Howdy.

Ive been posting here periodically about cold start problems with my 300D. I tried everything I could think of and took lots of advice from you kind folks. Finally I broke down (gave in) and took it to a trusted mechanic in Fletcher, NC and the first thing he did was adjust the valves (not much needed there) then checked the compression. It was low and engine has been burning a good but of oil he discovered. His conclusion: the motor is on its way out.

It still runs strong, but just never starts well. Once warm, its pretty much OK, save a few stalls here or there backing up. Otherwise the car is a true beauty, owned by a older woman in FL who kept it in a garage. Tranny may be going slowly. It sometimes takes a bit to get in reverse and jerks some in changing, like most.

So I have a dilemma. Im tempted to buy a used engine from a wrecked car on ebay and have a MB guy in town install it, hopefully getting out for $2000 or less. Feels like a pretty big risk for a guy who doesnt know to much about mechanics.

I paid $1100 (family friend) and just put $900 in new axles and brakes.

If anyone has the interest to give me some feedback I'd be appreciative. Ive mostly ruled out a $4500 rebuilt engine. Seems like a bad financial choice (and unrealistic, being that i play the banjo for a living).

thanks much!
roy

Made a few calls to....
http://www.martinito-motors.com/aboutus.asp

Seems they've got a few D motors to move.

The lady there seems to know her Mecedes engines.

I do have another place to order used engines but they are trade wholesale only.

PM me, and I'll check availability and prices.


.BTW....You could just re-ring the motor with all new bearings and chain kit...I do this for my local customers for around $2500.00 or so as long as the motor was running when it got here or at least runs after I get it in the shop, so I know the motor is a re-ring candidate.


.

__________________
[http://languageandgrammar.com/2008/01/14/youve-got-problems-not-issues/ ]

"A liberal is someone who feels they owe a great debt to their fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."

find a car that has cosmetic or crash issues and a strong engine. have the engine checked to be sure before buying, then buy it and swap the engines. this way you can verify the condition of the engine. it is more trouble than just sending off for a used one from a salvage yard but more verifiable. but a salvage engine from a reputable yard prob isnt too bad a way to go either.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Where are you located????????
I picked up a used engine for $125.00, I really don't know the condition, but seems clean. I figured for that price I couldn't pass it up!

If compression is really the problem, why not get your engine rebuilt. New rings and perhaps new cylinder sleeves would likley do it. While it is apart, just as well to have top end refurbished.

If car is otherwise good, don't worry about spending $2-3K on engine - better than buying another car that may have worse problems.

My engine was completely wrecked (turbo disintegrated and went through engine - holes in piston, scored cylinders etc etc.). Found an older engine and had it completely rebuilt - 3 years later, car still starts and runs like it did when new.

Good Luck

How low is the compression? I would make sure the injection pump timing is right and the glow plug system is working well before I condemn the motor. Have you tried taking of the oil filler cap with the motor running to see how much blowby there is? Try putting some Sea Foam in the oil with the engine running. Good luck.

Owning an old 123 Mercedes is a wonderful thing, if you do your own wrenching, because they are one of the last purely mechanical cars left.
With the help of this forum, there is nothing you can't fix yourself. However, if you have to have everything done by a mechanic, I fail to see any advantage to owning one over a high reliability Japanese car, and the price differential of diesel doesn't help this situation at all.

My advice would be to sell it and get a Honda.

__________________
1976 240D
1987 560SL
2007 E320 Bluetec
1998 C280 (now son’s car)
1982 240D Manual - Sold