I just picked up an '81 300d, automatic non-turbo of course, for next-to-nothing. It's Astral silver/blue. It's an excellent looking car, the paint is very good, and there is NO rust!! The interior could be better..but it's clean anyways. The car is has a lot of options, including a *working* power sunroof and power antenna!!
It runs well, with only 196k on the clock. To make things even better, I just got a call from the previous owner(who bought it new) and said he just found a big box with every reciept/booklet/service record for the car all the way back to 1981!!!

But the car does have a few issues.
Here's my first problem: while sitting still and turning the steering wheel either direction, all of the belts stop turning. The power steering pump belt needs tightening but I'm not sure why that's making all the other belts stop turning. Sometimes it will do this on its own, with the car sitting still idling....all the belts just slowly come to a stop. Then all the dash lights come on, but the car continues to run. What could be the cause of this? I did a search and came up with nothing. Can I simply just tighten up the ps belt to fix all of this?

My second problem is: the transmission. It slips, shifting 1-2, especially if I'm really pushing the accellerator. Also, it seems to take forever to shift into the next gear (this happens with any gear change, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, etc). I usually have to back off the accellerator then get back on it again so it will change gears. Is this something that can be adjusted (like modulator valve or something)? or is my tranny shot? There seems to be plenty(but not too much) fluid in it.
I've had countless Mercedes, but this will only be my 2nd diesel (the other was a '81 300sd), so some of this stuff is new to me.

If anyone has any ideas about my problems, I'd be glad to hear them!
Thanks
Also, here's a picture of the car:

Slick ride... I'd recommend installing all new fuses as a PM issue.

And welcome

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

That's a really nice looking sled. A real keeper.

Not to be an alarmist or anything, but the front harmonic pulley on these cars have come loose before. Be careful around belts on a running engine. Years ago a friend of mine had a fan blade come loose and go through the hood of his '78 Chevy Blazer.

The transmissions on these cars have shifted funny since they were new. I am sure someone on this forum knows how to set the bowden cable correctly.

Good luck.

[QUOTE=Urquattro]I
My second problem is: the transmission. It slips, shifting 1-2, especially if I'm really pushing the accellerator. Also, it seems to take forever to shift into the next gear (this happens with any gear change, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, etc). I usually have to back off the accellerator then get back on it again so it will change gears. Is this something that can be adjusted (like modulator valve or something)? or is my tranny shot? There seems to be plenty(but not too much) fluid in it.

I would first try changing the shift valves on top of the valve cover under the black box with the vacuum lines going in. This and a few simple adjustments solved my shift issues. There is a good pictorial instruction on this site for this repair. I just can't find it right now.

Here it is: http://dieselgiant.com/mercedes_diesel_maintenance_tips.htm

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1982 300SD Light Blue
2002 Honda Accord SE
1974 Toro Wheel Horse Tractor
2000 Toyota Tundra Pickup

I have the same model and color in an '85, with 288K got it about 6 months ago
Definetly change all new fuses; low cost and ya never know. put them in properly. All my stuff was messed up the previous owner mixed up the top and bottom fuse panels...follow the #'s

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'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Belts might be a couple of things. Inspect them for aging such as slung rubber or dry rot cracking. Also, is there any fluid, such as power steering fluid that might be getting on the belts? They may just need replacing.
With a mechanically controlled diesel engine, it will continue to run, once started, without any electrical power whatsoever.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Along with everything mentioned. Find the tranny troubleshooting in the help stickys at the top. Shows how to adjust Bowden cable and shows what vacuum readings you should be getting for the tranny at various hoses and how to adjust. I cannot remember everything I did but had leaks and needed adjustments everywhere. Followed the guide and shifting improved dramatically. Good luck.

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1981 300TD Black on Black
2002 VW Golf TDI
2003 VW Passat Gasser