I don't know how to tell if it's a CA model. How do I tell? The pipe that goes where the trap oxidizer should be is just an empty cast iron pipe with some shiny foil wrapped onto the outside.

As a newbie 1987 300D owner, I'd recommend reading this list of items you should be aware of:

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/articles/124.1x3_buying_tips.txt

On a side note, I attached a photo of the trap oxidizer... sounds like it's already been replaced on your car, though.

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Dave
Boise, ID
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if it has been replace, either an independent shop or previous owner may have done the repair, and not been aware of the recall. that hole is exatly how it looks when it errodes through. for a time, i think mercedes would replace the oxidzer every 30k, that was until the new style was released.

Well I covered the cracks in my alda with epoxy putty and tried 'er out. The turbo works! My 0 to 60 went down to about 18 seconds which I know is still pitiful for an '87 300d, but is a big improvement over 50 seconds. The car also holds speed up hills now! The alda got cracked by the bonehead who replaced the injection pump I think. It looks like it was smashed up against the bottom of the intake manifold when he was trying to wedge the pump in. Consequently, the top narrow portion of the alda was pushed down into the rest of the housing as the housing cracked. I think my still wimpy acceleration is due to the fact that the barometer units inside probably got pushed down, which would be the equivalent of turning the alda screw in - less fuel. I could probably shim the alda up, but I think I will chase down a new (used) one. I don't like to have my daily driver held together with epoxy although it would probably be just fine. Big thanks to members of this forum for the excellent advice, especially GSXR! Great info, great link on '87 D/TD's. You guys are totally cool and I may be a newbie but I think I am hooked already!

good work... and great diagnoises...

turbos often crack around the exhaust outlet...
so much so that the rebuild instructions tell you to go ahead and reuse the cracked part....But replacing with a junk yard turbo was
probably not to expensive so you did good..

There is this product called aloumiumlloy and it looks like a welding rod
but its used with a propane torch... it would have patched both the alda
and turbo...

but If you have a good source of parts then replacing is best..