FOR SALE LH capacitors and Installation (LH Module Repair Service)

[Alphasud40]

I just received another batch of capacitors to repair our LH modules today. I have 8 sets available and so far 2 have been spoken for. Updated pricing is $12 for a set mailed in a blister pack with tracking to your address. If you want 2 or more sets add $3 for each individual set. Additionally if you want me to install capacitors in your LH module the cost is $100 which includes parts and labor and priority mailing with tracking to your door.

What I have so far identified is there are some modules that have the newer style aluminum can capacitors and some that have the old brown plastic capacitors. The ones that are brown seem to be the ailing parts. Based on the age and lifespan of the components it’s still a good idea to replace them. I also will be replacing capacitors in the other modules in the box and will report findings on these modules if any are shown to be bad as well. I bought extra capacitors for these modules so if anyone is interested in having those updated let me know. Prices to be determined on those but they will be less than $100 since they seem to be fewer capacitors in number.

Another observation is Bosch stopped dipping the modules in conformal coating between 93 to 94. That may have been a cost cutting decision from Mercedes to control costs or it may have been deemed unnecessary. If your module has the conformal coating the coating needs to be removed around the components to be serviced. I reapply the coating after repairs are made.

 

[TimL]

Would you be able to test the repaired module before sending them back?

 

[Alphasud40]

Not at this time since I don’t have a LH M119 in my stable right now. The repairs are fairly straightforward though.

 

[Jlaa]

I just received another batch of capacitors to repair our LH modules today. I have 8 sets available and so far 2 have been spoken for. Updated pricing is $12 for a set mailed in a blister pack with tracking to your address. If you want 2 or more sets add $3 for each individual set. Additionally if you want me to install capacitors in your LH module the cost is $100 which includes parts and labor and priority mailing with tracking to your door.

What I have so far identified is there are some modules that have the newer style aluminum can capacitors and some that have the old brown plastic capacitors. The ones that are brown seem to be the ailing parts. Based on the age and lifespan of the components it’s still a good idea to replace them. I also will be replacing capacitors in the other modules in the box and will report findings on these modules if any are shown to be bad as well. I bought extra capacitors for these modules so if anyone is interested in having those updated let me know. Prices to be determined on those but they will be less than $100 since they seem to be fewer capacitors in number.

Another observation is Bosch stopped dipping the modules in conformal coating between 93 to 94. That may have been a cost cutting decision from Mercedes to control costs or it may have been deemed unnecessary. If your module has the conformal coating the coating needs to be removed around the components to be serviced. I reapply the coating after repairs are made.

How wonderful! Might you have pictures of aluminum can vs. brown plastic capacitors?

 

[Alphasud40]

I sent the brown capacitors back to the owner but here is a good picture of what they look like. Old B&O gear used the same vendor. I will be working on one soon and I came across this while researching parts sources. The ones in my hand are the new style and measured within tolerance but were changed anyway since they had to be desoldered to test they will be compromised due to the heating of the leads.

 

[maw1124]

First of all, that's less than a friend charged me to rebuild two LH modules 10 years ago, on a per unit basis. He also was a B&O service professional who ran his own high end audio repair shop. He also rebuilt all my Carver components.

Second of all, IIRC, the brown caps are Fraco, OEM, all failing by now. He replaced with Nichicon, I forget which ones.

But he didn't make a really big deal out of it. Get the new ones, solder them in. You either know how to do that or you don't. It wasn't a special gig. I just paid him for his time. The receipt was for the deduction, so maybe it was inflated a bit.

My $.02, GL

maw

 

[Alphasud40]

After repairing several 92 LH modules i have been trying to narrow down the production date where the Frako faulty capacitors were installed. To date if your module was built before 6/92 there is a high likelihood you have the faulty capacitors. As I get more of these I will update this date range. The most recent LH control unit I repaired had a date of 10/91 and of the 6 capacitors one was bad. So far with the other LH control units with different vendor capacitors I have not found a bad one. So hopefully this helps.

 

[Jlaa]

After repairing several 92 LH modules i have been trying to narrow down the production date where the Frako faulty capacitors were installed. To date if your module was built before 6/92 there is a high likelihood you have the faulty capacitors. As I get more of these I will update this date range. The most recent LH control unit I repaired had a date of 10/91 and of the 6 capacitors one was bad. So far with the other LH control units with different vendor capacitors I have not found a bad one. So hopefully this helps.

Thank you @Alphasud40!

 

[maw1124]

After repairing several 92 LH modules i have been trying to narrow down the production date where the Frako faulty capacitors were installed. To date if your module was built before 6/92 there is a high likelihood you have the faulty capacitors. As I get more of these I will update this date range. The most recent LH control unit I repaired had a date of 10/91 and of the 6 capacitors one was bad. So far with the other LH control units with different vendor capacitors I have not found a bad one. So hopefully this helps.

Great work you're doing here... but I'm not sure the Fraco caps were faulty... from my understanding they were PAST state of the art when they were installed... but they sit in cars with various amounts of NVH, use and thermal cycling over 30 years, so...

Some will be bad and some won't and though they'll all be Fraco you can't exactly say some were faulty and some were not. Eventually they will all go bad. This much is certain. But which ones on which cars under which conditions, who knows?

I've stated my view before... anyone who has one of these cars where the LH module has not been rebuilt, needs the service done. Full stop. You may as well do it now while @Alphasud40 is offering.

maw

 

[emerydc8]

I'm glad I chickened out and had a friend do these for me or I might have missed that these capacitors have polarity. It is marked on the PCB (+) (pic) and the positive lead on the capacitor is usually longer. The negative side could be marked with a minus sign (-) or series of minus signs or colored stripes. Mine had the metallic caps. He didn't check the old caps to see if they are within limits but I will check them when I get them back. I'll probably install this one in the car and have another one done for the other car.

Understanding Capacitor Polarity: A Crucial Concept in Electronics

Discover the importance of capacitor polarity in electronics projects and how it affects device functioning. Learn about polarized and non-polarized capacitors and avoid common pitfalls for efficient circuit designs.

www.rowsum.com

 

[vanondemand]

Got my lh module done. Quick and painless transaction. Thank you!

 

[nocfn]

Yep I had my spares done, and now the one in the car will be getting done as well. Awesome service!

 

[emerydc8]

Just a follow-up: I had the aluminum can style capacitors and as @Alphasud40 mentioned they seem to be less likely to fail than the earlier brown capacitors. I checked the old caps and they were very close to the published capacitance. It’s still nice to know they’ve been replaced though.

 

[Ian White]

Testimonial: David has done four M119 LH modules for me. He does tidy neat work plus the piece of mind is worth the cost. And his prices are very reasonable in my opinion.

 

[Garrett The Kite]

I’d love to have the LH module from my 1992 400e repaired. How would I go about starting an order? I’d greatly appreciate if you could send me a message @Alphasud40 .

 

[Alphasud40]

I’d love to have the LH module from my 1992 400e repaired. How would I go about starting an order? I’d greatly appreciate if you could send me a message @Alphasud40 .

You can reach out to me and I would be glad to help you. I charge $100 to replace the capacitors and ship it back to you priority mail. Once I receive it takes me a day to turn it around. LH will be installed in my car after repairs to test.

 

[Garrett The Kite]

Would you be able to reach out to me? I'm getting an error when trying to pull up your profile to message you. Not sure if I have all the permissions yet.

 

[Alphasud40]

You can email me at alphasud@mac.com

 

[Oldcar]

I just received another batch of capacitors to repair our LH modules today. I have 8 sets available and so far 2 have been spoken for. Updated pricing is $12 for a set mailed in a blister pack with tracking to your address. If you want 2 or more sets add $3 for each individual set. Additionally if you want me to install capacitors in your LH module the cost is $100 which includes parts and labor and priority mailing with tracking to your door.

What I have so far identified is there are some modules that have the newer style aluminum can capacitors and some that have the old brown plastic capacitors. The ones that are brown seem to be the ailing parts. Based on the age and lifespan of the components it’s still a good idea to replace them. I also will be replacing capacitors in the other modules in the box and will report findings on these modules if any are shown to be bad as well. I bought extra capacitors for these modules so if anyone is interested in having those updated let me know. Prices to be determined on those but they will be less than $100 since they seem to be fewer capacitors in number.

Another observation is Bosch stopped dipping the modules in conformal coating between 93 to 94. That may have been a cost cutting decision from Mercedes to control costs or it may have been deemed unnecessary. If your module has the conformal coating the coating needs to be removed around the components to be serviced. I reapply the coating after repairs are made.

Hi Alphsud40

I was referred to you by gsxr for possible lh capacitor service please update me on your larest info per my car.....

Regards,

Oldcar

View attachment 210323

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92 400e @ around 200k miles odo broke

 

[Alphasud40]

Yes I can help you with that. $100 to replace the capacitors which includes priority shipping to you. Send me a PM and I will give you the address.

 

[Oldcar]

Any info re lh module removal from bas module case?

 

[Alphasud40]

Remove the 4 5mm Allen cap screws. You will see the ECU marked LH on the label. With a flat blade screwdriver gently lift on either side s
Where it slides into the slot. Back and forth until the unit releases.

 

[R129 UK]

Yes I can help you with that. $100 to replace the capacitors which includes priority shipping to you. Send me a PM and I will give you the address.

I'm not sure that a new member has PM privileges.

 

[Alphasud40]

I think you are correct. He did find my email and contacted me last night.

 

[DJ RaMiN]

Hey @Alphasud40 ! It's amazing that you do this service! I'm ok with soldering stuff, but I have been busy with being a dad and can't seem to find time to do car repairs!

I'm not able to send you a PM. @xfadmin
I'm actually not a new member, I've had this "New member" issue for a few months now. I'll email you soon!

 

[Alphasud40]

Hey @Alphasud40 ! It's amazing that you do this service! I'm ok with soldering stuff, but I have been busy with being a dad and can't seem to find time to do car repairs!

I'm not able to send you a PM. @xfadmin
I'm actually not a new member, I've had this "New member" issue for a few months now. I'll email you soon!

alphasud@mac.com

 

[Oldcar]

Remove the 4 5mm Allen cap screws. You will see the ECU marked LH on the label. With a flat blade screwdriver gently lift on either side s
Where it slides into the slot. Back and forth until the unit releases

M119 engine idle smooth and ticking noise at fuel pump is gone...just like you and gsxr said ...good thing I didn't replace fuel pump! Find the problem before you fix it .....lh module was the problem not the fuel pump......@Alphasud40 knows how to rebuild the LH module

MANY THANKS

 

[GS1975]

I just received another batch of capacitors to repair our LH modules today. I have 8 sets available and so far 2 have been spoken for. Updated pricing is $12 for a set mailed in a blister pack with tracking to your address. If you want 2 or more sets add $3 for each individual set. Additionally if you want me to install capacitors in your LH module the cost is $100 which includes parts and labor and priority mailing with tracking to your door.

What I have so far identified is there are some modules that have the newer style aluminum can capacitors and some that have the old brown plastic capacitors. The ones that are brown seem to be the ailing parts. Based on the age and lifespan of the components it’s still a good idea to replace them. I also will be replacing capacitors in the other modules in the box and will report findings on these modules if any are shown to be bad as well. I bought extra capacitors for these modules so if anyone is interested in having those updated let me know. Prices to be determined on those but they will be less than $100 since they seem to be fewer capacitors in number.

Another observation is Bosch stopped dipping the modules in conformal coating between 93 to 94. That may have been a cost cutting decision from Mercedes to control costs or it may have been deemed unnecessary. If your module has the conformal coating the coating needs to be removed around the components to be serviced. I reapply the coating after repairs are made.

 

[GS1975]

I would like to get my capacitors replaced in my LH module. If you could send me your mailing address/contact information, I will ship it to you.

Thank You

 

[sytruong]

Hi, sent you an email. Just bought my car, and it had the fuel pump relay bypassed and hot wired. They also replaced the fuel pump. I'm thinking its the LH module and will probably need your services. I am getting a relay in the mail soon, will confirm by next week!

 

[ArauzMotoring]

Would a messed up capacitor show up on the blink code reader? I heard about this making the car idle smoother- but does it shorten start times as well?

Lastly, am I dumb for presuming that my 1993 500E lh module may need this done? lol I have a 92 wot lh module with the w124 performance chip

Thanks

 

[Jlaa]

Would a messed up capacitor show up on the blink code reader?

No.

I heard about this making the car idle smoother- but does it shorten start times as well?

Lastly, am I dumb for presuming that my 1993 500E lh module may need this done?

Not dumb. They will all need doing at some point.

lol I have a 92 wot lh module with the w124 performance chip

Thanks

 

[nocfn]

I sent all of my spares in to have them all replaced. If they have not failed, they will and by having all new materials upgraded to today's wisdom in manufacturing and skilled hands flowing the solder, it is well worth it to get every module you have on the shelf and in the car serviced.

 

[sytruong]

Is @Alphasud40 responding? I sent him an email a few weeks ago and have yet to get a response.

 

[Alphasud40]

Sorry, I am still repairing LH modules and I must have missed your email. You can PM me or email again.