I know that nothing will suffice as a substitute for an actual compression test. That being said, I’d like to know if the following could be used as an indicator of an engine with good compression.

I looked at an 82 SD that had been sitting for several weeks. It was dead cold, and the owner put the key into the ignition switch and immediately fired up the engine without waiting for the glow plugs for even a second. It fired up immediately after less than 2-3 seconds of cranking. The ambient temperature was about 70 degrees. I asked him about this, and he said that he usually doesn’t need to use the glow plugs except in winter.

I would like to logically assume that the engine has relatively high compression; at least high enough to heat the air to allow combustion to take place without much cranking. Do you experts out there feel that this is a good enough indication of the condition of the engine?

Thanks again everyone!

(the quest continues….)

i'd say go and get a compression test done just for peace of mind. 50-100 bucks i think to get it done at a reputable place. if you get that done, and everything checks out good, then at least you know for sure, right? no doubts in your head at least.

__________________
'80 240D (sold) wish I didn't.
'85 300D (240K miles)

It is my understanding that it is not good to crank the engine prior to the glo light disappearing. Does anyone know if this is accurate or not?

__________________
DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Yeah I've always let the glowplug light go off prior to cranking, unless the engine is already warmed up. I think it runs smoother if the glowplugs are hot, but I could be wrong. The few times I "forgot I had a diesel" and cranked mine prior to warmed up glow plugs I had to crank 2 or 3 seconds prior to the engine firing. I think this was in order to build up heat/compression in the engine.

If the person is reputable and has nothing to hide they should let you take the car (or take it themselves and you pay for it) to a Bosch service center, MBZ dealer, or independent MB mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. It costs around $50 around here. Good luck!

__________________
Bob Roe
Lehigh Valley PA USA
1973 Olds 88, 1972 MB 280SE, 1978 Datsun 280Z, 1971 Ford T-Bird, 1972 Olds 88, 1983 Nissan Sentra, 1985 Sentra, 1973 230.6, 1990 Acura Integra, 1991 Volvo 940GLE wagon, 1983 300SD, 1984 300SD, 1995 Subaru Legacy L wagon, 2002 Mountaineer, 1991 300TE wagon, 2008 Murano, 2007 R320CDI 4Matic 52K, some Hyundai, 2008 BMW 535xi wagon, all gone... currently
2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, 2014 E350 4matic

wow, maybe I am in the wrong part of the country.

Compression test costs $400.00.

And pre inspection costs $200.00 or more.

And I though things in the midwest were cheaper, oh well

Greetings,

Hard to believe that any independant mechanic would charge you that much for a pre-inspection or a compression check for that matter. I think I'd be taking my business somewhere else. For all that cash they better be adjusting the valves, replacing seals and washing and waxing the exterior. Let's be real.

Charles

Thats the MB dealers price in St. Louis, not an independant. I have only been to an independant like one or two times I think.

The only reason I take to dealer is cause I get a loaner car and better warranty. The loaner car is good cause I dont want to ask my friends and family to take me to the shop every other week.

After the last few price quotes I got from them, maybe I should go to an independant, hmm...

Greetings,

Seeing as I don't like to spend un-needed money, I go with an independant if I can't do it myself, more dedication and education without standing behind the rep of a dealership.

Just my thoughts, same State but different thinking


Charles

A couple years ago the dealer only wanted a few dollars over the $50 my independent wanted to charge for a prepurchase inspection. I think it was like $52 vs. $50. For $200-400 I'd want all new fluids, filters, and an alignment
The rental car is nice, but I'd be tempted to call Enterprise car rental; aren't they the ones who deliver a car to you? Shouldn't cost over $30 or so for an overnight, and if you're saving $$$ over the rip-off dealer it might be worth it. Or do like I do, and have a family member follow you to and from the independent

[Edited by Robert W. Roe on 05-30-2001 at 12:24 AM]

__________________
Bob Roe
Lehigh Valley PA USA
1973 Olds 88, 1972 MB 280SE, 1978 Datsun 280Z, 1971 Ford T-Bird, 1972 Olds 88, 1983 Nissan Sentra, 1985 Sentra, 1973 230.6, 1990 Acura Integra, 1991 Volvo 940GLE wagon, 1983 300SD, 1984 300SD, 1995 Subaru Legacy L wagon, 2002 Mountaineer, 1991 300TE wagon, 2008 Murano, 2007 R320CDI 4Matic 52K, some Hyundai, 2008 BMW 535xi wagon, all gone... currently
2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, 2014 E350 4matic

I highly doubt that after sitting for weeks, it would start right up without the glowplug wait. Take a look at the car again, and before starting it up, check if the radiator hose is warm. That trick never fails.

I agree that you should be cautious. I was lied to when buying my daughter's car. The guy looked me straight in the eye and lied with no flinch. He was a cold blooded &((*&(()&(& liar.

When my 240D was young, up until about 250K miles, it would start on a warm day with no glow plugging. It didn't matter how long it had set there. It is possible.

Good luck,

Thank you everyone for your help. It is very much appreciated.

Hey guys,

No its not through enterprise rent a car. They cant give me a car because I am 20yrs old.

The dealer ususally gives me one of cars in there "fleet".

I am defintly checking into independants. The dealer wanted around 10 grand to "replace" my engine. I want second opinions first. I called a machine shop and they only wanted 300-1000 to basically fully recondition the head. If I can do it myself for only a fraction of the cost, I will be happy.