Spring preparation 2017
03-21-2017, 05:03 AM
#51
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
This photo is for you Kowalski 
The one on the left is the old and very hard joint. The new one obviously is on the other side
The dealer had the part it stock for once and didn't need to wait 24h for the part(s) to arrive from Zurich... 
I put a smear of Loctite red gasket on the cap to reduce the possibility of a new leak. Time will tell.
The one on the left is the old and very hard joint. The new one obviously is on the other side
The dealer had the part it stock for once and didn't need to wait 24h for the part(s) to arrive from Zurich... I put a smear of Loctite red gasket on the cap to reduce the possibility of a new leak. Time will tell.
03-21-2017, 07:07 PM
#53
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
The battery is on charge fo the night. We will see if she bootes up correctly tomorrow or Thursday... 
03-22-2017, 07:51 AM
#54
that's what I have. Excellent product
03-24-2017, 02:34 PM
#56
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
She lives!!!
After getting everything assembled, the liquids checked and the battery charged, guess I had no further excuses not to go ahead and pull my queen out of her beauty sleep. Switched on the ignition and left the pump prime and get pressure up while I regulated the 4 windows.
Turned the key and WOW that sweet roar music out of the exhaust. No puff of blue smoke like last year. I let the engine idle for 15-20 minutes to get things up to temperature and topped up the expansion tank. All told I put in 8 litres of MB anti-freeze and distilled water at a 50% proportion. Checked for leaks under the hood and vehicle. All is dry. When everything has been checked out, I'll assemble the two snorkels and air-filter box and reassemble the fan. I'll leave it out for the moment to see how things hold as the temps are not yet high
A drive is for later, as I need to get new clamps onto the secondary cats and resonator Y pipe as they leaked a bit. The vehicle is still on axle stands and I need to get my plates back as I deposited them in December to pay less road tax.
Two videos. The first one is just after start-up and the lifters are very noisy. The second is after the warm-up. Much nicer and normal sound IMO.
After getting everything assembled, the liquids checked and the battery charged, guess I had no further excuses not to go ahead and pull my queen out of her beauty sleep. Switched on the ignition and left the pump prime and get pressure up while I regulated the 4 windows.
Turned the key and WOW that sweet roar music out of the exhaust. No puff of blue smoke like last year. I let the engine idle for 15-20 minutes to get things up to temperature and topped up the expansion tank. All told I put in 8 litres of MB anti-freeze and distilled water at a 50% proportion. Checked for leaks under the hood and vehicle. All is dry. When everything has been checked out, I'll assemble the two snorkels and air-filter box and reassemble the fan. I'll leave it out for the moment to see how things hold as the temps are not yet high
A drive is for later, as I need to get new clamps onto the secondary cats and resonator Y pipe as they leaked a bit. The vehicle is still on axle stands and I need to get my plates back as I deposited them in December to pay less road tax.
Two videos. The first one is just after start-up and the lifters are very noisy. The second is after the warm-up. Much nicer and normal sound IMO.
Last edited by DRBC43AMG; 03-25-2017 at 03:17 AM.
03-25-2017, 02:20 PM
#57
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Thought I would show you the condition of the water pump gasket. Some pretty heavy scaling... 
03-25-2017, 02:32 PM
#58
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Also for those who want to know the rear AMG muffler part #
03-27-2017, 11:23 PM
#59
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Another gasket to change that hardens and will leak over time is the oil filter housing gasket. After you fixed the oil cooler gaskets it's going to eventually leak at the next weakest point. You need to take the oil filter out,remove that huge metric nut out and pull the unit apart and replace the round gasket. I have no pics but there are several articles on this.
03-28-2017, 12:57 PM
#61
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Putting together the exhaust today, I made a quick video of a cold start up without the rear muffler. Just the Y pipe. It sounds like an old fishing boat but I'm sure the neighbours jumped when they heard it...
but I'm sure the neighbours jumped when they heard it...
04-04-2017, 08:43 AM
#63
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Finally took the 43 for a first drive after the winter months hibernation. Also went out to check if all the work done over the last month has solved the leaks and different noises. After a good 1/2h drive everything looks OK. No sweating, no visible leaks, no puddles underneath. I've been running without the fan to see if the temp is kept under control. Temp dial didn't go over 85°c approx, but the outside temps are still coolish (around 16°c). In any case, I guess it will be safer to run with the fan attached.
Next to last thing to do on the "To do" list is a scan of the codes to check if something is registered or wrong.
Finally I'll be needing some new tyres on the 18" Monos. As usual it will be a Michelin choice and I'll try this time round the new Pilot Sport 4 version which has just come out on the market. Comments are very positive for this new tyre.
Oh, and an oil flush and filter change with some nice Mobil1
Next to last thing to do on the "To do" list is a scan of the codes to check if something is registered or wrong.
Finally I'll be needing some new tyres on the 18" Monos. As usual it will be a Michelin choice and I'll try this time round the new Pilot Sport 4 version which has just come out on the market. Comments are very positive for this new tyre.
Oh, and an oil flush and filter change with some nice Mobil1
04-04-2017, 10:58 PM
#64
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Awesome! That first time out is always anxious but exciting. I just bought the new Conti ExtremeContact Sport tires, hopefully get to put them to the test soon; car needs a few more things to be dialed in..almost there.
I want to hear back about those new Michelins after you get a chance to run them.
I want to hear back about those new Michelins after you get a chance to run them.
04-18-2017, 04:42 PM
#65
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Awesome! That first time out is always anxious but exciting. I just bought the new Conti ExtremeContact Sport tires, hopefully get to put them to the test soon; car needs a few more things to be dialed in..almost there.
I want to hear back about those new Michelins after you get a chance to run them.
I want to hear back about those new Michelins after you get a chance to run them.
04-18-2017, 05:03 PM
#66
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
The time is right to change the wiper. Popped down to the dealer and purchased a new wiper blade. It came cheaper than the ones you find in the local shops so I guess it's a good deal.
Upon opening the box, I discovered that the new OE wiper now has a Star sticker on the side of the blade and also a display which tells you when it's time to replace with a new one. Guess that's cool engineering and marketing
Upon opening the box, I discovered that the new OE wiper now has a Star sticker on the side of the blade and also a display which tells you when it's time to replace with a new one. Guess that's cool engineering and marketing
04-19-2017, 11:38 AM
#71
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Guess the Swiss mb importer has a "special" supplier...
04-21-2017, 05:20 PM
#72
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Last item on the list of preventive maintenance and spring preparation, before getting an oil change with filter next week, is the replacement of the viscous fan.
I ordered a Febi-Bilstein version in Germany as it was among the cheapest ones available. It was manufactured last month, so I guess that's really new from the stock. Delivered today and installed on the engine this afternoon. A 15 minutes job and easy to do when you have the correct tools...
I ordered a Febi-Bilstein version in Germany as it was among the cheapest ones available. It was manufactured last month, so I guess that's really new from the stock. Delivered today and installed on the engine this afternoon. A 15 minutes job and easy to do when you have the correct tools...
08-01-2017, 12:51 PM
#73
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Picked up the special fan removal tools from the dealer this morning. Really easy getting the fan free when you have the right tools and equipment
I then proceeded removing the fan shroud and then the radiator. Removed, cleaned up the area and reinstalled a new thermostat with a 87°c opening. Applied a smear of blue loctite on the two holding screws and torqued down to 20Nm.
Next job this afternoon will be looking for the oil leak...! This morning there was a drop of oil on the floor which had dripped of the compressor bracket screw. However getting a good clear view in that area will require removal of the A/C radiator. At the same time it will be a good moment to get everything cleaned up as there is a lot of gunk, leaves, etc.
I then proceeded removing the fan shroud and then the radiator. Removed, cleaned up the area and reinstalled a new thermostat with a 87°c opening. Applied a smear of blue loctite on the two holding screws and torqued down to 20Nm.
Next job this afternoon will be looking for the oil leak...! This morning there was a drop of oil on the floor which had dripped of the compressor bracket screw. However getting a good clear view in that area will require removal of the A/C radiator. At the same time it will be a good moment to get everything cleaned up as there is a lot of gunk, leaves, etc.
08-02-2017, 11:36 AM
#74
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12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG sold)
Sorry for the late reply...
The first tool is to hold and stop the fan pulley from moving.
The second tool is an open ended spanner which is used to unscrew the large nut behind the viscous clutch assembly. As this tool is very short, you need to use an extension handle, or like me I used a 13mm (if I remember the size correctly) tube spanner, which should fit over the end of the open spanner. I then increased the overall length with a ratchet tube.
Just a reminder, the nut is screwed pretty tight and has a normal thread direction. Take your time breaking the seal and make sure the tools are always in the right position to avoid damage to your fingers, hands should something slip.
This is my set-up and it works OK having the correct MB extension handle would be better, but not sure if the expenditure is necessary 
The first tool is to hold and stop the fan pulley from moving.
The second tool is an open ended spanner which is used to unscrew the large nut behind the viscous clutch assembly. As this tool is very short, you need to use an extension handle, or like me I used a 13mm (if I remember the size correctly) tube spanner, which should fit over the end of the open spanner. I then increased the overall length with a ratchet tube.
Just a reminder, the nut is screwed pretty tight and has a normal thread direction. Take your time breaking the seal and make sure the tools are always in the right position to avoid damage to your fingers, hands should something slip.
This is my set-up and it works
OK having the correct MB extension handle would be better, but not sure if the expenditure is necessary
Last edited by DRBC43AMG; 08-04-2017 at 05:47 AM. Reason: Edited to add picture
