Hello ALL! This forum and those of you who post on it are WONDERFUL and your expertise is invaluable to those of us who are new/unsure/inept(like me) to owning these cars. Thank you thank you thank you.

PROBLEM: How do I know when I am having driveline problems -driveshaft (center bearings, flex plates, centering sleeves), axleshaft (boots,seals), differential? The clutch is new (less than 18mos). The brakes are new. There was a major oil leak that was fixed, but the engine is very oily still and I can't tell if there is still a small leak or if the mess is leftover from before. Fluid levels are fine. It drives very well, but may not be firing on all cylinders and there is a metallic sound coming from the front passenger side (towards middle) when revving the engine, downshifting, and acclerating (sound occurs just at these mph- 8-12 in 1st, 18-22 in 2nd, 28-32 in 3rd, 38-42 in 4th, but goes away after exceeding these mph's in the respective gears)

I recently purchased this vehicle - 1983 240D 4cylinder - and am a novice to repairing and upkeep, though I have replaced the alternator and starter recently. I had new brake hoses installed by a shop.

My concern is that I will need to keep this car running for a while and don't want to run it into the ground - I'd like to be able to sell it someone like one of you guys. I just don't know where to start and where my priorities should lie when since i can't afford to be taking the car in every pay period for something...

Once again your advice and expertise is much appreciated and valued. Thank you!

Nate
1983 240D
222,000 miles
And if one is interested, we can get in contact, I can send you the service records, and we can initiate a purchase or suitable trade

Get underneath and inspect everything. Something is probably lose it sounds like some sort of heat sheild maybe?


Flex discs are easy to inspect, look for cracks. I have never heard of a 240D busting one though. Same with the center bearing, on the W126 at least it is suspended in a rubber bushing. When the bushing wears the bearing will go off center and cause the driveshaft to vibrate.

Other then that its an old car how involved do you want to get? Their is a lot of stuff you should/could replace.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

cylinders is a big thing. if you have a weak cylinder you should get it checked out. could be simple like a bad injector, or tight valves. you need to get that verified one way or the other.

tom w

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[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.

thanks you all! I have a haynes manual that my nose is stuck in at work- to the chagrin of my boss! anyway, i am gearing up to do valve adjustments and my dad is familiar with cylinders.

I wish I had the time to really get into maintenance because I have a ball learning about the car, but methinks I may be better off with a generic something until i have the time, space, and tools to keep up this car. I love it and i love driving it but everytime i hear something unusual i start to sweat
my offer of a sale or trade stands.

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Nate
1983 240D
222,000 miles
And if one is interested, we can get in contact, I can send you the service records, and we can initiate a purchase or suitable trade.