Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Jonny B on June 22, 2005, 11:07:16
-
This spring, after getting the normal check out (dwell, brake fluid change and the like) the car was running quite nicely. I then took it to the office and it sounded like a freight train. Discovered an almost three inch long crack in the rear exhaust manifold.
After much fussing about trying to weld it closed (there was a weak spot in the casting, etc.) the machine shop got it done. Ted Gottfried, got it all back together, and when he went to tighten it down, got another crack. He had suspected that there was a mis-alignment problem from the welded exhaust system to the joint on the header, but thought there was enough give in the system, along with a thicker gasket to make it work.
This turned out to not be the case. So now, I have a used rear manifold (properly cleaned and painted with Eastwood high temp paint) in place. Ted was able to make enough of an adjustment in the exhaust pipe to make it work. We may need to make some further adjustments but for now it is fine.
He priced out a new one, but at close to $900 we decided to go for alternatives. Turns out that the exhaust manifold is common to most of the 129/130 engines (250, 280 fuelie cars). Obviously you need to double check the numbers, but at least there are other alternatives. Joe A. can probably speak more cogently on the fits from other MB models.
I wanted to pass along the learnings.
BTW, it ran fine for two years before it decided to let go with the crack. Have no idea why, as we had done no dis-assembly or work on these components.
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
-
Hello John,
Yes all the injected gassoline sedans W108 with M129 and M130 used the same manifolds. However on the non-fuel injected (carbureted) sedans only the front manifold is the same as the W113s.
Successful lasting repairs on cast iron manifolds are nearly impossible. Always seek a good used sedan unit as an economical alternative.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
-
I too am having exhaist woes !
I had the car laden and snagged the exhaust on a speed ramp. It has cracked the front pipe almost where it joins the centre section.
Mine is an aftermarket pipe made from Inox steel, does anyone know if that can be welded, its only 2 years old and not at all rusty ?
Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
-
Ben,
is Inox what we Yanks call stainless steel? Should be weldable by any decent exhaust shop. Just make sure they use Inox or stainless wire.
George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual
-
Hope its ok to divert on your learnings Johnny.
I have discovered a couple of possible leaky spots on my rear pipes where they are welded to the resonator. Some soot is building up -- that is clue number one. Clue number two "might be" that in 3rd gear when I back off the throttle, I hear a faint but throaty gurgle (not to be confused with the typical resonation?)... It goes away when I either lower rpms or raise 'em and get into 4th. (automatic). So question is -- could this leak cause this sound? (and can welds be redone?) Thanks.
James
63 230SL
-
Joe,
Do you think an exhaust system from a 1970 280S(W108) be the same on the W113SL? The local junkyard near my place has a 1970 280S sedan with a stainless system in it. Should I run to grab it or shall I pass it on?
Walter
-
Hello,
Ben, I am not familiar with the term "inox Steel" also. If this is what we call stainless steel, (non magnetic low iron content), yes it is weldable. TIG welding is often the preferred method although MIG welding can also be used. Oxy/Acet weldting (torch) will also work with bronze or brass rod.
James, yes the exhaust systems are re-weldable and very repairable. Only the "cast iron" exhasust manifolds at the head are difficult to repair. Leaks in exhaust can cause different sounds at different times.
Walter, sorry to say that most of that 280S sedan system is different. This carbureted sedan will have the same frontmost exhaust manifold, all the other parts are different except for the chrome tail pipe tips.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
-
Joe,
Thanks for the info. Well now there is a perfectly useable exhaust on that car and I can't use it for the 1963 230SL. I'm guessing it's a timevalve system. Worth more than the price the junkyard paid for it. I asked how much they paid for it.
Walter
-
Thanks Georgew and Joe for your comments, sorry to take the thread on a tangent.
I will drop the system next week and weld it up !
Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.