Picked up my 78 300d today !! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Wodnek · #1 11-11-2004, 08:22 PM

I picked up my 78 300D that i won on e-bay today and here is my report...

The good: It really is clean, inside and out. No rust on the jack points, wheel wells. The drivers seat is perfect as are the others. Only one hairline crack in the dash that i could find. Not a scratch on the hub caps. Far more power than i expected being a non-turbo. The vacuum locks actually work (unlike my 85) the 97,000 miles seem to be acurate. The trunk looks like it was never used. The spare looks like it was never used.

The Bad: Right rear window doesn't work (same one as my 85) dash lights don't come on with the headlights. Turn signals don't work. I looked in the fuse box, they look fine but i didn't test them with a test light yet. The belt is off the older style piston compressor. alot more rattle noise than my 85. No passenger side mirror. Until i drove it back i had no idea i used it that much.

The ugly: The glow plug system doesn't apear to function. I have no idea where to start on this. We had to use ethyr to start it and that makes me just cringe.

This weekend I will change the filters, check the brakes, test the fuses, and if time permits adjust the valves.

Overall impression: You really feel like your driving a 70s car. I thought it would be the same car as my 85 but definately less refined. So long as i can fix the issues i will be happy with it. (i dont expect to fix the air)

phantoms · #2 11-11-2004, 10:57 PM

Roll the fuses around and see if things go to working.

As for the glow system, pick up the new style system from Phil while it's on sale. Not much more than 4 old style loop plugs, but it makes a heck of a difference in starting.

unkl300d · #3 11-12-2004, 12:09 AM

Check the climate control amplifier behind the glove box. If that module is burnt out, your ac won't work. Replace it and bingo.

Hey the problems are minor. Sounds like a very nice car. Color scheme? Pics?

Check the glow plug fuse, 50 cent part.

TwitchKitty · #4 11-12-2004, 12:15 AM

If the fuse doesn't fix your turn signals, check the emergency flasher switch.

Edit, I wrote this in answer to an email so I posted it here also:

Hi, on later 123s the flasher relay is under the console right in front of the shifter. The console around the shifter has no fasteners. To get it out you take out the ashtry and loosen the screws under the ashtray and the wood/plastic console part around the shifter will pull back and out. There is a peg on the back of that part that will break if you do not pull back on it.

The emergency flasher switch has to be in the car for the turn signals to work. The flasher relay is shared by the turn signals and the emergency flashers and is wired through the emergency flasher switch. I found the wiring diagrams in haynes and chilton to be no help working on the turn signals.

Check the fuse with a meter or a test light. Change your fuses for ones that have copper ends on them. The tin ends corrode in contact with the copper fuse terminals.

Hope this helps, I felt a little lucky when I got mine to work. The documentation really inspired no confidence. Hope this helps.

Wodnek · #5 11-12-2004, 10:23 AM

Here is the link to pics

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4500040739&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AWN%3AMT%3A1
Is the glow plug fuse in the regular fuse box? If not where do i look?
What am i looking for when i check the hazzard light button?
Does the 78 have a block heater?
Thanks again,
Wodnek

boneheaddoctor · #6 11-12-2004, 10:27 AM

I saw that car , so you are the one who won it.

The glow plug relay fuse is on the relay, pop the cover you see on it and its a little silve hourglass shape bar.

#7 11-12-2004, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wodnek

What am i looking for when i check the hazzard light button?

Turn the hazards on... if the turn signals on both sides light up you know you don't have a light bulb or a fuse problem.

Then turn the hazards back off, and just jiggle the hazard switch around a little while engaging a turn signal. Like, move the hazard switch to a point not quite all the way in the off position, then a little more, and a little more... if that doesn't do it, take it out and clean it. I'd lay a bet the signal starts working at some position with the hazard switch.

Wodnek · #8 11-12-2004, 06:54 PM

Ok, I took apart the center and cleaned everything. I have turn signals now, thanks.

What does the glow plug relay look like and where is it? My chilton manual was no help here. The indicator light on the dash never comes on exept when cranking. I tried tracing the wire beck but it goes into a harness.

No bad fuses in the main box so i am having trouble figuring out the dash light problem. Any ideas?

And last thing is the wipers work fine but their park position is 1/4 the way up the windsheild. Any ideas on a fix?
Thanks everyone for the help so far.
Wodnek

boneheaddoctor · #9 11-12-2004, 07:08 PM

black cube on the drivers side front finder. only thing that shape should be there.

Wodnek · #10 11-12-2004, 07:42 PM

BoneheadDoctor,
Would that be the plastic cover that comes off and has a squre relay under it? Would my 85 be the same so i could swap them and see if it works? When i took this cover off i noticed there was a place for two relays but only one was there.
Thanks,
Wodnek

unkl300d · #11 11-12-2004, 10:20 PM

Nice car Wodnek ! Ivory exterior and Tobacco interior, just like my '79.

You mentioned that it there was more rattle noise than your '85. Are you refering to nailing or creaks and rattles from the interior parts while driving?

I ask because I'd be surprised if the interiors rattles. This car is built well.

I have a question for ya when you have the time.
Does your gas pedal activate the kickdown switch when it is floored?
(mine does not right now and look'in for answers-other thread).

Change that tranny filter and fluid and don't neglect the rear end oil change.

Nail that rocker panel oxidation from inside the door body if you can. Treat it now before it develops.

D

fahrgewehr2 · #12 11-12-2004, 11:17 PM

I've got a NA 300D too. I love it, maybe my favorite MB I've owned to date. Car has great grunt off the line...better than the turbos,,,for the first 10 feet at least. If it was a five speed manual it would be the perfect car.

Does you driver's window work? If not it is probably the fuse (windows are cross-fused). Otherwise it the window regulator/motor. Easy swap out.

If you need help getting the climate control and console lights going, I can help.

Nice looking car, by the way.

Wodnek · #13 11-13-2004, 12:16 AM

unkl300d,
When i floor the pedal it kicks down great. Up to 30mph I would say it's quicker then my 85. By rattling noise I just mean alot of squeaks.

Electrical problems: I don't know past the fuses where to look for the dash light problem. The power window has a bad switch in the center. It's broken inside.
I will try more tommorrow to figure out the glow plug problem.

Thanks everyone for your tips so far.

Wodnek