[Guest (MBNZ)]

I just purchased my first MB and it's an '83 TD. Overall it's in pretty decent shape, with just two minor problems; the rear is really bouncy and the steering wheel has some play in it. Before I even begin tinkering with my new driver, I want to pressure wash the engine bay since is has about 178K miles of grime and grit on it. Is there anything I should be carefull of when pressure washing the engine bay. This is my first time with a MB and a diesel and don't want to soak something that just isn't meant to be wet.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Wouldn't be so worried about getting stuff wet as I would be about what you use to actually clean it.<br> <br> The alloy parts on a Mercedes motor don't take too well to many degreasing products. Personally, I use the factory recommended stuff - Autoglym. Try their engine and tyre cleaner, it's amazing stuff and doesn't corrode the aluminium.

 

[Greg S.]

Bouncy rear end

The bouncy rear end is indicative of a problem with the self levelling. You should dig into that a bit further, check your oil levels and the linkage at the rear. I have heard that it can get pricy trying to fix this stuff.

As for cleaning the engine bay area, I have used citrous degreaser from home depot, no corrosion problems thus far but I do give it a good rinse afterwards. Dont shock a hot engine with COLD water.

 

[Ed Mclass]

Load Leveling System

There are several components. If the leveling is working and you can see it raise when you are fully loaded up, that's the good news. If you are bouncing when you drive, there are two nitrous balls that fit into the suspension to steady the ride. These are easly replaced by a Mercedes mechanic, but you should shop the price. You buy them in pairs. I have seen them at the Perforance Products Site, or at www.gapa.com. Sorry, I don't have the part number. The last ones I bought, I got on E-bay.

 

[vwbuge]

I don't know about the leveling but as for the cleaning.....blast away!!! I learned of a ...

I don't know about the leveling but as for the cleaning.....blast away!!! I learned of a manifold leak that way. Just spray the warm engine bay with liberal amounts of your favorite cleaner. Pressure wash away. I sometimes leave my engine running. I spray everything and not even a sputter.