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#1
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Inspection Checklist for buying older Mercedes diesels
This is NONE of my own work basically, just ideas posted (and many times directly quoted) from other people. My goal here is to come up with a complete inspection checklist for an older Mercedes diesel car. I do not know the validity of the checks listed, but would like to expand this checklist so if anyone would like to add to it or take away, post a reply with your input and I will edit it accordingly.
Ideally, there will be 2 parts to the checklist. First, the things to check, then the next list is what those things mean, or even details about it (if applicable). For instance Checklist 1: 3) Check how long it takes the vehicle to start from being cold. Checklist 2: 3) A good engine should start within 3 seconds first try, if it doesn't it may need rebuilt to fix lost compression. Note: totally bogus example. Anyway, here goes my raw checklist, perhaps I could improve it with suggestions and it can be a good resource for the members of this forum . Checklist 1: Quote:
Quote:
Last edited by Kamel; 10-27-2008 at 11:49 PM. |
#2
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I think this is a great idea for new Mercedes Diesel buyers.
Great start. This could be a great pictorial with pictures and/or culled from the archives- ie. what a lot of blowby looks like vs. minimal, or transmission fluid colors (new vs. old). I would add more about A/C or Climate Control functionality also- does the compressor kick in, is it noisy, does the ACC turn on on all settings or does it need defrost to kickstart, etc. Also check functionality of vacuum related components- does car turn off right away, are brakes hard, do door locks hold charge for an extended period. I believe ALL new buyers should own a Mityvac and small metric toolkit for just checking out the cars. Just noticed this: remove the air breather tube from the air filter and block it off. An ok engine will run for about 5 or 10 seconds... a good one runs for 20 to 30 seconds. A bad engine stops between 3 and 4 seconds. Then cut the engine, open the air filter and check for excessive oil. Not advisable. You can blow engine seals or seating rings by creating excess pressure in the crankcase.
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I-------------------------------------1981 300TD, Thistle Green, 140K------------------------------------I
Last edited by UriahT; 10-27-2008 at 03:17 PM. Reason: additions |
#3
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Thanks for your input, I'll edit the post accordingly .
Glad you like the idea, I think it would be an excellent resource. Adding pictures would be very very valuable for some of these things, and video for some as well (such as blow-by, what's excessive and what's normal) |
#4
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Shameless bump. Common' guys, I really think this is a good idea we can all collaborate and put our minds together and accomplish. The amount of posts it prevent people from asking in itself would be worth the effort required to make it.
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#5
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These items are a good ideal for a preliminary look. If things look pretty good Try to find someone that is really familiar with the type to go as well. Especially if you have never owned an example before.
Their objective and knowledgeable input can really help. Barring that the car should go to an independant mercedes service shop for a real hard lookover. Again one that is very familar with that model. You really do want to know what exactly you are getting into. Either one of those options should be enough to eliminate the rose colored glasses effect a purchaser sometimes has. |
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