Winter 2019/2020 Project

[Chris Long]

Please advise if this is the wrong section but most of the work fits in this area. I'll have lots of questions I'm sure as I undertake my first major winter project and wanted to create a single thread for everything. I had the shocks (billsteins) and engine/transmission/subframe mounts replaced in spring and want to now tackle the rest of the rubber.

Trying to be logical and given having to remove the radiator anyway it seems like a good idea to tackle a few front of engine jobs at the same time...

Appreciate thoughts on if I'm missing anything major...

List of Projects:

- Refinish wheels and new whitewall tires

- Sway Bar and Leaf Bushings

- Cooling system
   + Replace radiator (small leak)
   + New hoses
   + New water pump
   + Flush
   ? New thermostat

- Oil System (whilst having to remove radiator anyway)
   + New heat exchanger
   + New heat exchanger hoses
   + Crank Seal (currently leakng)
   ? Sump / sump seal
 
- Clean Speedometer glass
   + New ring/seal
   + New bulb
   + Fix rattle on horn ring (whilst wheel off for speedomter removal)

Servicer
   + Air Filter
   + Oil Filer
   + Fuel Filter
   + Plugs

[Vander]

When doing a service, don't forget to re-torque the head and do a valve adjustment.

Send your radiator out to a local radiator shop and have them re-core it.

[Chris Long]

Controversial I know, but I'm going to try the Haas Classic replacement radiator and the oil cooler from Classic Mercedes Parts (Belgium).

I looked around locally at a few radiator shops but non gave me confidence so I've opted for new. If it doesn't fit it still leaves me the option of a recore.

All the other parts are OEM / Authentic Classics.  I'll post up pictures as I go and parts arrive.

Will look at the top end work but mechanic that did the engine / subframe mounts indicted that all was well...

[Iconic]

I believe you forgot the more than 20 grease zerks that need grease.
Also, depending on how old your water pump is, why not change it out since you have the cooling system drained and the radiator out of the way?
Have fun !!
Mark

[Shvegel]

I have the Haas Radiator.  It fits perfectly. 

[Chris Long]

Any suggestions on a puller for the harmonic balancer?

[lurtch]

Hello,

A trip to Home Depot got the Harmonic balancer job done for me - -

Larry in CA

[pj]

Someone please tell me what a "harmonic balancer" does. So much to learn!

[ja17]

Very creative "lurtch"

[MikeSimon]

Someone please tell me what a "harmonic balancer" does. So much to learn!

If you consider that the rotation of an engine is not at all "smooth" or consistent but follows the combustion impulses of the cylinders - in case of our SLs, 3 impulses per rotation - the crankshaft faces forces that lead to vibration which could cause damage to the crankshaft or other parts of the engine or car.
A harmonic balancer takes out these forces, usually through rubber inserts in the crankshaft pulley. It is also sometimes called "dampener".