AMG3.2's DIY Headbolt Adventure
#101
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C63 AMG, P30
The code reader goes: Connecting to ABR module and cycles through that, ABS, and SRS.
As it cycles, the code pops up on my dash, and disappears a few seconds later. Then I go to clear codes and it pops back on. Even while my dash is illuminated with the codes, the reader says "no codes" after I read again.
The code goes away everytime I turn off the car and returns at 12MPH.
#102
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Weirdest thing happening when I try to clear it.
The code reader goes: Connecting to ABR module and cycles through that, ABS, and SRS.
As it cycles, the code pops up on my dash, and disappears a few seconds later. Then I go to clear codes and it pops back on. Even while my dash is illuminated with the codes, the reader says "no codes" after I read again.
The code goes away everytime I turn off the car and returns at 12MPH.
The code reader goes: Connecting to ABR module and cycles through that, ABS, and SRS.
As it cycles, the code pops up on my dash, and disappears a few seconds later. Then I go to clear codes and it pops back on. Even while my dash is illuminated with the codes, the reader says "no codes" after I read again.
The code goes away everytime I turn off the car and returns at 12MPH.
Loading OEM tune and completing a couple drive cycles fixed it once for me. Could have just been a coincidence though.
#104
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#106
MBWorld Fanatic!
I don't know yet for sure, but here's an alternate:
Find someone that has the Star diagnostic tool.
Use the parts software to determine the part number of the module you have. Use the part number to determine which other Mercedes have the same module.
Buy the module used, cheap, for instance from ebay from a vendor that offers a return in case of malfunction.
The owner somehow gets the star to do offline re-coding of the module that you found and Voila!.
Or, bring the used module to the dealer, somehow get the dealer to re-code it, pay approximately $150 (example on this board) and Voila!
I am guessing that overall, you could end up saving 30% maybe more of the price of a new one. Of course there's the chance that this replacement module will also crap out in a hurry.
But ebay seller are going to charge cheap prices for electronic modules, because these require a qualified buyer, something that they just don't get.
Find someone that has the Star diagnostic tool.
Use the parts software to determine the part number of the module you have. Use the part number to determine which other Mercedes have the same module.
Buy the module used, cheap, for instance from ebay from a vendor that offers a return in case of malfunction.
The owner somehow gets the star to do offline re-coding of the module that you found and Voila!.
Or, bring the used module to the dealer, somehow get the dealer to re-code it, pay approximately $150 (example on this board) and Voila!
I am guessing that overall, you could end up saving 30% maybe more of the price of a new one. Of course there's the chance that this replacement module will also crap out in a hurry.
But ebay seller are going to charge cheap prices for electronic modules, because these require a qualified buyer, something that they just don't get.
#107
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EDIT: PN: 003 540 04 45
Mine magically started working again and has been fine for a couple weeks. But I don't doubt it will start faulting again. I was going to cut the top off the cover to expose the PCB. I know some places do repair them so it may be something obvious that can be fixed.
Last edited by Jasonoff; 09-27-2016 at 07:24 AM.
#108
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C63 AMG, P30
I don't know yet for sure, but here's an alternate:
Find someone that has the Star diagnostic tool.
Use the parts software to determine the part number of the module you have. Use the part number to determine which other Mercedes have the same module.
Buy the module used, cheap, for instance from ebay from a vendor that offers a return in case of malfunction.
The owner somehow gets the star to do offline re-coding of the module that you found and Voila!.
Or, bring the used module to the dealer, somehow get the dealer to re-code it, pay approximately $150 (example on this board) and Voila!
I am guessing that overall, you could end up saving 30% maybe more of the price of a new one. Of course there's the chance that this replacement module will also crap out in a hurry.
But ebay seller are going to charge cheap prices for electronic modules, because these require a qualified buyer, something that they just don't get.
Find someone that has the Star diagnostic tool.
Use the parts software to determine the part number of the module you have. Use the part number to determine which other Mercedes have the same module.
Buy the module used, cheap, for instance from ebay from a vendor that offers a return in case of malfunction.
The owner somehow gets the star to do offline re-coding of the module that you found and Voila!.
Or, bring the used module to the dealer, somehow get the dealer to re-code it, pay approximately $150 (example on this board) and Voila!
I am guessing that overall, you could end up saving 30% maybe more of the price of a new one. Of course there's the chance that this replacement module will also crap out in a hurry.
But ebay seller are going to charge cheap prices for electronic modules, because these require a qualified buyer, something that they just don't get.
Pretty much what the dealer does. $495.65 is the cheapest I have seen it in the US and then you need it coded to your VIN.
EDIT: PN: 003 540 04 45
Mine magically started working again and has been fine for a couple weeks. But I don't doubt it will start faulting again. I was going to cut the top off the cover to expose the PCB. I know some places do repair them so it may be something obvious that can be fixed.
EDIT: PN: 003 540 04 45
Mine magically started working again and has been fine for a couple weeks. But I don't doubt it will start faulting again. I was going to cut the top off the cover to expose the PCB. I know some places do repair them so it may be something obvious that can be fixed.
I just can't believe this is a coincidence. Either removing the battery terminal tripped something and it'll go away with driving, or it vibrated to much or something when I used my electric ratchet to tighten down the valve cover bolts.
I'm going to give it some time before pulling the trigger on the new part.
Last edited by AMG3.2; 09-27-2016 at 12:48 PM.
#109
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Here is some more info:
All the W204 series have a secondary battery, except the C63.
I randomly bumped into a thread of w203 people where removing the battery and backup battery cause some type of module to go bad.
The procedure for the transmission oil replacement is posted in the forum with attaching an external source to the battery, so that the battery amperage supply doesn't drop too low.
I wondered why, as having the engine charge it afterwards should be no big deal. This was also for a 2011E350, which may or may not have the backup battery too.
Btw the Wis for the C63 does not mention the external source for the battery in the transmission oil change procedure.
All the W204 series have a secondary battery, except the C63.
I randomly bumped into a thread of w203 people where removing the battery and backup battery cause some type of module to go bad.
The procedure for the transmission oil replacement is posted in the forum with attaching an external source to the battery, so that the battery amperage supply doesn't drop too low.
I wondered why, as having the engine charge it afterwards should be no big deal. This was also for a 2011E350, which may or may not have the backup battery too.
Btw the Wis for the C63 does not mention the external source for the battery in the transmission oil change procedure.
#110
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I drove mine for a solid month while it was faulting to trouble shoot. It fixed itself after a few drive cycles on OEM tune.
Flashed back to the tune, was fine for 2 wks then started faulting. Made a dealer appt to do the star diagnostic and it magically started working again.
EDIT: RE Vladds post, maybe try giving your battery a charge overnight.
Flashed back to the tune, was fine for 2 wks then started faulting. Made a dealer appt to do the star diagnostic and it magically started working again.
EDIT: RE Vladds post, maybe try giving your battery a charge overnight.
Last edited by Jasonoff; 09-27-2016 at 01:31 PM.
#111
Here is some more info:
All the W204 series have a secondary battery, except the C63.
I randomly bumped into a thread of w203 people where removing the battery and backup battery cause some type of module to go bad.
The procedure for the transmission oil replacement is posted in the forum with attaching an external source to the battery, so that the battery amperage supply doesn't drop too low.
I wondered why, as having the engine charge it afterwards should be no big deal. This was also for a 2011E350, which may or may not have the backup battery too.
Btw the Wis for the C63 does not mention the external source for the battery in the transmission oil change procedure.
All the W204 series have a secondary battery, except the C63.
I randomly bumped into a thread of w203 people where removing the battery and backup battery cause some type of module to go bad.
The procedure for the transmission oil replacement is posted in the forum with attaching an external source to the battery, so that the battery amperage supply doesn't drop too low.
I wondered why, as having the engine charge it afterwards should be no big deal. This was also for a 2011E350, which may or may not have the backup battery too.
Btw the Wis for the C63 does not mention the external source for the battery in the transmission oil change procedure.
#112
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C63 AMG, P30
I drove mine for a solid month while it was faulting to trouble shoot. It fixed itself after a few drive cycles on OEM tune.
Flashed back to the tune, was fine for 2 wks then started faulting. Made a dealer appt to do the star diagnostic and it magically started working again.
EDIT: RE Vladds post, maybe try giving your battery a charge overnight.
Flashed back to the tune, was fine for 2 wks then started faulting. Made a dealer appt to do the star diagnostic and it magically started working again.
EDIT: RE Vladds post, maybe try giving your battery a charge overnight.
Back to a head bolt part of the thread since that's been neglected...
I'll update the DIY side of things with tools and whatnot needed later, but have a question regarding validating whether my job is actually holding.
How will I know if I haven't compromised the headgasket? Any signs I should be looking for? I'm constantly checking for coolant in the dipstick as that would look super milky. So far I've driven the car about 10 miles and pretty hard up to about 5k (playing it safe), and all looks to be well, but anything else I should be looking for?
So far, no sweet coolant burning smell. But, since I opened the cooling system, inherently there will be air in the lines. So far I've squeezed the radiator lines to try to move any air to the reservoir. That being said, after how many miles or time should I see coolant usage in the reservoir level off?
Also, the sucking noise I was complaining about on startup was actually the valve cover gasket on the passenger side. When installing this one, it's very hard to install the cover while not tapping the cam covers and therefore moving the gasket out of place. Turns out, the oil leak was actually due to a gasket misplacement. Fixed it and all seems well now. No more leaking or sucking noise upon engine shut down.
#113
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You get the chemical head gasket test kit from Pep Boys. It's a container that has a chemical in it that is blue and is to be bolted on top of the filler neck of the coolant.
You run the car without coolant cover and with this thing on top and if the liquid turns yellow there's a problem.
It checks for exhaust gases in the antifreeze and can detect way before the pressure pushes the coolant out of the overflow.
I have the kit at home and used it on a BMW e36 that had "magic" coolant disappearance problems. This thing stubbornly indicated there was no head gasket problem and in the end turns out it was leaking inside the firewall where the heater valve is.
You run the car without coolant cover and with this thing on top and if the liquid turns yellow there's a problem.
It checks for exhaust gases in the antifreeze and can detect way before the pressure pushes the coolant out of the overflow.
I have the kit at home and used it on a BMW e36 that had "magic" coolant disappearance problems. This thing stubbornly indicated there was no head gasket problem and in the end turns out it was leaking inside the firewall where the heater valve is.
#115
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Take a look at how this works, the video is not mine.
The vapors from the car bubble through the liquid. The liquid never goes into the car, you can see that the level stays unchanged. Just like the guy in this video, I did also not use the additional hookup for vacuum, because then there could be contamination, but just like him, the test worked even without it.
Pressure testing brings up the life span of the radiator. The radiator is not only affected by mileage, but also years of operation. It could have no effect, or maybe some.
Unless you can get from the WIS the operating pressure of the cooling system and use that value or slightly below.
Last edited by Vladds; 09-27-2016 at 06:30 PM.
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Jasonoff (09-27-2016)
#117
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C63 AMG, P30
How to use a Lisle Combustion Leak Detector kit 75500 on a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L v8 - YouTube
Take a look at how this works, the video is not mine.
The vapors from the car bubble through the liquid. The liquid never goes into the car, you can see that the level stays unchanged. Just like the guy in this video, I did also not use the additional hookup for vacuum, because then there could be contamination, but just like him, the test worked even without it.
Pressure testing brings up the life span of the radiator. The radiator is not only affected by mileage, but also years of operation. It could have no effect, or maybe some.
Unless you can get from the WIS the operating pressure of the cooling system and use that value or slightly below.
Take a look at how this works, the video is not mine.
The vapors from the car bubble through the liquid. The liquid never goes into the car, you can see that the level stays unchanged. Just like the guy in this video, I did also not use the additional hookup for vacuum, because then there could be contamination, but just like him, the test worked even without it.
Pressure testing brings up the life span of the radiator. The radiator is not only affected by mileage, but also years of operation. It could have no effect, or maybe some.
Unless you can get from the WIS the operating pressure of the cooling system and use that value or slightly below.
Also, got my ESP module code read and cleared via STAR and it went away... Looks like my Autel wasn't clearing it properly.
All values for module N30/4 were displaying properly via STAR as well so the tech couldn't understand why it would have thrown a code. Looks like some sort of electrical gremlin came my way after unplugging the battery. On that note, time to buy a STAR machine...
#119
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C63 AMG, P30
Fluid would change color to yellow/green if exhaust vapor was entering cooling system. This is the fluid after about 4 minutes of testing. Directions state to test for 2 mins.
So... I think I actually pulled this off.
Merc, thanks for your help along the way. You and Jasonoff really helped me out through this.
Last edited by AMG3.2; 07-20-2017 at 11:27 AM.
#120
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2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Nice dude. Lifter tick gone and that hissing noise too?
#121
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C63 AMG, P30
Yeah. The tick with brand new tappets is apparently normal as they have to pressure with oil for the first 5 mins or so. Coulda use a warning that this was to be expected...
Hissing noise was a stupid mishap with the valve cover gasket. read above a little more, Went into detail on what happened. All is fixed.
Hissing noise was a stupid mishap with the valve cover gasket. read above a little more, Went into detail on what happened. All is fixed.
#122
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W204 C63 R171
Here is my post, about the head bolts. My heads where removed completely and machined and new gaskets installed.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...nt-leak-2.html
I am just getting ready to do my 1000km engine flush and oil change.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...nt-leak-2.html
I am just getting ready to do my 1000km engine flush and oil change.
Last edited by andrew c230k; 09-27-2016 at 11:54 PM.
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#123
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Damn. Took a few days away and a whole lot has happened.
Great work 3.2, and excellent job forum members!
Great work 3.2, and excellent job forum members!
#124
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Do the heads separate easy?
on stud blocks that have limited work room in the bay, to separate the heads it can be hours and hours of work, the studs "cement" the heads into position.
Also, Andrew, I thought Mercedes antifreeze was blue. Did your car have green antifreeze in the first place?
on stud blocks that have limited work room in the bay, to separate the heads it can be hours and hours of work, the studs "cement" the heads into position.
Also, Andrew, I thought Mercedes antifreeze was blue. Did your car have green antifreeze in the first place?
#125
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Yeah. The tick with brand new tappets is apparently normal as they have to pressure with oil for the first 5 mins or so. Coulda use a warning that this was to be expected...
Hissing noise was a stupid mishap with the valve cover gasket. read above a little more, Went into detail on what happened. All is fixed.
Hissing noise was a stupid mishap with the valve cover gasket. read above a little more, Went into detail on what happened. All is fixed.