need to be fitted to it, and they are all fine threaded like brake pipes. So easy to cross thread.
Heads Removal - been there, done that. It is important to benchfit the left hand manifold because it is impossible to attach it to the head once that has been fitted to the engine block. It is also of the utmost importance to retighten cylinder heads after the initial five hundred kilometres because, if you fail to do so, the left hand cylinder head will start leaking oil at its rearmost position. I might elaborate a little further on what is quiote a fascinating and rewarding car to own. Regards Styria
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