New to MB Diesel, want to learn!

[LikeaPanzerTank]

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?

[bustedbenz]

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.

[sedecrem]

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.

[Cervan]

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.

[Hatterasguy]

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.

[dunl]

And congratulations on joining the club.

[F18]

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!

[pmari]

Let's see some pictures of that car you stole

[LikeaPanzerTank]

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

Thanks for the help guys!

[LUVMBDiesels]

Welcome to the family!

Here is what I would do.

1) learn how to use the advanced search in google to find things as the search engine in the forum is terrible.
What you do is use the advanced search option in google.com then type mercedesshop.com in the domain . this is a much better way to search.

2) Go to **************.com and get the book 75 for 75. It tells you all you need to do to be able to safely drive your car at 75mph. In other words, what to replace, drain, change, etc. I got it when I first bought my car and it helped a lot.

3) Use this forum for questions and do not feel afraid of shouting for help. We will usually have somebody who has done what you need to do and who can help you out.

4) Join the Mercedes Club of America (MBUSA.com) and go to your local chapter meetings. You will find all sorts of people there and your car will get respect.

5) As others have said, get the Field Service Manuals from MB. they come on CDROM and are a great resource.

6) Order parts from Phil on this site

7) You can also either take the car into any MB dealership for service or for parts. MB maintains an amazing array of parts for ALL their models. Try gong into a Jeep dealer for parts for a 74 CJ5 -- not a fun time!


Again, Welcome and best of luck. Keep posting and you will make lots of friends here.

[kerry]

Might want to consider a block heater of some kind for the winter in your neck of the woods if it doesn't already have one. Lower radiator hose heater is the easiest to install.

[toomany MBZ]

Originally Posted by kerry

Might want to consider a block heater of some kind for the winter in your neck of the woods if it doesn't already have one. Lower radiator hose heater is the easiest to install.

Yes, NY, NY, a city so famous they had to name it twice!

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

Yes, NY, NY, a city so famous they had to name it twice!

Damn straight!