Recent Posts

1

Announcements / Re: The effect of current USA administration policy on our group operations...

« Last post by mdsalemi on Today at 14:36:35 »

...It was set up as a "review" program, but my understanding is this was just was done for tax reasons.

When Ford first introduced their integral "infotainment system" called "Sync" (wholly written by Microsoft, which was badged as such in the car) it was, IMHO, about 85% perfect on V1. Had it on a Ford Contour. Loved it. Then, those brilliant minds--the engineers at Ford--could do it better and cheaper than Microsoft, and their new and improved model was called MyFordTouch (MFT) Introduced on a Ford Edge. It was a kluge; a horrendous downgrade in every way imaginable. It was so bad, that the CEO (under deposition in a legal issue) admitted to smashing the screen in frustration.

When it was time for review, I gave it to them with both barrels, and was called down to a lab in Dearborn. There, to a 20 something year old software engineer, had to explain a LOT of things to him (which he took back to the design team) which at first he did not really understand. Things like organization of metadata on music sorting, something that was perfect on Sync V1, all screwed up on MFT. Placement and style of the 4-way emergency flasher button, and a few other things. I'm happy to report that all my complaints (and I'm not so entitled to think I was the only one with them; think of the CEO who smashed the screen) were addressed in a serious update.

At Ford, at least, these reviews were a bit more than for tax reasons. Sometimes they listened.

2

Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes / Re: Drive train vibrations from Getrag 5-speed retrofit 280SL

« Last post by Pawel66 on Today at 14:17:43 »

There is a natural question coming to mind when you read your post, but I do not want to sidetrack the thread...

3

Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes / Re: Easy FIP timing test

« Last post by sens on Today at 14:04:05 »

Yes,

I have seen that.
However I think the method I used is far easier.

Hook up a stroboscope and disconnect an injector. That's it.

All the best.

Halvor

4

Events / Re: Houston Area Pagoda Owners Group - Coffee and Tacos

« Last post by Steve Barrett on Today at 13:01:13 »

Our Jun28 Coffee and Tacos event turned out great.  We had great attendance and nine owners who were able to bring their cars. Lots of enthusiasm to keep the group connected and we will have another get together in the fall.

5

Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes / Re: Drive train vibrations from Getrag 5-speed retrofit 280SL

« Last post by Cees Klumper on Today at 12:36:49 »

When I was 19 (1979) I drove a Triumph Spitfure that had a driveline vibration under load. I suspected one of the driveshaft U-joints - the front one is accessible from within the car once a tunnel cover is removed, so I put the rear on jackstands, let the engine run in gear, and sitting in the driver's seat held a piece of chalk closer and closer to the spinning driveshaft until it touched -  and it only touched one side, so the flange was not centered etc. By inserting a shim into one side of the U-joint fitting underneath the circlip holding it in, and grinding down the opposite side circlip, I was able to move the driveshaft to exactly 'centered'. Drove it happily ever after with no vibration.
Fast forwarding to 2010, a used 2002 Volvo S80 (FWD) I bought in Geneva with 30K miles also had a vibration under load. Turned out the passenger side driveshaft was just a slight little bit bent, likely from a fender bender the PO experienced (I also found a small bottle of Jagermeister tucked away behind the fuse box cover). I replaced it (the driveshaft) and it's still doing duty without any vibration today.

6

Way Off Topic / Re: Mobile Auto detailers in Stamford Conn?

« Last post by mdsalemi on Today at 12:24:53 »

Walt, tell your sister in law to join the social media app NextDoor, for Stamford. There will likely be many mobile detailers offering services, along with reviews from their satisfied clients.

7

Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes / Re: Easy FIP timing test

« Last post by Pawel66 on Today at 11:57:41 »

I could swear I took it from Technical Manual, but maybe it was from some post. Anyway, this is what I used.

8

Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes / Re: Rubber transmission mount for manual transmission

« Last post by VintageCarsBoutique on Today at 10:45:11 »

hello guys anyone know the distance 'a' in mm?

9

Wanted To Buy / Re: Early Cold Start Valve Ponton W128

« Last post by Pawel66 on Today at 10:39:39 »

I bought the new coil part of it. Will test.

10

Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes / Re: Securing the radiator

« Last post by Pawel66 on Today at 10:38:46 »

The screws are 4pcs N 304017 006016, looks like M6x12 (from conversion table), but check the length, 12mm may be too short.

Do not forget the rubber pads 2pcs A 113 502 00 30 (available at Mercedes).