1964 230SL pagoda

[sjf]

Hello,

I have a Euro 1964 230SL that I've owned since 1985. I bought it in Munich and shipped it back in 1988. I drove the car in New York until '96. Shipped it back to Europe in 1997 and drove it a very long distance. For example, Ostend - Gratz and back, 11 hours each way at nearly Autoban speeds. And then I shipped her back to New York. This is where my problems began.
First of all, let me say that in all this driving she never left me sitting by the side of the road. Even when white smoke was spilling out from under the car and engine pressure was low when not under full load. I stopped at a local mechanic who said that I had bottom-end problem, and I drove home checking on the oil level on the Hutchinson Parkway in NY during rush hour. Ok, I understand.. I probably need a new engine and need to know of the mechanics that are worth their merit as I love this car and it has been with me longer than some of my relationships. I want it done right. Any suggestions? Thank you for your feedback.

Sincerely,
SJF

[J. Huber]

Well SJF, sounds like you have enjoyed your car over the years, I commend you on that part. Now, if I understand you, the time has come for a little TLC to get the car back to its former glory? If so, where abouts are you? New York area? And are you after a reliable mechanic? or looking to replace the engine entirely? Or something else? (and what's the budget like?)

I think you have come to the right place to get started -- just need a few more specifics to really help...

James
63 230SL

[sjf]

Hello James,

Thank you for your response. Yes, I have enjoyed my car very much, and I would like to get the engine back to its original state; otherwise, the car is in very good condition, no rust, etc.

I live in New York City area. I have had the car looked at by grade-A Mercedes mechanic who knew the car on and off  and saw the car running. He suggested that it's a bottom end as well, and the car has blow-by in the dip stick and  from the head ventalation hose which bypasses the venturi. No smoke from the tail pipes. When the car sits overnight, I lose about half a quart of oil.  I can't find the source. It has a 250 head and 230 block. Like I said, I never had a problem until this moment --- for almost 20 years, besides the small things you have to do to have the car sorted out.

I guess I am thinking to perhaps get the engine sent out to Metric Motors in California and would like it  installed by someone who can do it correctly.. not some cowboy in Brooklyn. I am familiar with Hans at H & R Fuel Injection. He is fabulous with pumps, but I am not sure who his mechanics are at the moment. They did help me federalize a 911 SC back in the day and have worked on the 230 as well, but many years have passed and I lost my contact. I also checked out Rhineland Motors in LIC, New York. Any feedback?
Other work obviously would be to replace clutch, throw out bearing, etc. Maybe, clean up the engine compartment while the engine is out. Budget would be about $11,000 or so. I hope this was a start. Thank you very much for your input and your help.

Sincerely,
Stephen

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

Well SJF, sounds like you have enjoyed your car over the years, I commend you on that part. Now, if I understand you, the time has come for a little TLC to get the car back to its former glory? If so, where abouts are you? New York area? And are you after a reliable mechanic? or looking to replace the engine entirely? Or something else? (and what's the budget like?)

I think you have come to the right place to get started -- just need a few more specifics to really help...

James
63 230SL

[J. Huber]

Well Stephen, there are some owners and enthusiasts here from your "neck of the woods" who may have some good recommendations. I like the Metric Motors idea -- and if it were me, I'd have them ship the newly-rebuilt engine up the coast to Gernold Nisius at SL Tech in Maine. Meanwhile, I'd transport the car up there and let him do a little R & R. (of course, if he's willing!)...Any one else have suggestions?

James
63 230SL

[merrill]

slf,

metric just rebuilt my motor for 6,800
Hans rebuilt my inj pump for 980
mb dismantlers rebuilt the tranny for 1200

so for just under 10K I had all rebuilt and the raditor, new alt and other misc items.

the catch I did all the R/R myself.  
The last time I checked gernolds hourly rate was getting up there.

you might want to call him and see what he recommends.

also is your motor the one that came with the car?  it may be best to keep it all original

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[Mike Hughes]

Won't Metric rebuild and return your own "matching numbers" motor to you, if you ship it to them in advance and make special arrangements?

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[mdsalemi]

Last I checked, Metric can either rebuild your motor or do a swap-out for one they might have in stock.  Remember we don't have Detroit Iron and "matching numbers" isn't that critical for us.

If you send a motor to Metric, it is best to ask/remind them to leave the serial number alone and rebuild what was sent.  They were known, early on, for grinding off serial numbers in lieu of their own.  They did not do it on mine, but hey it doesn't hurt to ask or remind them...

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[drewsalisbury]

Stephen - call Gernold at SL Tech, he can advise you, he is a Jedi with these machines

Drew Salisbury
1971 280sl auto

[sjf]

Thank you Matt and all of you guys! Thank you very much for the feedback!

I e-mailed Gernald just now, and hopefully, he will be contacting me soon.

Matt, the motor on the car is original when I bought it in '85. I was aware of the 250 head, but even Hans said it's no big deal. Anyway, I've enjoyed my car through the years and drove it with no fear.  


Michael, thank you for mentioning the serial numbers. I appreciate it.

To get the car to Maine from where I am is quite a truck, but I am sure it could be done. Let's wait and see.. I will keep you posted, guys.

Thank you for all your help!

All the best to you all,
Stephen

quote:Originally posted by merrill

slf,

metric just rebuilt my motor for 6,800
Hans rebuilt my inj pump for 980
mb dismantlers rebuilt the tranny for 1200

so for just under 10K I had all rebuilt and the raditor, new alt and other misc items.

the catch I did all the R/R myself.  
The last time I checked gernolds hourly rate was getting up there.

you might want to call him and see what he recommends.

also is your motor the one that came with the car?  it may be best to keep it all original

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[merrill]

sjf,
any good mb center can pull your motor etc for you to send out for rebuild

gernold will send everything out for rebuild any way.  the real catch is gernold is the guru in getting the car back up and running.

if you go local you need to find someone that really knows these cars.

99% of the r/r is just rolling up your sleves and getting your hands dirty.
the last 1% is getting the car fine tuned.  that is where gernold will pay off.

good luck either way you choose
matt

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[sjf]

quote:Originally posted by sjf

Matt ,
Thank you for you help and insight.I guess we all want the the job done right at a realistic price..it just seems harder to have that done these days.
Or you will pay an exorbinate amount and still have a poorly done job.. I work with my hands alot but do not have the time or expertise to r/r this engine,
Thanks again

quote:Originally posted by merrill

sjf,
any good mb center can pull your motor etc for you to send out for rebuild

gernold will send everything out for rebuild any way.  the real catch is gernold is the guru in getting the car back up and running.

if you go local you need to find someone that really knows these cars.

99% of the r/r is just rolling up your sleves and getting your hands dirty.
the last 1% is getting the car fine tuned.  that is where gernold will pay off.

good luck either way you choose
matt

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230