I’ve been going through my newly acquired baby (1984 300D, 197,000 miles) and addressed all the usual things I do when I get a new car, plus a few unique issues related to the turbo-diesel. I am wondering if anyone thinks that I’ve overlooked anything?

Changed ALL fluids & filters; All new belts, radiator hoses, & water pump; Replaced many older rubber vacuum connectors; Cleaned out the banjo fitting and the switchover valve for the aneroid line; Cleaned out vacuum orifice/restrictors (used non chlorinated brake cleaner – it cleans the crud without melting the plastic); Checked the vacuum proportioning valve on the IP for proper function; Replaced leaking transmission vacuum modulator & adjusted transmission Bowden cable; Flushed injection system with diesel purge; and finally – somehow the EGR isn’t working anymore (what a shame) :).

I just received the valve adjusting wrenches today, and will do those tomorrow morning before work, and check the cam timing at the same time. Then it’s time for the Italian tune-up. I will attempt to check and adjust the boost pressure this weekend, and maybe (just maybe) tempt the fates with the aneroid adjustment as well.

The car is running much better already, and I’m now on to bigger & better things, like how to circumvent the California models’ funky RPM related boost control system. Please see the separate posting on that issue – but in the mean time, if anyone can suggest anything else for me to do, please let me know!

Thanks so much everyone!

Thanks for the laundry list! You’ve got some good suggestions there. One thing I’m not clear on is the rear bumper (?!). Please tell me your joking. Either that, or I’ll have to assume that you live somewhere where there is lots of snow & salted roads in the winter. Around here, that is not as much of a concern as is the A/C working well! So, I guess that I wont need to concern myself with the bumper falling off. However, if I could rig it up to fall off on command, that would make an interesting (although expensive) solution to chronic tailgaters! :)

Thanks again!

take the battery out and make sure the battery tray and surrounding area has not been corroded by acid. clean/paint as necessary.

check center bearing on drive shaft for wear. also universal joint on drive shaft. Check rubber "flex" discs on each end of shaft.

check engine mounts and shocks. check rear end mount. new ones reduce vibration.

pull window switches out of console and clean with radio shack tuner cleaner.

clean and lubricate sunroof guides.

replace old lines to window washers and the "in hood" spray units too if they don't make a nice pattern. cheap and easy.

look for small cracks around window rubber trim and fill with clear silicone to reduce wind noise.

replace the stock speakers. stock ones are really bad.

clean and lubricate the antenna.

look for cracks in the air cleaner mounting bracket (under air cleaner). While in that area, look at the oil return line under air cleaner housing and if it is oily, replace the "o" ring on the tube that extends from the bottom of the air cleaner.

good luck with your new car.

Nic

Congratulations on your new acquisition
 

I used to own a 1983 300SD Turbo and regret having sold it. It was a very reliable, safe comfortable car. I don't know if anyone has already suggested this, but check the air filter housing rubber mounts. There are three of them and with all the diesel vibration they tend to wear out quickly. They are fairly inexpensive and simple to replace and make a big difference in cutting back extraneous vibration, especially when you turn off the engine.

I once found an advertisement for a shield to be mounted around the firewall to further cut back on noise and vibration. The 300SD is already well insulated, but you may want to look into it.

One more suggestion: when you stop the car wait a minute or so before turning the engine off. That gives the turbo a chance to wind down. If you turn the car off as soon as you park, it causes excessive wear of turbo components.

Enjoy your new ride.

I just bought an 84 300d and the stuff you did sounds like a good start. One thing more would be to replace the shocks with blistiens or Boge shocks. I did it to mine and it drives so flat it is wonderful, no pitching or diving. Cleaning out the radiator with a washer was a great thing to do. Pull of the battery and bracket and look for any corrosion as this will lead to leaks in the cabin. I replaced my glow plugs and injectors. I live in chicago and live in an apartment. I dont like having to repair any thing in the winter as i am outside doing it. How old is the battery, if it is over four years old i would get a new one, i bought an interstate.

enjoy the car

bob

Give the paint a nice claying, and carnuba wax. Next, use some Meguair's All Metal Restorer on the grille, window trim, bumpers, and badging. It does wonders as long as the chrome isn't completely oxidized. Then, use some Mothers Vinyl and Rubber cleaner on the seats, door panels, and dash. I found it works best if you spray it on and let it sit on the vinyl for a bit, and then wipe it off. You'll be surprised at how good it makes old MB Tex upholstry look.

Great suggestions & tips everyone. Thanks for your input!