Mercedes Virgin

[DaveW]

I recently purchased a 1983 240D and it is mint inside and out. The seller kept it in a heated garage for the last 3 years. It has 193,000 miles and the seller only drove the car a total of 150 miles since 2002. The engine is very clean but I did notice a fuel leak at the back injector, I think from the overflow tube. The tube had a piece of rubber hose approx 1 1/2" long. I pulled the hose and the leak went away. The only things I have noticed is that it is extremely hard to start when cold (I just changed the glow plugs and it helped a little), it idles very rough when cold and the transmission dosen't shift very smooth. When it gets up to speed it runs very well. Since this has been sitting so long are there any things that I need to do to as far as maintenance. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I love the car and I want it run smooth. Thanks!!!

[nhdoc]

2 words...valve adjustment. Valve clearances that are out of adjustment can cause the problems starting and idling which you describe.

Then, you can investigate the vacuum modulator which is located on top of the valve cover. It has two vacuum switches in it that control the EGR and transmission modulator. I bet you a buck that's where your tranny problem lies. The switches are about $20 each.

Good luck.

[SD Blue]

DaveW, welcome to the forum. This is one of the best on the net especially for learning. I say this because I was very new to MB's and have learned a lot here just reading. BTW, it sounds like you have found a beauty!

For the starting problem, are you letting it go through the entire glow plug cycle? Turn the key to ON and wait till you hear the "click" of the relay, and the warning lights will brighten, before cranking.

The tranny problem may just be due to old rubber at the vacuum fittings. You might be money, and frustration, ahead to order them all and change them out. That will give you a known base to work from.

Since it has been sitting so long, changing all the fluids including the brakes would be tops on the list. After that it needs to be driven so it can breathe! Diesels like to run and can even get contrary after sitting so long.

[DaveW]

Thanks for the advice!! I'm pretty excited to get this car back to where it deserves to be. I have learned so much in the past few hours, it's been great. Thanks again!