Rebuilding the Engine

Back in 2010, the engine of my 180b (its original engine) started burning oil excessively leaving behind the car a blue/whitish cloud of smoke. Back then, I had a rebuilt 180b bloc that I have kept for years. I didn't know exactly how it was rebuilt but I knew it was ready to be installed. Quickly, I took out the original engine and replaced it with the rebuilt bloc keeping in the back of my mind the idea that this replacement is temporary until I find the right time to rebuild the original one. After Christmas and New Year vacation, and with 2014 announcing major changes in my life, I decided to take the opportunity and rebuild the original engine.

Dismantling going on

I faced the dilemma of which mechanic to choose for the job. It was either Bechara Ghsoub or Abdo El-Hage. Both are experienced mechanics who have more than 50 years of experience in Mercedes-Benz cars. Finally, I decided to opt for Abdo El Hage for mainly his free time (he is retired but has kept his garage), for his continuous enthusiasm and good speed of work.

Abdo working hard on taking out the bloc

The original engine did not need boring; the pistons (standard size) were fine and the cylinder walls too. Of course new rings and polishing were a must. Looking at the crankshaft, we noticed that it needed boring and that it was already bored 4 times! It hence needed replacement! Among the many parts I had, there was a crankshaft that was only bored two times! Perfect match! The head needed new valves, guides and seals, a few hours job with the availability of the parts. Finally, I had a completely rebuilt engine ready to be installed.  

New bloc installed

Assembling the head after valves, guides and seals change

The installation process took few hours, the "new" engine quickly took its original place. Abdo, with his usual enthusiasm, and after saying few prayers, asked me to jump behind the wheel and start the car. Three cranks were enough to let the engine start! I was amazed by how smooth it appeared despite everything being new and hence still rough.

Assembling at its final stages

I took the car for its first ride. Nothing seemed unusual except its high idle which was left on purpose to smoother the engine. I drove around 100km, from Beirut to Batroun and back. I was happy no overheating was signaled and the oil pressure remained straight at its max.

After a thorough cleaning

When I finally arrived home, I noticed some oil dripping from the front crank seal; a deception after all the work performed. The seal I had installed was a NOS piece: I learned the hard way to never install NOS items when it comes to seals, joints and rubber pieces as these items tend to loose their elasticity and sealing properties with time. I ended up buying a new one from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.

The seal number 15 leaked oil

With the new front seal installed, I started driving and enjoying more and more my car. The break in period has been completed now: An oil and filter change, greasing and an engine bay wash is all what is required.
The next project will involve the rebuilding of the heating system; I admit it is a big challenge. 
   

Swissvax Time

Keeping a classic car in perfect shape is on its own a demanding task especially if its owner is kind of perfectionist. For me, the cleanliness, shining and immaculate functioning of my Mercedes-Benz 180b is subject to no jeopardizing under any circumstances; I always look for original parts, trust two extremely well experienced mechanics and use the best, yes truly the best, paint caring products.

My car’s exterior color is the DB040 Black which on its own is one of the most difficult colors to take care of, hence the need to use the best products available on the market arises. After trying many brands I discovered Swissvax: a bespoke handmade series of waxes that vary in carnauba wax concentration and of course price. Using Swissvax on my car made me discover a new perception of “smoothness and shining”. In fact, I opted for the 2nd best product which is the Swissvax Concorso. The Concorso has a 52% concentration of natural carnauba wax along with many vegetable/ natural oils and aromas and constitute the best quality to price ratio in my opinion.

To keep my Mercedes-Benz’s paint in immaculate condition, I wax my car every 3 to 4 months using the non-abrasive Swissvax cleaner fluid and the famous Swissvax Concorso. The key to get the best result is the patience and love one puts in every polishing and buffing stroke! As a start, I clean my car from the garage’s dust and apply the cleaner fluid. Once done I wipe it out and buff it with the special Swissvax microfiber cloth. Afterwards, I apply the wax by hand and let it dry for few minutes before buffing it again.

The result is generally immaculate, making me forget the fatigue and stand speechless with amazement in front of my shining Mercedes-Benz. Time has come for waxing! I will try mixing two waxes together; the Swissvax Concorso and the Swissvax Shield - a new blend that is able to fight nature's harshest conditions - hoping to get an even better result…stay tuned for new pictures…