Preparing the Pagoda for a roadtrip (Blacklick)

[ja17]

With a lot of owners preparing to take their Pagodas on trip to Blacklick or somewhere distant this summer, it might be nice to discuss some preparations. Many owners carry some basic tools and spares along on the journey also.

First, we assume the cars are in good tune and have fresh oil, coolant etc.

The general condition of the tires and age should be reviewed. All wheels should be torqued to 85 ft. lbs. Make sure the spare is ok and your lug wrench and jack are functional. Wheel alignment or imbalance should be taken care of.

Lubricate chassis and check all fluid levels.

Check condition of the drive shaft flex disc and hardware.

Check coolant hoses and fan belts.

The cars with automatics should have the linkage bushings checked. The rubber transmission hoses going into the bottom of the radiator should be checked for condition. These are fairly inexpensive to replace. If one bursts on the road you loose all your fluid.

The rear axle boot should be checked for condition.

Brake fluid and brake linings should be checked.

Front wheel bearing covers may need grease replenished or possibly bearings repacked.

Check all exhaust hangers.

Check all lights.

Consider joining the AAA with the optional long distant towing. It is good insurance and peace of mind knowing if something does happen your pagoda will be delivered back to your door step. I am not sure exactly what the stipulations are these days. Maybe someone can elaborate?

Mercedes also has a 24 hr roadside assistance number 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES  for any Mercedes owner no matter what year or model.

Any other thoughts?

[jameshoward]

Learning more about the car now, I would also check the fuel injection pump oil level. (My pump continues to fill slowly with something which is causing me grief so I need to keep an eye on it until I have worked out what to do - it really affects the economy).

For long trips, I'd also recommend the occassional 'halt parade' (a good military term). If you're doing long legs, when you stop for fuel/food, have a cursory look around the engine. Put the back of your hand to the hubs (more difficult if covered - if so feel to the back but be careful of hot brakes if you've been braking hard). Excessive heat in the hubs will indicate bearing problems. I was lucky and caught a bad bearing in this way. Joe's excellent rear axel/bearing tour sorted it!

I hope you all have a great session. I would love to be there.

JH