I am thinking of bidding on a 84 Mercedes 300TD Turbo Diesel Wagon. Included in the description......Cylinder Compression Readings: #1 (210) #2 (270) #3 (320) #4 (200) #5 (300).

What's someone's opinion on this? Would I be able to drive from Maine to Montana without any problems?

Thanks for any input someone can send my way.
Sherri

The difference from the lowest reading to the highest shouldn't be more than 10% off. That's more important than the overall number though some of those look extremely low. Sounds like there is some internal engine problems. I can't imagine that car starts well in the cold with those low numbers. Having said that, once you start getting under 300 psi, I think that is a sign of a more tired engine.

Scott

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Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)

Numbers 1 and 4 are too low for me, yet after a valve adjustment they may read stronger.

Mid 300's are good, there should not be much more than a 10 per cent difference between all cylinders.

The car will make it, I think, keep an eye on the oil pressure.

However, depending on how far you want to go with reviving that engine, well, that's up to you.

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83 SD

84 CD

I think there has been a valve adjustment, there is a new valve cover gasket, implying a valve adjustment? With these low non consistent readings, how much time and energy will be involved to revive the engine?

If possible, put a squirt of oil in each cylinder just before you do a retest. If the reading is better, it indicates worn rings. If no difference, then it's more likely valves. good luck.

Honey, your readings are all over the map makin me think the test caint have been properly done. I would get 2nd opinion from diesel certified technician.

I'll agree with a second opinion. Also check for leak down. If those numbers are confirmed accurate, and you can determine the rings are at fault, I'm afraid you're looking at a multi thousand dollar fix.

A new gasket is NOT an indicator of any adjustment.

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83 SD

84 CD

I would pay accordingly assuming that the engine needs a rebuild. But the rings could be sticking especially if it has been run on grease. Putting in good oil and running diesel in it might bring them back. Those numbers being so different will mean it will run a little rougher than normal but after you get it warm it should run just fine really.

But discount the price on the assumption you need to rebuild the motor and assume the worst.

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.

might want to verify if the test was done while the motor was cold. these should only be performed on warm motors for most accurate results.

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83 300d euro
85 944

Or if they published those compression numbers to indicate what you are getting, it means the engine is junk. Either the cylinder block or the head or both are in junk condition and I would never bid on something like that.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!