Hey guys I thought that I would drop over here from the vintage gasser side to ask for some advice. I am fresh at the diesel stuff and I have an opportunity that I need some advice on. Here is the skinny:

I am looking at an 84 300TD auto w/364,000 miles for little $$$ because of oil leak and top end failure due to Jiffy Lube mistake. The story is that the tech failed to replace the filter properly and the car leaked oil out the filter housing causing the destruction. According to the owner, he did not opperate the car once the oil light came on.

The owner obtained an estimate from the local benz dealer for the repairs. They have diagnosed a replacement of the cam and top end bearings, as well as the rockers. I would also plan on a timing chain replacement while I was at it.

As for the bottom end. The owner told me that the dealer said (I know this is hearsay) they removed one craink main to inspect and felt that it was ok.

So here goes:
1. Assume I do the top end repairs, should I also worry about the +300K on the bottom end, turbo, tranny, head gasket, etc?

2. Dealer quoted $2200-2800 for the repairs. What do you think the parts would run?

3. Should I hold out for a lower mileage car that is running?


I am drawn to it because the the owner was compensated by Jiffy Lube for causing the problem, so he is looking to off load the car cheap.

Thanks for the help.



The interior of the car is great and there is not a speck of rust. I

The best option is to get a good used engine for $600-800 and just swap it out.

The turbo would have been the first thing to suffer. I'm surprised there is any damage if he did not run it long with low oil pressure.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Well at 360k some odd thousand miles any original top end parts will be shot or darn near that anyway.

Swap in a used engine, its not worth putting that kind of money into a car with that many miles. To much will need replacing.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Yeah, I am starting to think the same thing. I have been calling around and there is not alot around here (Spokane WA). With the cost of shipping I think that I am going to pass on the car.

It is a shame though... the interior is good, there is just nothing remarkable about the car though. It is funny how some Euro headlights can make all the difference.

but those engines are known to run at least 500000 miles!

My question is why Jiffylube is not picking up the tab...

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Dale

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...MG_2277sig.jpg

1990 300D 2.5 Turbo -155k
2000 E430 - 103k
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel 4x4 - 11k
2014 VW Passat TDI SE - 7k Bro's Diesel
2006 E320 CDI - 128k Pop's Benz

Pre-glow - A moment of silence in honor of Rudolph Diesel

they did. the owner is taking the money and running.

supposedly.

i wonder if the story is on the up and up. i am wondering if the car was just run low on oil or on dirty oil.

probably a good idea to assume the worst on the motor.

but those bottom ends are extremely tough. it wouldnt shock if the bottom end is fine, no matter what happened.

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.

Bring a pickup truck over here to the West side. I had to cross the mountains when I was living over there and needed an engine.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

I agree on the story, sounds a little wierd. The engine bay confirmed that a major oil leak took place.

I think at this time I am going to pass on the car though. I don't have the time or money to spend on the repair until summer. If anyone wants the car it is posted on craigs list spokane.

Thanks for the opinions