Ok here's the plan - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rama777 · #1 04-09-2008, 10:58 PM

So I'm in love with this 84 300d. I don't know what it is exactly but I can't turn back now. It's been sitting for two years without starting and was neglected badly. It's got 250k miles on it. I've changed the oil and oil filter. Flushed the coolant system and radiator. The air filter as well. Replaced both fuel filters. Runs better already. I'm going to take out the fuel tank and drain the old fuel out. God only knows what's in there. I plan on dealing with the ALDA bolt I've been told about. The key won't start the car and I'm hoping it's the gear bushings which I will have a mechanic replace. The gear handle is sloppy as hell. I'll have a mechanic check the NSS switch while he's down there too. I'm also going to have him adjust my valves. Any idea on what the valve adjustment will cost me? I'll replace the glow plugs and I have a friend who's done that and he'll do it with me for free. I'm going to also replace any worn out looking hoses. The car has new wheel bearings in it and I'll replace the breaks and maybe have the break lines worked on by the mechanic too. I guess I'll get the tranny fluids exchanged as well. So after all that I'm hoping all is well. I am moving to flagstaff Arizona from Asheville North Carolina in two months and I want to do it in this car. Am I crazy??? Is that feesible or should I be expecting something I've overlooked? What do you think out there. I'm no expert. Thanks for any advice.
Rama

project84300sd · #2 04-09-2008, 11:00 PM

do the valve adjustment yourself... not too hard..

leathermang · #3 04-09-2008, 11:03 PM

You should learn to do the valve adjustment yourself for several reasons...
did you know it needs to be done about every 20,000 miles... ?
Are you prepared to pay $150 for that each time... that is assuming you can find someone you can trust to do it..
Even if you pay someone else to do it ...if you really know how you can supervise them... very important that it be done correctly... too tight and you burn a valve quickly..

Chad300tdt · #4 04-09-2008, 11:10 PM

Use the money you would spend on the first valve adjustment to buy the wrenches. I bought mine from here: http://**************.com/node/715

It has a detailed instruction book and the tools you need. Or you could make them yourself and use the dieselgiant guide.

It's a good idea to flush your power steering and change the filter. I'm doing mine in the next few days.

rama777 · #5 04-09-2008, 11:25 PM

Good advice. Thanks. I've got a friend with a shop and when I can get it to where I can drive it there I'll have him do the valve adjustment with me. Is it POSSIBLE to spend about 800 more dollars on parts and labor and drive this thing to Arizona??? It seems like the potential is there...The breaks are ****. I'll switch out the pads and like I said I'm prett sure the wheel bearings are ok. Is it expensive to have the break lines serviced? Can I do that myself?

rama777 · #6 04-09-2008, 11:26 PM

Yeah I was gonna use the dieselgiant guide. Is that information solid and complete?

rama777 · #7 04-10-2008, 12:06 AM

So I need to replace my bushings for the gear shift handle on the auto transmission but what parts am I looking to buy? Thanks

Skippy · #8 04-10-2008, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rama777

Good advice. Thanks. I've got a friend with a shop and when I can get it to where I can drive it there I'll have him do the valve adjustment with me. Is it POSSIBLE to spend about 800 more dollars on parts and labor and drive this thing to Arizona??? It seems like the potential is there...The breaks are ****. I'll switch out the pads and like I said I'm prett sure the wheel bearings are ok. Is it expensive to have the break lines serviced? Can I do that myself?

We have a member here who bought a 300D in Florida sight unseen, flew in and then drove it to Colorado. I gather that one was in somewhat better shape than yours, but yes, you can probably get it in shape for a cross country drive for $800. Much less if you do most of the work yourself.

One tiny pet peeve-"brakes" are what stop our cars. "Break" is what we all wish they'd stop doing.

Chad300tdt · #9 04-10-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rama777

So I need to replace my bushings for the gear shift handle on the auto transmission but what parts am I looking to buy? Thanks

Here are some links to what you need. All these parts should be replaced. The "Buy Parts" link at the top of the page is where I found them. Phil is awesome and I usually get my parts within 2 days at most.

They can get used parts too. Just something to keep in mind ... I'm not saying to buy used bushings.

http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=2C30YUFGP2CD0HAJ3H&year=1984&make=MB&model=300-DT-001&category=J&part=AT+Shift+Link.+Clip

http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=2C30YUFGP2CD0HAJ3H&year=1984&make=MB&model=300-DT-001&category=J&part=AT+Shift+Linkage+Bushing

http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=2C30YUFGP2CD0HAJ3H&year=1984&make=MB&model=300-DT-001&category=J&part=Shift+Lever+Bushing

Replacing a brake line isn't horrible, but you need to have flare nut wrenches and only use the wrench to break the nut free or do the final tightening, use your fingers for everything else so you don't cross the threads on the fittings. You should also get a MityVac, it's a must have with the vacuum system on our cars and you can use it as a power bleeder for the brakes.

Good Luck.

leathermang · #10 04-10-2008, 09:31 AM

Having someone who really knows how to do the valve adjustment supervise you the first time is a great idea.

rama777 · #11 04-10-2008, 03:41 PM

So for those bushing parts. Should I buy each and everything on those three pages? Will that be everything I need to do the job? Thanks!

Chad300tdt · #12 04-10-2008, 03:53 PM

You can buy the AT Shift Linkage Bushings or the AT Shift Linkage Bushings on the rod, you don't need both. Your rods should be OK, but the labor cost might be less if you supply the bushings with the rods. Ask the mechanic what they would prefer.

You need all the other items.