1984-1985 different air cleaners on 300sd
 

Hello, i'm in the market for a 1985 300sd and I also own a 1984 300sd and since I have been looking at them I have noticed that there are 2 different style air cleaners in slightly different locations. Does anyone know why or when the change was actually made. I can't find any information on this and all I have been able to do is look at cars on ebay. Then interesting thing is that when I look a 85 300sd's some have the 84 set up, the thing that really has me confused is I found a 1985 300sd that was made in 10/84 and it has the different style air cleaner that is closer to the passenger side fender. Then I found one that made in 3/85 and it has the 84 300sd set up. If anyone could please explain the difference and with set up is better please let me know. I also notice that the cars that do have the different set up, the turbo looks like it sits higher that on most of the 84 models.

the one with the airfilter behind the head light is a california model and was made in model year 1985 only, they had to put the air filter assembly there to allow room to raise the turbo and install a trap oxidizer.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/search.php?searchid=2048893

I have an 84 SD also and the filter sits up on top. If the 85 SD is off to one side it might be a Ca. model car with a trap? my 85 300D is a Ca. car and had the aircleaner behind the R/F headlight because of the trap oxidizer. I haven` seen a 85 SD so this is just my guess. Check to see if it has that foot ball looking thing below the turbo.

I see you are in San Jose, we are almost neighbors.

Charlie

Thank you so much you guys are awesome. Are there any advantages to the 85 300sd?

Wow that is really cool I have 2 international scouts and I have 2 datsun 510s. Maybe we should get together sometime.

Dan

I don`t know of any advantages, except a yr newer. but it has some things that are only for that model yr. If it is some what like my 300D, the air filter, starter, down pipe are different for this yr and cost a little more.
85 was the last yr for the w123, not sure if 85 was the last yr for the w126 with the 617 engine. the trap oxodizer has to be replaced every 30000 miles unless the up grade was done. I had MB replace ours when we first bought ours. it had no power, and had gone over 50000 miles and was plugged up. at that time MB replaced these free as part of the warranty on the smog stuff.

Charlie

are your scouts gas or diesel? My International is a gasser with a 345.
Iam retired so available most of the time.

Charlie

Disadvantages: Higher emissions, higher maintenance costs, lower fuel economy, lower power, lower reliability and lower value.

Advantages: Lower visible emissions (soot).

Yeah you are right. but fix all these power robbing add on gadgets, milage goes up and some added performance increase.

Charlie

CALIFORNIA '85s are that way... Federal 85s are not.

They have taller axle (better econ), ABS, better transmission system, external electronic vac pump for locks, etc. I don't know how 28-31mpg is poor on the freeway.

when I first got ours, we got 24 on the highway. and that was after we had the trap changed. was up to Vail Co. a few years ago, the elivation is 9000ft and higher. the damn thing was a dog, no excelleration, nothing. I even got beat going down hill by a 61 VW.
we go rid of the trap, turbo, intake, exhaust, egr, Ca. air filter, and changed things like an 83. the next year we were back to Vail and I thought I was in a corvett. It was a different vehicle. now I get 27 - 30 mpg. Last May fueled in Portland Or. drove to Lodi, Ca and got 30.86.

Couple yrs ago, drove to Ogden, Ut. and av almost 29 on one tank. Ca to Ut. Oh I hold 34 gallons.

Charlie

My scout has a 392 block shaved 345 heads new comp lifters, comp cam and new valve springs. It runs really good, I have a DUI dizzy and a holley 670 cfm truck avenger carb. I built this truck from the frame up. 30 spline inner and outer axle arb diffs 427 gears atlas 4 speed t-case line-x the entire inside of body bead lock rims 36 irock swampers hot water shower hydro assist steering hydraboost brakes coolers for everything full cage rock sliders and master craft seats. I've put a lot into this truck hopefully this summer I can finally use it. I also have a Traveler with a 345. I think I was getting between 25-30 mpg depending on how I drive. The scout gets like 8-10 mpg:(
Dan

wow you have done a lot the your Scout. with all that time a money into it I would be afraid to take of off road, I guess that is what the hot water shower if for. to wash off the trail dust? :D
I parked the Cornbinder in the barn 21 years ago because the pinion bearing went out. been going to get to it one of these days:rolleyes:.
behind the 345 is a 4 speed with a 3 speed brownie. deep under, direct and over. one of these days before I get too old got to get it running again. but with the cost of gas, and it getting 12 - 13 on a good day. last time I drove it gas was $0.55.

Charlie

Here is a pic of the '85 California setup. (this one is off a 300d, the 300sd is very similar.)

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...8&d=1122416628


Another note, is that there are modifications to the standard Federal air cleaner housing to clear the ARV on the Turbo found only on the Cal 1984s and Fed 1985s.

http://www.w124performance.com/image...r_cleaners.jpg

A note about the 85 Cali air cleaner. Although I think its a better design, the 85 cali air cleaner's filters are a lot more expensive. If I were to try and get one locally it would have to be ordered and cost more than $75. The federal air filters I can get for less than $30 and are stocked at several stores.