Hey folks. This is my first MB and diesel. Instead of continuing to throw money at the wrong things, I wanted to run some things by you to get a better feel of how my car's aging and to see what's "normal" and/or acceptable and what's not.

1. Mileage: 170k. 100k on new short block replaced in 1979.

2. Compression: 290-310 psi. Jumps to 320 across all 4 when "wet".

3. Valves adjusted to spec.

4. New timing chain rolled in. Uncertain as to where they adjusted the IP, but I think they left it slightly advanced.

5. Oil consumption: slight. I've put about 1,000 miles on it since summer and there's some decrease in oil level. Some oil loss could have occurred when they rolled in the new chain(?). Regardless, I have some blow by.

6. New fuel filters and performed a diesel purge.

7. Sent Bosch injectors off to be pop tested and adjusted if necessary (they didn't need to be).

8. Starting: warm summer day = no problem. Sometimes doesn't need glowing. Now that winter's setting in (garage temp is 35-40F) - did require 5 glow/start cycles and then the battery went flat on several occasions (diagnosed as dead). After replacing the battery - three 30 second glow/start cycles until it can light off completely and idle on its own. This is without using the block heater. Haven't tried with.

9. Smoking: White smoke at cold idle which goes away when warm and then dark grey smoke when hard on the accelerator or going uphill. Occasional wisps of dark smoke visible at idle when warm, though, all other times there's a noticeable "haze".

10. Power - 0-70mph as indicated on the speedo is about 30 seconds. Looses power quickly going up hills. A local 4 mile grade at 8-9% has me starting at the base going 75mph. It crests doing 50 and with my foot on the floor and passing gear engaged.

11. Fuel economy - Too much fluctuation with repairs, tank drainings, and whatnot to get an accurate feel, but probably 25mph highway on rolling WV hills.


I've also had the the car painted, mounted fresh Bilsteins, and will have new tires going on next week. A stereo will come within the next few months. At the expense of embarrassing myself, I've spent well more in repairs than I paid for the 240 to begin with. But I enjoy it...

Anyway, the MB indie noted some "sticking" in the IP. He also said that the governor bellows had a pin hole. He seemed to think that both of these would contribute to a smoke problem but wasn't concerned about it.

I'd like to have the IP gone through and rebuilt. I'd also like to consider Monark injectors. I think that doing both would help with the smoke/starting/and power issues. But is the expense worth the return at this point?

Given what I listed above, can anyone give me a rough idea of how my engine is doing in terms of aging well/badly and some recommendations on what, if any, work should be done next? I lack the experience and frame of reference and need some pointers.

Thanks!

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1974 240D "Boldie" 170K.- New timing chain/freshly rebuilt IP/replaced valve seals/injectors/upgraded stereo/new Bilsteins with Yokohamas/fresh paint and rocker panels plus lots of welds.