PART 1 Now that we are officially into summer, at least in the northern hemisphere, there is no better time to talk about air conditioning. This week we will cover the A/C system in the 1975...
For 1975, U.S. buyers were privileged to an all new feature—emissions! Yes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, required that all cars be fitted with an emissions system to hep curb exhaust pollutants. With the on set of the new government requirements, auto makers scrambled to get...
The Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) is something considered to be an item that needs periodic cleaning. The sensor measures air velocity for the car’s computer to determine the right air/fuel mixture. The MAF can get dirty over time from debris, oil, air filter fibers, dust and pollen which can result...
While we don’t often pay enough attention to our tires after we have them installed, we certainly do spend hours trying to pick the best looking tire. This great social experiment was had recently at a large regional tire center. Being tenth in line, allowed for plenty of people watching and...
Boost issues can be frustrating. They can also be difficult to track down, especially on a Volvo where there are many sensors, hoses, and electrical components. If you are experiencing sporadic boost, consistently low boost pressure but reliable vacuum, or occasional spikes in boost pressure, the...
REFRIGERENT r12 or r134 In our second part of the Mercedes 450SL air conditioning restoration, we will focus on prepping the system for freon. The 1975 450SL I am restoring, had the original compressor with r12 refrigerant. While it had long since leaked down over the near decade of sitting,...
Like any gearhead, I love buying parts just as much as turning a wrench, but the same roadblocks keep me dissatisfied when shopping at certain retailers. Free shipping often comes at a price, long hold times are the only way to get support, and returns usually involve a tiring back-and-forth. Has...
One of the most challenging jobs on the 1975 450SL will be the timing chain. It starts out innocently enough but will take on a life of it’s own. 1975 Mercedes 450SL timing chain While learning can be a challenge, it’s always worth the time and in the process we will discover how to and how not...
A few months after getting a 2004 Saab 9-3 Arc I found that the rear passenger side power window would not always roll back up. Instead it would try to roll up but soon stop and make a crumpling paper type of noise until I let go of the controls. I would have to help it up with my hand in order...
Prepping a Mercedes 450SL for a timing chain Now we are ready for step two of the timing chain replacement on our 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL. The first step is to decide how you will go about moving the engine and there are two options. Option 1: Remove the subframe and hold the engine in place...