Ok, so I always wanted a MB Diesel. I mean my entire life, it's THE car for me. So I just bought a 1975 240D Euro Spec with a 4spd 122k miles (very solid), since my soul-less Mazda *****box died. To make a long story short, I want to learn how to repair and maintain my car. Where should I start, besides listening to what the car is telling me and reading these posts? Is there any literature that is a must?

As you find issues, leaf through the DIY section

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/#do-yourself-links-resources

and see if you find anything useful. if not, feel free to ask.

To avoid being jumped upon, try to search for your problem terms (either with the "Search Forum button or by doing a google search and appending site:www.peachparts.com to the end of your search string). If you don't find anything helpful, then at least when you ask, you have the defense that you already tried to find it.

Other than that... just make a list of issues with the car and start working through them. Hopefully it's a learning curve you'll adjust to as you go. That's what I'm having to do.. thank goodness for family members who have more mechanical skills than I do.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

The best manuals are the factory service manuals(FSM) for the chassis, engine and transmission for your model of car. Mercedes will sell you a CD containing them. Original manuals can be found on eBay, craigslist etc. Hays manual is decent. Chilton is O.K. although not as informative as the others.

This site is a great resource. Just monitor the threads periodically or use a google search as already suggested. I've learned a lot here. But the best way to learn is to roll up your sleaves and get in and do it.

Changing oil is a good place to start. Doing brakes is not too hard. Intermediate work would be valve adjsutment and IP timming. From there it depends on how far you want to get into it.

I did an engine swap on a 240d with help of this forum. You can support it by buying parts from Fastlane, which is a good place to get most parts for a reasonable price anyway. I have found Phil and Roy are very helpful and supportive.

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Sedecrem

82 300SD 290k(needs engine swap)
79 240D 354k with new heart transplant w/220k
82 240D w/auto tranny soon to be manual 4 speed

For one, no water in intake, NO STARTING FLUIDS EVER I DONT CARE IF ITS -1 BILLION DEGREES OUT.Anyways, with that out of the way. Keep your filters in check, oil/fuel/powersteering/air and you will never have a problem. Dont run the engine on WVO or SVO it is a death note for your engine.

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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

As long as they would add one additional commandment for you to keep thy religion to thyself.
George Carlin (Wonder where he is now..)

1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.

Get a FSM.

Good luck, and have fun!

Winter is coming, you should start by going over all the areas that can prevent your car from starting. Search the archives.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

And congratulations on joining the club.

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

You certainly have the enthusiasm to be a diesel owner! Thats great!
As mentioned....start reading and collecting information on your model....and start a physical file or folder on DIY info. as you find it for future reference.
As mentioned...get a hard copy of the factory manual off ebay.
Good Luck!

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FRED

Daily Driver: 98 E300TD 199K
Hobby Car: 69 Austin Mini
Past Diesels: 84 300SD, 312K
87 300SDL, 251K
94 Chev. K-1500 6.5Ltr.TD, 373K

Let's see some pictures of that car you stole

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1999 E300DT (131,800) 154,000 Black on Black SOLD

2006 CLK 500 coupe Capri Blue on Grey (zoom,zoom)
47,000mi

04 VW TDI Passat 80,000mi
(Techno)

How to eliminate oil dependency through market-driven approaches.
“We could cut oil use in half by 2025, and by 2040, oil use could be zero,”
The Sound of Diesel Speed
Ode to MB

Oh once I get some pics's, they will be up here in a sec!

Thanks for the help guys!