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  #1  
Old 01-29-2008, 12:32 AM
Karma50's Avatar
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lewisville, Texas
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Talking How about another 400K miles

I am a new convert to the diesel way of life. I just got home with my '85 300D last week. It is running great with 420,000 miles! It does need some work, but I am excited to do it myself and learn every inch of this fine automobile along the way!

I have always done small maintenance and repair jobs (oil changes, alternator, starter replacement, etc) on previous cars. But it was really this forum that really encouraged me to take on bigger tasks. Since I brought the car home a presumed vacuum leak has gone from not working automatic door locks (when I bought it) to erratic transmission shifting (started yesterday).

My first project is to solve any vacuum issues I have. The car also needs to be aligned (I will probably seek a professional for that one). But I do intend to replace the right rear axle with the help of some more experienced friends. Evidently the spline that attaches to the hub is worn (seems to be far less common than the cv boot replacement that is commonly discussed here.

I also hope to repair the A/C before the Texas summer hits! And repair my warn seat springs with some pool noodles.

I am going to do an oil change this week (just to be safe). But how do I know when to do other maintenance tasks if I don't know how many miles it has gone? Should I just go ahead and change the fuel filters, and radiator fluid? I will already be changing the rear differential fluid when I replace the right rear axle, and I can inspect the V-belts and timing chain to determine when replacement is necessary. What about transmission fluid and filter? Is there a way to test when it needs these changed?

Also, is anyone aware of any diesel Mercedes clubs in the Dallas area? I am looking for as many resources as possible to get another 400,000 miles out of this beauty.

Thanks
Aaron Fuqua

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  #2  
Old 01-29-2008, 03:42 AM
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Karma, U don't need to change te fuel filters if the engine has good power. If it seems to lack power, usually up a hill, then U might need to replace one fuel filter.

P E H
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  #3  
Old 01-29-2008, 04:08 AM
ForcedInduction
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If you don't know when the fuel filters were last replaced you should change them.

Get a coolant tester and test strips to check the coolant for the right mixture and contents.

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  #4  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:04 AM
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Forced,

Change fuel filters if U don't know when last changed. Would U give me a logical reason why?

P E H
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  #5  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:05 AM
ForcedInduction
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Because you don't know when they were last changed. Reason enough to spend the $10.
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  #6  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:26 AM
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I agree with FI...Just brought home my 2nd MB diesel this weekend - first thing I did was change both filters...the primary was pretty gunked up, and I had lost power on a hill, I also changed the secondary JIC.

Pretty inexpensive, and you have the security of knowing you are on the road with clean filters...
considering it's a "new 2 U" car, thats one less unknown!
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  #7  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:34 AM
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Zeke,

U only know have clean filters until U get the next tank of fuel.

P E H
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  #8  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:37 AM
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Karma - you're just going to need to strike a balace with some of advice and determine how much you want to spend.

Both PEH and Forced are essentially correct - and both know a mind-boggling amount about these cars - so listen to them both (although they are currently arguing about semantics over lift pumps).

I can understand wanting to change the fuel filters and other items (that may not be necessary) just to establish a baseline for when it was done last.....and also to familiarize yourself with the filters, the primer pump and bleeding the system of air IN YOUR GARAGE....versus finding out you plugged a filter on the interstate, without the tools or replacement filters on hand (we all recommend keeping some in the trunk).

Having said that - PEH is correct, if it's still running strong - save your $10 for something else that really needs it. Like PEH, I reuse my primary filters too - I flush them out with carb cleaner (I'm plugging filters every 200 miles - so at $3 a pop, it adds up quickly).

So really, like many things on here - read and discern for yourself, we all have different personalities and opinions - but there are many helpful and extremely intelligent members (I don't belong to this group)

Search the forum and start reading - there are many, many threads with similar advice (about tuning an old diesel up after buying without documented maintenance) and you've come to the right place - so welcome! And good luck squeezing another 400k out for your car
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  #9  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:40 AM
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Forced,

I wanted a logical answer. Its not logical to change fuel filters on time or mileage.

I don't care when my fuel filters were last changed as long as enough fuel gets thru for full engine power. The dirtier filters get the better they filter (smaller partical removal).

P E H
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  #10  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:46 AM
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If possible it is always an advantage to find out from previous owner what if anything has been done in the way of maintenance. Get the time frames as well.
It is never smart to drive a diesel without a spare filter in the trunk. As mentioned one really dirty tank of fuel can do you in. Even with a new filter installed.
It usually pays to not fuel at small volume places. That in my opinion is like asking for it. The few times I have had major fuel problems it was always those smaller volume places. I fully realise something could happen at a large volume place as well. It just has not been my experience with approaching 20 years of driving furnaces.
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  #11  
Old 01-29-2008, 09:58 AM
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I agree that you don't need to change the fuel filters unless you are experiencing poor performance. I do think it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to change them before you need to do it on the side of the road. Always keep a set of filters in the car in case.

The reason I would say to change the filters on a schedule is to avoid HAVING to change them while on your way to a formal dinner or meeting.
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  #12  
Old 01-29-2008, 10:15 AM
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Good purchase. It looks like your 85 is the same colour as my 85, anthacrite grey.But you have more miles than me!

For an alignment only go to the dealership to get one done since they are the only people that can do it right. They have the proper tools to do so. I took my car to a local place and they said they would "compensate" for the spreader bar(special tool).. I decided to spend the $100 on a proper alignment

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