New owner of 1978 300D and loving this forum

[Island300D]

Well, my first post here, everyone starts somewhere. I'm pleased to announce that my family has purchased our first Mercedes, a beautiful 1978 300D that I have begun to lovingly tune up. She only has 189K and has been garaged her whole life and treated better than a fancy pet.

Before buying her last week I googled Mercedes, found this list, and have been absorbed in it ever since. I've probably spent two hours a day reading posts on the W123 chassis and everything else Mercedes.

Let me say right up front: This is by far the most helpful and thorough and wonderful forum I have ever used, and I have used many. I am also the full-time caregiver to a sailboat with a diesel auxiliary and so am part of various boat forums and miscellaneous other things. I am completely thrilled that any thing I could ever want to do on my 300D has been done and discussed on this forum. We all know how invaluable it is to share wisdom of this sort.

Having had the car for about five days, I have already adjusted the valve timing ( I learned here about the wrenches and bought two $3 14mm at the local hardware store, heated them with my propane torch and bent them, and they worked perfectly!!! Thanks to the person who suggested this as it beats the pieces out of buying "official wrenches" for 12X the price), replaced and repacked the front bearings, changed most all the fluids, replaced all the old and original fuel lines (they crumbled in my hands) and filled up with my first tank of B20.

We have been casually looking for a good used diesel for over a year in our search to go biodiesel and are in heaven at having found this one. Now that I've swapped out the fuel lines I will start running B99 during the summer months here (San Juan Island, Washington) and a blend in the winter. Every single dollar I give to corporate oil and our own and other dictatorships makes me actively sick. Not to mention the important eco-benefits of biodiesel. Will look into VO later too.

So please let me end by saying THANK YOU. I've already benefited enormously from all the people who have taken the time to post pictures and explain their experiences. I look forward to being an active member of this forum as there is still so much I have to learn.

Oh, and I have already supported this forum and bought some tune up parts through the shop. Good price and fast service this first time.