Morning idle quality was really poor. Only for a minute, then I thought
the motor ran fine. Now the car will start and idle superbly without even
touching the throttle
. Driving around to garage sales this morning I
could hardly believe the difference in smoothness at all speeds. I don't
know why but I didn't think a valve adjustment would do so much performance wise. I do the adjustment on my old BMW R100RS bike,
just because you are supposed to. IMO it doesn't run any different
after an adjustment. In the 300TD the difference was remarkable.
I'm sure going to do it every 12,000 miles. It was kind of a pain
but not bad once a year. That's all I'll drive this car in 12 mos.
Oh, and I finally got the A/C to hold a charge. After taking every connection apart and installing new o-rings, I purchased a Harbor Freight leak detector and it found no leaks. Anyone want to buy it? I tested
it on an "empty" can of 134a and it seemed to work fine,however it did not
detect the compressor seal leak.
I thought it has to be the compressor seal. Sure enough it was. I put in a 4 Seasons rebuilt. We'll see how long that lasts. Blowing cold since Thursday.
All I have left is SLS fluid change, perhaps a new stereo, the pinstripe re-do, and the little nylon slider thing in the sunroof.
I have changed out all belts, hoses, fluids, and filters, with all the "right stuff" I've read about in this forum.This place is a goldmine.
I completed the rustectomy satisfactorily. I also ordered a set of glass euro lights and
clear side markers. They are a Taiwan knock off I suspect. Will report (if)when they get here.