1979 240D starting rough...

[MercFan]

There is a 240D for sale not too far away - the ad says that: "This car is hard to start and blows some white smoke, which is a reflection of the good price" - $500

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/1370459036.html

Assuming it needs new filters, and a set of glow plugs - but the white smoke... hmmm - sounds like some big stuff - i.e. a head gasket. Opinions, plz

[tankowner]

Originally Posted by MercFan

There is a 240D for sale not too far away - the ad says that: "This car is hard to start and blows some white smoke, which is a reflection of the good price" - $500

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/1370459036.html

Assuming it needs new filters, and a set of glow plugs - but the white smoke... hmmm - sounds like some big stuff - i.e. a head gasket. Opinions, plz

I looked at that ad earlier today. I like the color, but the price reflects the engine problems. If you are going to look at this car you should do a compression test on it or take it somewhere and have someone do a test for you. Hard starts could be several things (bad glow plugs, fuel filter or air in fuel lines, bad compression, etc.). The smoking could also be several things - if truly white it would be coolant, but sometimes people say "white" and it is really burning oil. So, hard starts and smoke could very well equal low compresison numbers from worn out rings. I think this one also has some rust on the exterior, which likely means more on the interior.

It's a fair price, but you'd be putting a lot of work into it -possible an engine swap or rebuild.

[MercFan]

Originally Posted by tankowner

It's a fair price, but you'd be putting a lot of work into it -possible an engine swap or rebuild.

Yeah, I like the color too... and I fancy one with a manual trans... would be nice, but wife would hate me spending time with the 'mistress' in the garage again...

[tankowner]

The really funny part about that add is the place you go to see the car . . . . A__hole's Garage?

[MercFan]

Originally Posted by tankowner

The really funny part about that add is the place you go to see the car . . . . A__hole's Garage?

Yeah... Is that a good name for a business... catchy maybe to some... but sure not very professional...

[MercFan]

I wonder how many parts this car would have in common with my 1985 300D - if any... are any of the body parts and or engine parts compatible?! Filters, fluids and such I guess might be... just curious.

James

[the tenor man]

Please be suspect of any 240D that has engine problems...Hard starting on these engines is usually from low compression...

They are usually driven hard and put away wet.

My advice (for what it's worth) is unless the body is pristine, they are rarely worth an engine rebuild. It's really easy to throw a few thousand dollars into a rebuild and when you're done, the car will still be slow...0-60 in about 25 seconds even when new! An engine swap may be better.

These cars are so slow, that you have to plan your trip. If you live where there are long hills, be prepared to see headlights on your rear bumper...and big 18 wheelers passing you like you were stopped.

Don't ask me how I know...

The Tenor Man

[Brandon_SLC]

Originally Posted by MercFan

Yeah... Is that a good name for a business... catchy maybe to some... but sure not very professional...

I bet it didn't take long for it to become well known.

I've been to a few places that should have been called that.

[Skippy]

The ad doesn't specify if the white smoke continues after the engine is warmed up. I've seen plenty of diesels blow copious white smoke from unburned fuel on cold start, especially if they have glow plug issues, and then cease smoking once warmed up. I'm thinking this one may just have glow plug issues, and would probably buy it at that price if I were looking for another car and was in the right area.

Of course, if the seller will consent to a compression test, it couldn't hurt.