While I am working on the 300D, I wanted a diesel Merc to drive.

So this weekend I brought home this 240D. All it needed is a hood star and some moulding on the doors, a headlight fixed and the dash lights.

Will post pics once I get the moulding and the star installed...

On the way home (40mi) tranny was shifting 'funny', flaring, etc.

So, I finally get around to play with the new car. Got the dash lights working (can't have no dash lights, right?) and then I thought I'd look at the tranny. It was missing about 2 qts of fluid. Added to proper level -- what a difference!

Hence the question: is it likely that I (or the p.o.) did any permanent damage by driving it 2 qts low?

And question #2. It definitely does not like to start in cold weather (12F) unless it has been plugged in for a while (it does have a block heater). SO the question is - do I / can I leave it plugged in overnight? Will it boil out the coolant if I do?

Thanks y'all!

__________________

'82 300D (project)
'46 Willys (project)
"Nothing seems to be the way it should in this garage." -jt20
"Smarter than an engine, dumber than a hoodlatch..." -jt20
"Start jumping up and down to smoosh down those engine mounts" -DeliveryValve
"no" -kerry
"At this rate, you may have it done by winter" -layback40