Mittelmotor 914 Update!, Had a talk with Ingo on Saturday... Options

[stephenaki]

OK, I went to Cologne this weekend and on the way up stopped by to see Ingo at Mittelmotor to see what the deal was...I was prepared for the worst based on his email.

Well, based on his email, and some information from this forum, it is not near as bad as I feared. Let me summarize this and get to the point and, I will need some input from the group on some issues.

1. Diesel problem, fixed. They changed out 3 of the plugs, one was stubborn so they decided better I break it than them, and fuel filter. Runs fine now.

2. Front axle not a problem, he thinks the shocks should be changed. Otherwise the tierods and A-arms were solid.

3. Brake lines. Fairly well worn and the lines from the metal tubing to the brakes definately need replacing.

4. Engine and Gear Box leak. Need to replace some seals, nothing that requires the engine to be dropped.

5. Lights and wipers. still inop and the lower right fog?driving light? is busted.

6. Engine mounts need replacing. All four are worn and the rubber cracked.

7. Rear axle (this had me worried). It IS attached to the car. What he was refering to was that the trailing arms had lateral play and he said that the pin that runs through it was bad and the entire trailing arm should be replaced on both sides.

So, here are my questions, most serious concern first.

1. Trailing arm lateral play, whats tolerance? Can the pin be replaced or do I have to replace the entire trailing arm? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) From what I can see, the whole unit must be replaced. This would be the most expensive problem.

2. Lights, what are common problems that people have experienced that would cause the headlights and driving lights to shut down? All the other lights and turn signals work.

Bottom line, not that big a problem, the cost was going to be the labor, they charge A LOT!! Needless to say brakes are PITA and I didn't feel like messing with the seals so I had him fix those two problems. If I had my Mityvac I would have done the brakes but I don't and I hate bleeding brakes!

I go back next Saturday to pick up the car, I will put her on a trailer and bring it back to Stuttgart then drop it off at the on-post auto craft shop and work on it there. Barring any significant issues with the trailing arms, need your input on this one, I should have it up and ready for inspection before the end of March. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

Of course this could all come to a screeching halt if they send me on another lovely trip somewhere else for a few weeks but I don't think that is in the cards right now. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[Eric_Shea]

We don't know if that's the problem.

I searched (+oval +suspension +weld) and couldn't find anything.

I did find this though. This is one of the rare bushing collapses:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...eld++suspension

[stephenaki]

We don't know if that's the problem.

I searched (+oval +suspension +weld) and couldn't find anything.

I did find this though. This is one of the rare bushing collapses:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...eld++suspension

I did a similar search but I can't remember the words. I found a thread on the use of a washer to fix the problem. Had a lot of input from you as well Eric. Basic jist was to weld in a washer with the appropriate diameter to fix the problem. The discussion tthen progressed to, "where" outside or inside, trailing arm stud length, and the alternative of cutting the metal to the outer diameter of the washer then welding to ensure proper fitment. Quite interesting.

I am hoping I can get a good look at her this Sunday when I get her back from Mittelmotor. In the interim, I am going to order a fuze block upgrade to start with then, after I assess the rest of the car, set up my priorities of work that will get it past inspection first then improve overall handling and ride.