Aftermarket 230SL Injection Pump Thermostat

[66andBlue]

The price for a new OEM wax-filled thermostat for the 230SL IP (R11) has now passed the $1K mark so I was surprised to see an aftermarket for half the price:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121723714918
Who knows something about this reproduction part?

[ctaylor738]

I do know the owner of Star Classics, Art Thumwood.  He is a true car guy.  He had his Avanti at Amelia Island this year.  He well-known supplier of parts for older cars like the Pontons, and he has a good reputation. Here is his contact info if anyone wants to talk to him about this product.

http://www.artsstarclassics.com/contactus.html

[66andBlue]

Thanks Chuck.
Since you know him well, invite him to come to PUB2015 and bring along the part and any other ones for W113 and W111 cars that he makes.

[scoot]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121723714918

FWIW the ebay listing is wrong.  It shows this thermostat as being applicable for a lot of cars that it doesn't fit.  (like a 280 SL???)
I think this is the thermostat I need for my M189 engine though and I would be interested in knowing more...

Scott

[66andBlue]

Wrong?
Note that he lists the correct part number!
"This part numbered 001-203-61-75 is sold by Mercedes-Benz for $1090"

[scoot]

Wrong?  Note that he lists the correct part number!

If you scroll down in the listing it lists cars that this part applies to.  It is showing all 3 liter cars and all Pagoda cars.  It doesn't apply to most pagoda cars.   I didn't think it even went in a 230SL but that may be.  I very much doubt that the thermostats in your 280SL and your 230SL look the same.

And yes, MSRP $1090, the lowest dealer price I have found is $850.

[ctaylor738]

I sent an email to Star Classics and got a very quick reply regarding fitment for the 250 and 280.  They agreed that it was a mistake, and I quote as follows:

"I’ll take that info off  of eBay right now.  I DO know it is correct for the 230SL.  Definitely fits the W189 and W199 Also make the version for the W198 and have not had a comeback in 10-14 years. So, it comes, comfortably with a one year warranty. It is also rebuildable by us, down the road if necessary."

Cheers,

CT

[wwheeler]

FYI....Also fits the 220SE motors in the Late Pontons and Fintails with 2 plunger injection pumps. 

[merrill]

Years ago Hans at H&R said he could rebuild those.    might be worth a call to him.

[George Des]

There's not much to go wrong inside one of these. They are sealed and wax filled but if you need one, you need one and they are expensive if you have to get new. I picked up two spares that came off of earlier sedans and sold one to someone who really needed one. I am still on my original one that is on a 1966 so these are not something that typically go bad--at least in my experience.

[scoot]

...but if you need one, you need one...

Unfortunately I need one.   But it's the least of my engine issues right now....

[George Des]

Back in the early 80's when I was stationed in Kaiserslautern Germany, the US military used to run bone yards for the Morale Welfare and Recreation organizations. A big one was outside K-Town at Sembach AFB. but there were others all over Germany in all the American military communities. They were filled with 60s and 70s vintage Mercedes--lots of 220SE, 250SE and 280SE. Parts were there pretty much for the picking and a very small sum to support the MWR operation. When I think back on that now and the parts that have been almost impossible to find now or have reached ridiculous prices, I can just about cry. I know a lot of these cars in the end went to the crusher or the melter with most of those parts along with them. Germany had a clunker law long before we did, so most of the commercial bone years also disposed of many now valuable hulks along with parts such as these thermostats!

[merrill]

Hi
gus at pacific is great for injection pump rebuilds.

I have also use hans at H&R for rebulds as well as thermostat rebuilds.


H & R Fuel Injection Ltd
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Phone: (631) 589-1600