Quote:
Originally Posted by jay_bob
Looks like a great car. I did the same thing with my son for a starter car. A few lessons learned if I may:
- I recommend explaining to your child the difference in technique needed for driving. No ABS or traction control on this car. That caught my son by surprise in the rain and brought an untimely end to the car. Also even with the manual, it will be SLOW off the line. They will need to allow much more time and space to pull out in traffic, merge on the expressway (particularly uphill) or make a left turn across traffic. This is totally different than a modern car with a gasoline engine.
- I would recommend updating the instrument cluster with the tachometer from a 300D. It will help a new driver quantify the engine sound with how many RPMs are being produced. Also this car has no rev limiter since it is all mechanical. It has a governor in the injector pump but I would not rely on that for over rev protection.
- Remind your child about the gas station. An unleaded gasoline nozzle will fit the tank inlet. A tank load of gasoline is near fatal to the engine.
- And above all, have your child help you maintain and work on the car! It instills a sense of ownership and responsibility, and allows them to recognize issues that may occur while they are out driving and how to react. For example, ensure there are spare fuel filters and the tools to change them in the car, and show them how to change them on the side of the road.
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This is good stuff, thank you. I will be putting her in Autoshop (just one semester) since I want her to do the brakes at least once.
I will consider the instrument cluster, a friend of mine has one with a tach that's mine for the asking.
I figure on the "Gas" thing, I'll give her a prepaid card and show her "THE ONLY" gas station and pump she's allowed to use. She probably won't be taking this old beauty out of town so spare parts she won't need for quite some time.
Interesting comment on the fuel filter... Is this something that needs regular attention? Fuel additives? I haven't had anything to do with a Diesel since the early '80's so I remember nearly nothing.
What I do remember is I worked at an Importer in about 1981, a 240D 4spd came in the store brand new (who know's why) but we all took turns driving it and laughing. I recall putting a stop watch on the car back then, 0-60 in 27 seconds (did it to this one and got 28 seconds). The slow part we have down!
Thanks for the advice