83 240D RPM's

[83Tank]

I inhereted an 83 240D and I am in the process of bringing it back to original quality. I know the 240D is slow, but can anyone tell me if the engine should be "reving" at a high sound while driving at 60-65mpr. This car has a 4 speed automatic trans and it is shifting into 4th. Is a high RPM normal on this vehicle. I appreciate any comments...I'm a rookie at this.
Also, anyone with an 83 with some spare parts if I need them?

[dmorrison]

Yes the 240D does operate at a high RPM at 70. The desiogned max operating speed for the Auto Tranny is 88MPH. It will go faster but that is the "published" speed in the manual.
The acceleration specs call for 0-60MPH in 22 seconds.

Dave

do pretty much as expected...climb until you shift into the next higher gear, and then drop back again. There IS a passing gear in high which does give somewhat of a "boost" in acceleration along with some sound effects.

My 5-cyl 300D does have a tach, 240's didn't. Go figure.

You might want to look over the owner's manual...the "S" slot on the gear selector is for going up a "slope"...or driving in the snow...If you're keeping the car in THAT gear, no wonder the engine's racing!

Diesels take some getting used to. I love my '83 which I've had for 150,000 miles now. Have another '83 300CD (coupe) and an '81 240D (stick). Almost wish I had a less pathological devotion...perhaps a thing for women's shoes.

[83Tank]

thank you ............
being that you owned a 240, do you think that adjusting the rocker arms would tend to "quiet' the 240 down a bit? This has been suggested to me by a guy that works for an MB dealership near me.

[dmorrison]

On your speedometer are a set of dots. A one dot near the 20MPH. That is the maximum speed for first gear. There are 2 dots at 37MPH. That is the maximum speed for 2nd gear and the 3 dots at 60 MPH is the maximum speed for 3rd.
To my knowledge. the car will not accelerate much past 60 if you are in 3rd gear. Also if at 70 and you slip the shift lever into "S" the tranny will not let itself downshift to 3rd due to the govenor in the tranny. If I'm wrong about this I know someone will speak up.

Rocker arms. It is actually recommended to adjust the valves 2 times a year. But I usually get to it only once a year. If I'm lucky.

Replace all your filters and fluids, unless you have records showing it has been done IAW Mercedes schedule.
Add biodiesel to the tank to prevent algae
Run a bottle of Diesel Purge to clean the injectors
Check and replace all rubber hoses if necessary. Mercedes OEM radiator and heater hoses are very reliable. Aftermatket, I don't know.
Check all the vacuum 1,2 and 3 way connectors, these cars depend (shifting,locks,engine shutoff,AC, Brakes) on vacuum so keep the system in running order.
The majority of the parts for the 240D are available new, either Mercedes or aftermarket. Fastlane is a great source.
Get a service manual or go here

http://skinnerbox.steaky.org/Service/Library.html

search this forum and then search it again.

Ask questions

Dave