I am about to drive an '85 300td for the first time in close to 2 years tomorrow. There are definitely some incomplete vacuum lines, the SLS was just restored after having been empty the entire duration, the air cleaner is missing the hose to the turbo but it starts and runs pretty smooth. Other than algae in the diesel, what else should I incorporate into my preliminary check?

I should probably mention that this car was wrecked and the front end cut off and replaced with that of a 240d. Electric lines cut, many hoses opened, coolant drained and remained open.

Is there any way to predict if this thing is going to be a runaway?
This is def my first time doing this.. don't be afraid to offend me. Just looking for suggestions.

On any used car I buy with an auto trans I put two cans of trans-x into the transmission and drive it for a while.. then I change out the fluid and filter and put one can in to leave.
Of course you have to pull a little more than the two cans out first...pull out the top if you can... this stuff dissolves varnish which has built up over the years... critical to the gravity working ball check valves in the trans valve body.
I would change out the oil and filter before starting it up...
Have you checked the fluid level in the 3rd member?
Check all fluid levels before getting out on the road...

I hope the welds between the front and back are really good!

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

^^^ Me too bud. I saw them before paint.. they were at least clean looking. And nothing was welded behind the front shock towers.
Have you had an experience with this?

any pictures?

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Kevin

1978 300D
1979 240D

Just this: Well, I guess the W126 ISN'T indestructable (MUST SEE)

The link to the artical is dead now but there are some pictures in there.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Rickshaw anyone?

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Now you guys have me really scared. I can't sleep on this. How come there is so little info available about the dangers of this procedure?
Again.. nothing was welded behind the front shock towers. Car was stretched, then cut almost along the bend of the wheel well on both sides for the symmetric addition of the good front end.
pics of all this tomorrow if I feel safe enough to drive it away.


And doesn't changing the auto trans after extended change intervals often disrupt the trans shift points and cause slippage due to wear? I've read and experienced that once it is damaged/ worn it doesn't come back w/o rebuild.

I would never own a reconstructed vehicle such as yours for the fear of the structural integrity being compromised. I just wouldn't feel safe. I don't know how well the work was done on your car. Driving it could reveal potential problems.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012