S-Vibes

You don't usually see the word cheap used in relation to our trucks, so just for this thread I hope you can think outside the box. I've got a little time this holiday weekend and would like to do some general maintenance not dictated by the ever present CEL on the dash. At the same time, still trying to keep the spend low, so let's say for $100 or less: what would be the best use of my time and or money?

Thanks for the suggestions

BlownV8

Go to Carmax and accept the cash now offer. No more diesel issues and will save you a ton of money in the long run. Either that or trade for a GL450/550.

Other than that, $100 will just about get you a DIY oil change. Can't change too often in the OM642 to avoid sludge.

dhurley

Oil change, Howes or Hot Shot fuel treatment, replace the airmatic filter if you can find one local, adjust air pressures, and clean it in and out.

S-Vibes

I'd never heard of these diesel fuel treatments. Just now started looking at Amazon reviews of them and lots of 6.0 or 7.3 diesels report good results, but there were a few that mentioned engine damage. If it's okay for our trucks with the DPF and CATs, then I would be game for have the treatment clean out the injectors. Anyone say "nay"?

S-Vibes

Nah, I'm a glutton for punishment.

dhurley

They are perfectly fine for the OM642 w/DPF. Howes is good stuff and you can use it all the time. You wont notice a difference in performance but the main reason to use it is to restore the lubricating properties to the fuel and displace water. Ultra low sulphur diesel isnt very good at lubricating. Hot Shots Extreme is very good at cleaning and lubing the fuel system (mainly the injectors) but you use it only twice a year. Hot Shots has an every day treatment but its harder to find thanHowes.

Howes won't do damage if you use too much but at a point more is not better. Hot Shots Extreme you can use too much so stick to the recommended amount.

S-Vibes

Thanks for the clarification. Will order and give them a try.

chassis

Too late for the weekend:

cabin dust filters
engine air filter

sak335

I was waiting for some big downloads to finish the other day and so started searching YouTube for X164/OM642 videos and watched anything that wasn't in Russian. There was one guy suggesting that the PCV valve be replaced preventatively every 40-50k miles. It piqued my interest enough that I started searching for the part number, which then made me realize that my copy of WIS/ASRA was dead, so I bought another one on eBay. And I still can't find, it, but still like the idea of replacing it because it's cheap insurance.

S-Vibes

Good idea, thanks