"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
02/23/2019 at 14:16 • Filed to: wrenching, Smart, smart roadster
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"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
02/23/2019 at 14:16 • Filed to: wrenching, Smart, smart roadster | 9
| 6 |
The 450 started and I have a plan for the 451!
This winter has been tough on my machines. The ABS fails in my 451 once you hit 60 mph and my 450 is suffering from a seized alternator.
I recently learned of a DIY shop nearby that offers lifts and pro tools for $28/hr. Fantastic, I can change the 451's reluctor rings in maybe an hour or so with real tools and a lift. Hell, real tools and a floor jack are all I need. I also now have a copy of the smart shop manual so I can check the wheel sensors themselves, though I doubt they’ll really be an issue.
As for the 450, I decided to arm myself with a bottle of Krud Kutter. This stuff is pretty impressive. It dissolves rust from many surfaces. Unfortunately, it works best in summer weather, which today is not.
The alternator pulley looks pretty clean now. However, it remains seized. Doing some more research, I figured out that with certain tools I could make freeing up and replacing it easier. But even if I do get it unstuck I think I’ll have to replace it before I can trust the car again.
Due to today’s warmth, the battery had enough strength to start the car without the alternator turning...mmmm burning belt. So yay, at least I know the car runs! lol
Anyway, for Cé hé sin: Our cars use the same alternator. Don’t park your roady for too long or you’ll end up like me. But if you do end up like me, the smart guru Kane has our backs.
https://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?menu=engine&mod=1067
So while I haven’t made any real tangible progress, I feel a lot less stressed about how I’m going to fix both of these issues without getting reamed by a dealership (451) or having to get towed somewhere (450).
Khalbali
> Mercedes Streeter
02/23/2019 at 14:51 |
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Where is this shop? I could use something like that every once in a while.
Cé hé sin
> Mercedes Streeter
02/23/2019 at 15:05 |
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Yes, Evilution is one of my go to sites!
RacinBob
> Mercedes Streeter
02/23/2019 at 15:20 |
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If it ran when parked and then after being parked for a while seized , the issue looks to be that the rotor rusted to the stator. If you can break it free with an impact wrench, and then run it it ought to be fine. A spray of PB blaster into the cooling vents might help prevent it from happening again.
This looks like a good writeup of the issue. If it were mine, I would just get it freed up, sprayed and see if the problem returns. https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2/mk1.html?view=kb&kbartid=3&tmpl=component&print=1
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Mercedes Streeter
> Khalbali
02/23/2019 at 15:24 |
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Gurnee, IL
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Mercedes Streeter
> RacinBob
02/23/2019 at 15:26 |
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Oooh thanks for that! My next step is to jack the car up, remove the wheel, remove the wheel liner, then trying to break it free. But that’s on another day that’s not wet, cold, and soon to be windy. :)
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RacinBob
> Mercedes Streeter
02/24/2019 at 14:05 |
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I had a car that did this once, I broke it free and it never had a problem again. As I mentioned this looks to be a really good article, https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2/mk1.html?view=kb&kbartid=3&tmpl=component&print=1
I wouldn’t tear it down as it is a pain to reassemble alternators. just break it free and spray some juice in it. The perfect tool would be a battery powered impact wrench alternating between tightening and loos ening. If you don’t have access to an impact, try a breaker bar with a socket and a hand sledge hammer. You might shoot it with some WD-40 or PB Blaster which might help. It’s the shock from the impact wrench or hammer that will break it free.
The idea it to get the pulley to move just a bit. Then you just reverse it an d reverse it until it rotates. Once it starts moving I would shoot it with some more spray. Once it rotates 360 degrees by hand , hit it with some more spray hook up the belt and start it up and call it good. It might be noisy as the rotor knocks the rust off I wouldn’t expect any long lasting damage.
One caution is that is that WD-40 or PB blaster are oil based so I suppose it is possible that the friction of running might start the oil material smoking or burning. I really doubt it’s a risk but k eep some water handy in case it does.
