Conor
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2019
- Messages
- 2,542
- Reaction score
- 1,632
- Location
- London, UK
- Your Mercedes
- 2010 S212 350 CGI // 2004 R230 500
Well that was a click bait title, straight from the YouTube playbook (apologies).
So, as many of you know, I recently bought an R230 SL 500, (in)famously documented here..
I've been quiet on the updates you guys have been anticipating.. mainly as I have been busy with other business and also not really driven the car that much, as it's winter.
Here's a quick rundown of some issues I have noticed, needing resolve and other jobs I have been collecting parts for and waiting for the right time to start the work.
* When I drive the engine to about 5k RPM, I get the old rotten egg smell. (Sulphur) I've seen various solutions to this and the problem could be minor or massive (expensive) :shrugs. One guy told me to blow it out with a small amount of diesel.. interested to hear opinions on that approach. I am confident this is the catalyst and not batteries, as some articles have suggested.
* Radiator leak. So I noticed that leak over time and recently had a coolant warning. I need to find that leak. I'm not overly concerned about it as I recently changed the oil and the oil was dark and not creamy, meaning head is probably ok. I guess it's hopefully just piping, a clip, or potentially a new radiator. Picture attached, note the location of ground mark is only slightly indicative as the fluid is coming from the underbelly drain hole.
They are the main issues, some other upcoming work that needs doing which is just normal expected really.
* Already changed engine oil/filter
* Change spark plugs, air, cabin filters as per interval.
* Change ABC fluid, fluid is dark dark green, but not black.
* Contemplating transmission fluid change and rear axle. Not sure yet.
* Rear wheel arches need doing for rust treatment.
* Renew brakes (pads+discs) all around (still not done)
I think "that's all" there is. As I said, i've not really driven this a lot. The main aim is to do all the above and get it prepped for a road trip in France with my dad in spring. I plan on doing a 1/200 hundred mile road trip before then also, to encourage any symptoms before the bigger trip. (I'll be buying breakdown assistance beforehand too, just in case )
Interested to hear how you guys might go about the sulphur smell and also the coolant leak. I don't fancy buying a pressure tester for ~200 quid, but wouldn't mind the use of one.
Thanks guys.
So, as many of you know, I recently bought an R230 SL 500, (in)famously documented here..
I've been quiet on the updates you guys have been anticipating.. mainly as I have been busy with other business and also not really driven the car that much, as it's winter.
Here's a quick rundown of some issues I have noticed, needing resolve and other jobs I have been collecting parts for and waiting for the right time to start the work.
* When I drive the engine to about 5k RPM, I get the old rotten egg smell. (Sulphur) I've seen various solutions to this and the problem could be minor or massive (expensive) :shrugs. One guy told me to blow it out with a small amount of diesel.. interested to hear opinions on that approach. I am confident this is the catalyst and not batteries, as some articles have suggested.
* Radiator leak. So I noticed that leak over time and recently had a coolant warning. I need to find that leak. I'm not overly concerned about it as I recently changed the oil and the oil was dark and not creamy, meaning head is probably ok. I guess it's hopefully just piping, a clip, or potentially a new radiator. Picture attached, note the location of ground mark is only slightly indicative as the fluid is coming from the underbelly drain hole.
They are the main issues, some other upcoming work that needs doing which is just normal expected really.
* Already changed engine oil/filter
* Change spark plugs, air, cabin filters as per interval.
* Change ABC fluid, fluid is dark dark green, but not black.
* Contemplating transmission fluid change and rear axle. Not sure yet.
* Rear wheel arches need doing for rust treatment.
* Renew brakes (pads+discs) all around (still not done)
I think "that's all" there is. As I said, i've not really driven this a lot. The main aim is to do all the above and get it prepped for a road trip in France with my dad in spring. I plan on doing a 1/200 hundred mile road trip before then also, to encourage any symptoms before the bigger trip. (I'll be buying breakdown assistance beforehand too, just in case )
Interested to hear how you guys might go about the sulphur smell and also the coolant leak. I don't fancy buying a pressure tester for ~200 quid, but wouldn't mind the use of one.
Thanks guys.