I have tried emailing Dennis at the two email addresses above but unfortunately my emais bounce back. Anyone know if Dennis is still repairing cylinders, and if so, has anyone been in recent contact - could I please have a recent email address.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Alan
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1997 Benz SL500 (R129)
2001 Benz ML320 (W163)
HONG KONG
Good to know. After someone gets through to him would you please post new email, etc. contact information?
Actualy, Dennis PM'd me last night so is obviously still out there. He's given me his mobile (cell) which is the same as the original post (913) 544-4521 so I'm goign to give him a call -time zones make this tricky for me, but I love the roof down on an SL and summer is approaching so I need the roof to go up and down as appropriate.
If I do repair myself I'm going to do a step by step photo guide from start to finish. Will post here in a few weeks / month or so.
If I do repair myself I'm going to do a step by step photo guide from start to finish. Will post here in a few weeks / month or so.
Alan, please ask him for ANY new email address he has.
You didn't mention which cylinders you where going to repair but if it is the front set please be aware that a full DIY has been done and is located within the R129 Forum Sticky's at R&R of the Convertible Top Front Release Cylinders
Alan, please ask him for ANY new email address he has.
You didn't mention which cylinders you where going to repair but if it is the front set please be aware that a full DIY has been done and is located within the R129 Forum Sticky's at R&R of the Convertible Top Front Release Cylinders
I've been chatting to Dennis via PM which he answers very quickly. Dennis seems like a very helpful guy so if I do them myself then he's the top of a list of one to send them to.
I've sent him pics of 2 minor and 1 major leak (I've found so far) on my car. He mentioned that the seals tend to let go at the same time so I might want to think about doing all 10. Seems like a cunning plan if one is going through all the hassle of stripping the interior out all over the place. I estimate seal repair by Dennis plus courier mail from HK to US and back will be in the order of say, US$500 to US$600 and take maybe 7 to 14 days. Sounds like the way to go to me if I can find time to separate all 10 cylinders from car.
Have seen the write up / photos for the front thanks. Good job.
Anyone know about the following:
1. when I remove the cylinders do I need to put temporary caps on the end of the hydraulic lines (I read somewhere there were special MB parts for this - are these essential?)
2. if caps are required as above, is this still required if one drains the roof hydraulic tank in the trunk?
3. other than getting at them all - is it as easy as removing cylinder and replacing?
4. does one need to bleed the hydraulics after putting the whole lot back together - if so, does anyone know how to do? like brakes - pump / dump until free flowing oil?
Please keep in mind when reading my answers that I have never had to change out any of my cylinders but because I took the time to read many of the post in order to put the http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...te-thread.html together and I have learned alot from other forum members.
1. when I remove the cylinders do I need to put temporary caps on the end of the hydraulic lines (I read somewhere there were special MB parts for this - are these essential?) I have read NO.
2. if caps are required as above, is this still required if one drains the roof hydraulic tank in the trunk? Yes, because there is still fluid in the lines but no pressure if you do not actuate the system.
3. other than getting at them all - is it as easy as removing cylinder and replacing? As you probably already know there are eight in the rear and they are the most work to get at and done.
4. does one need to bleed the hydraulics after putting the whole lot back together - if so, does anyone know how to do? like brakes - pump / dump until free flowing oil? No, but it is suggested and I have done a complete write up on this and would suggest that you read it at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...ush-renew.html
Note: Please ask Dennis for any thoughts, suggestions, or PDF's that he can help you with.
Dennis took my cellphone call on vacation (what dedication!)
I have to figure out how many cylinders I have and how to get them. I was quoted 2300 by the mechanic to R&R with new parts so THAT'S not gonna happen too soon.
Does anyone have a location diagram for all the cylinders?
Dennis took my cell phone call on vacation (what dedication!)
I have to figure out how many cylinders I have and how to get them. I was quoted 2300 by the mechanic to R&R with new parts so THAT'S not gonna happen too soon.
Does anyone have a location diagram for all the cylinders?
TIA
Tia , welcome to the R129 forum and please realize that you are not the first that has had to deal with the hydraulic cylinders and that is why I put together a Blue Sticky that you will find at the top of the forum. Please note http://www.benzworld.org/forums/2262978-post1.html and read http://www.benzworld.org/forums/2310475-post80.html and click on the first JPG for the answer as to where they are located.
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