Automotive update
The 1988 Cabriolet continues to run okay, but not great. It still doesn't start quite as easily as the '89, and it has a slight hesitation coming off idle sometimes, especially when cold. Fuel economy also seems slightly sub-par. The fuel mixture and ignition timing seem OK. I'm starting to wonder about the cam timing; I may pull the upper timing cover and check it, one of these days. One of the previous owners did a timing belt replacement, and probably cam seals as well, but after all the other stuff I've fixed on that car I'm not confident it was done 100% correctly. I've heard the 8-valve is broadly tuned enough that it actually will run and drive with the cam one tooth off, and I'm wondering if that's what happened here.
I also recently picked up a 1981 Mercedes 300TD turbodiesel, which I've been working on. So far I've revived the self-leveling rear suspension, tweaked the fuel delivery to make it less sluggish, and changed all the leaky fuel hoses. I need to visit the junkyard this weekend and get some little bits and pieces to replace worn-out chunks of the throttle linkage, so I can adjust the transmission to shift properly without me manually rowing it between "L" and "S". It also desperately needs new tires - the previous owner drove it around with the rear suspension not working for a while, and the inside edges of the rear tires are worn down to the cords. It cruises beautifully, though. It's going to be a great car for hauling stuff around in when it all comes together.
Three cars is too many in the long term. When the Mercedes is in good driving shape the '89 Cabriolet will be going up for sale.
I also recently picked up a 1981 Mercedes 300TD turbodiesel, which I've been working on. So far I've revived the self-leveling rear suspension, tweaked the fuel delivery to make it less sluggish, and changed all the leaky fuel hoses. I need to visit the junkyard this weekend and get some little bits and pieces to replace worn-out chunks of the throttle linkage, so I can adjust the transmission to shift properly without me manually rowing it between "L" and "S". It also desperately needs new tires - the previous owner drove it around with the rear suspension not working for a while, and the inside edges of the rear tires are worn down to the cords. It cruises beautifully, though. It's going to be a great car for hauling stuff around in when it all comes together.
Three cars is too many in the long term. When the Mercedes is in good driving shape the '89 Cabriolet will be going up for sale.