Need some quick advice - '78 300D

[rgnprof]

I am thinking of purchasing my second mercedes - a 1978 300D (I have driven a '72 250 for the past 3 years). The body is in great shape, little if any rust and the interior is OK - needs a good cleaning with a few tears here and there. The car runs fine and probably has over 300,000 miles on it (the odometer quit at 227000).

Here's what doesn't work - the blower motor doesn't work so I don't know about the H and AC, grinding noise coming from front right wheel when you turn the car to the right (wheel bearings??), sunroof motor operates, but grinds (sounds like it has come off/out of the track??).

I know nothing about diesels, so I really don't know what I'm getting into with this car - any advice? What should I check before I purchase??

BTW, price is $550. Thanks.

Ryan

[Ralph69220d]

First, raise the front right wheel off ground and see if there is excessive play in the wheel. If so, pull wheel, inspect bearings; if it's a bearing problem get new bearings and seal for that wheel and go from there to the next problem.

[kerry]

Climate controls on that car are operated by the ACC servo (large can with lots of wires and vacuum lines on right fender near front of engine). They fail and are expensive to replace ($400-900). Be aware of this problem and expense before deciding whether to purchase it. No worry if you don't need heat and/or AC.

[dunl]

I needed heat but no A/C right now, so a quick fix was to bypass the servo with coolant hose and couplers. Depends on whether you want A/C or not, as you get heat this way, but nothing else.

[JimmyL]

He's in Oklahoma. He WILL want AC....

Makes me want to find a cheap motor for my '77 parts car...... No rust, good suspension, good interior, bad chain.....

[rgnprof]

Yes, the blower is a significant issue. How do you know that it is this ACC servo and not just the blower motor? Can someone give me some TS tips - and if it is the ACC is this a part that I can purchase? What part am I looking for?

ryan