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Originally Posted by eyeglassdriver
.....................................It has been sitting for most of 2 years until recently.) The current owner says that it starts quickly, runs well and has never overheated, but he can produce no service records or documented oil change records. I have a compression test and inspection scheduled before I pick it up, but here is my question...
........................................................................Assuming everything checks out with the compression, what do I need to do before I drive it back?
I'm excited, but a little worried. I'm over my head a bit.
If you have any thoughts, thanks in advance!
Lafayette (soon to be a proud SDL owner!)
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Well, I service a few of these 86/7 motors and have to say they are as reliable as servicing can make them.
The car rusts at the rear of the front wheel arch.
The engine is prone to head cracking, although the last one I did had 179,000 miles on it.
Another lost the oil pump due to picking up a small metalic part that locked the pump and took the engine out too. (1 mile or so, at 70 mph.)
Another is running great at over 200,000 miles and what's more I have yet to have one with a blown tranny....although it does happen, I'm told.
Reaction rods pound out the socket assembly at the body mount....not so difficult to renew....kit form from MB specialist....but after, the car needs MB to set the alignment.
Engine mounts are still frail.
Mufflers last well, unless near the sea.
Should have had the refit for the trap oxidizer done already...
A/c compressors do NOT like refitting to R134A as it seems to ruin the compressor front seal on origonal equipment.
Seat switches act up a lot as does the window lifts.
Heavy car, but runs good ....as long as turbo puts out.
Hard on front brakes if a lot of town use.
Aprt from that as reliable as any car in my opinion...especially concidering it's age.
Remove radiator cap 'cold'....any residual pressure means combustion gases in the coolant system......start engine after replacing the rad' cap and ANY increase in hose pressure within 30 second, indicates signs of head problems.
I would deactivate the EGR valve.....these engines plug up the intake real bad as they age...especially if they are slow driven.
If you can afford a couple of thousand in preventive service the next 12 months, it's a good buy.
I would suggest an oil change before you set off in it too....fast lub' place of your choosing.
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