New M-B owner. Just bought a 81' 300D

[PrestonEng]

I just committed to the purchase of 1981 300D. 127,000 miles on the odometer. This hasn't been started in 5 years, any help on getting this running would be greatly appreciated.
I have been researching this model on line since I found that this car was available a week or so ago.
Everything looks to be in fairly good condition. Some rust at the bottom of the rear doors, minimal at the jack points and low areas of the trunk. It rained earlier today and the rear floor is wet (sunroof or door seals?).
Rear axle boots and other rubber in the suspension and drive shaft look to be o.k.. The battery is dead so I couldn't do any electrical checks or try to turn the engine over(the crank is free,not frozen) . I did pump the primer a few times and it leaked fuel. Brake and power steering fluid looked fairly clean. Oil was at the notches on the dip stick (black of course).
I'm trying to get a charge on the battery before I go to get it with my trailer this Wednesday. It would sure be nice to drive it on as opposed to cable come-along and straps. Any suggestions?
Oh, I also hope that I haven't wasted my money on a big headache!

[charmalu]

First thing I would do is change the oil and filter before even trying to start the engine.

This you tube video came to mind when you said it has sat for 5 years. The car in
the video is a Model A that sat for 50 years. I know the MB won`t be anything close, but with
condensation and who knows how old the oil was before it was parked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhVo7-gzJo4

The wet floor could be a leaky Windshield Gasket, the Hood Hinge Pockets rusted through,
or a hole under the Battery through the Fire Wall. Remove the Tray and take a look.

Make sure the Hinge Pockets are kept clean, there is a drain hole. Debris will pack in there and cause rust.

You didn`t say which side was wet. Look under the front carpets to see if there is wetness there also.
When there is a leak in the front, it runs back to the rear floor and soaks the carpet.

The Sun Roof has 4 drain tubes one in each corner. the rear one`s drain
behind where the drip molding ends between the rear glass and the rear doors.
There are some vent holes behind the molding.

Post#8 and 17 show the drain holes, that`s my 85 about 6 yrs ago.


w123 rain gutter fin removal

If the primer pump is leaking, change it, if it leaks, it can suck air.
1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D Base Sedan - Fuel Injection - Page 1


If you don`t have an electric Winch, you will have a little work using a hand powered Come-Along.
Done it, pita to do and will have to reset it about 3 times.
I finally bought the HF 12K LB Winch when it was on sale for $294.
Works great so far. It only had to work one time to drag my 6K LB Flat Bed
truck onto the trailer. It has pulled 3 123` like there wasn`t anything connected to it.

Good luck with your new pride and joy. Hope she is a gooder one.


Charlie


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