Spartan Mercedes 190 (w201)
Discussion
The first real problem... All of this rain has seen water dripping from the roof onto the seats. Suspecting rusty sunroof drains, I removed the front roof lining this evening. Diagnosis confirmed. They don't look too bad but I think it means a new sunroof cassette. These are £777 at Merc or €180 at German Spob. Used it will be, if necessary. A consultation with Lord Baister awaits tomorrow.
Ironic, isn't it?
I'm going to have a go at sealing it with POR15 Patch. It didn't seem too bad and a manual sunroof cassette seems harder to come by than the electric one. If that doesn't work, I'll ask Terry at Staithes to weld in new bits of tube when he gets back from his holidays.
I'm going to have a go at sealing it with POR15 Patch. It didn't seem too bad and a manual sunroof cassette seems harder to come by than the electric one. If that doesn't work, I'll ask Terry at Staithes to weld in new bits of tube when he gets back from his holidays.
Despite a night of very heavy rain (which is continuing), there were no leaks this morning. Even when I drove the car in to work, still no leaks. The headlining feels drier than it did last night, too. When I was under the headlining, I dried everything out and also wiggled the rubber tube to make sure it was clear of debris. Maybe I have achieved something. The plan is definitely to clean up the drain tubes with my as yet unused Dremel tool and an abrasive disc, treat them with POR15 Patch (£16 delivered) and some Bilt Hamber gloop, ensure the hoses are clear, and go from there. I need the sodding rain to stop, first, though.
A manual sunroof cassette is still available from the Classic Centre at £303 plus VAT, part no. A2017800829. I expect the fitting would be at least £200 on top of that. Hopefully that expense can be avoided.
A manual sunroof cassette is still available from the Classic Centre at £303 plus VAT, part no. A2017800829. I expect the fitting would be at least £200 on top of that. Hopefully that expense can be avoided.
I remember encountering that one. Unless the metal pipe has rusted right back to it starting point, you don't need to buy anything.
The end of the metal pipe will have have rotted away but there should be enough slack in the hose to connect it to sound metal further up.
I just disconnected the hose, cleaned up/treated the metal pipe then reconnected the hose with plumbers sealant and jubilee clip.
The end of the metal pipe will have have rotted away but there should be enough slack in the hose to connect it to sound metal further up.
I just disconnected the hose, cleaned up/treated the metal pipe then reconnected the hose with plumbers sealant and jubilee clip.
Edited by SuperHangOn on Tuesday 28th July 16:17
I haven't done anything with the sunroof yet and it hasn't leaked since I had a good poke at it. Sleeping dogs and all that.
Meanwhile, I have noticed an odd metallic fast rattle from the engine at about 4,000rpm and above. I have no idea. I'll take it to see Baister in the morning.
Out and about tonight:
Meanwhile, I have noticed an odd metallic fast rattle from the engine at about 4,000rpm and above. I have no idea. I'll take it to see Baister in the morning.
Out and about tonight:
Lovely as always.
I feel from your updates that this is the most "proper Merc" car of the three you own.
Certainly for me the r129 is much loved, has a powerful engine, and can do the whole roof off thing. But I enjoy the w124 so much. I suspect I'd like a 190 even more.
As their first "small car" Mercedes had to try so hard to get the 190 absolutely right, and this enthuses the poverty spec modal upwards.
I feel from your updates that this is the most "proper Merc" car of the three you own.
Certainly for me the r129 is much loved, has a powerful engine, and can do the whole roof off thing. But I enjoy the w124 so much. I suspect I'd like a 190 even more.
As their first "small car" Mercedes had to try so hard to get the 190 absolutely right, and this enthuses the poverty spec modal upwards.
I think you're right, Oa. The 190 really straddles the divide between the super-conservative 1970s Mercs and the super-technology 1980s and 1990s cars. I really enjoy this car. It is also the cheapest to run by a long chalk, although I started with a much better, much lower mileage example than was my 124.
I did an oil service on the 190 this morning. £13 including decent oil and a Merc filter. Cheap car!
I also stripped the interior trim, pulled back the pipes from the sunroof drain and ground out the rust. I didn't use the POR15 filler because it takes 96 hours to cure. So I liberally applied Dynax S50 and then pushed the pipes back on, a little further up. Fingers crossed. The vinyl on the header panel is starting to shrink so I am on the look out for a replacement.
I also stripped the interior trim, pulled back the pipes from the sunroof drain and ground out the rust. I didn't use the POR15 filler because it takes 96 hours to cure. So I liberally applied Dynax S50 and then pushed the pipes back on, a little further up. Fingers crossed. The vinyl on the header panel is starting to shrink so I am on the look out for a replacement.
Edited by r129sl on Friday 21st August 13:24
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