Will be driving it for 13 hrs...

[MercFan]

I'll be picking up a new to me 1987 300SDL in OK (assuming it passes inspection), and I'll be driving it home back to Denver for 13hrs starting this Friday.

In addition to a fresh oil change and checking the fuel and air filters before I set off what else should I do before setting off on a 800+ mile journey?! Was thinking about adding some PowerService to the fuel, maybe doing a little 'Italian Tuneup' along the way.... maybe maybe not... don't wanna get stranded.

Advice, comments, plz.

[Oldwolf]

Things to look at:

Coolant
Coolant hoses
Transmission fluid
Tires and pressure
Brake fluid
Brakes
Belt(s)
Lights
Fuses
Wiper Blades
Power Steering Fluid
Heater (does it work...trip might be cold)
Fuel hoses

-Bring some tools maybe??

Have fun!

[H-townbenzoboy]

You don't need an additive unless you'll encounter gelling conditions. Since this car is a "stranger", I'd keep to the interstate and fuel up only at high traffic truck stops. An italian tuneup shouldn't hurt provided the car is in good order. Put the usual in the trunk, toolkit, 1-2 quarts each of motor oil, ATF, a quart of power steering fluid, a bottle of brake fluid, some of that fix a flat stuff if you run across a nail or such, and some proper coolant. If you have AAA with the 200 mi towing plan, that would be a plus. Oh yeah, be sure to have windshield washer fluid, it's even better if you can add some of that concentrate that MB sells to the fluid. It cleans wonderfully.

[Stretch]

If I were you I'd take some ty-wraps and some self amalgamating tape for any coolant leaks you may - but hopefully will not - get.

Best of luck

[Crazy_Nate]

I hope this is the one!

With that said, make sure all the power seat adjustments (try all, in both directions) are working properly. There's nothing like going on a long drive in an uncomfortable position.

If it were me, I would hold off on the italian tune up until I was more familiar with the vehicle. The shop doing the inspection should be able to check all the major safety concerns (tires, brakes, suspension, steering, etc). Note the age of the tires - if it's very old (8+ years), IMHO, don't stake your life on them. I'd also probably test the "stop" lever, just in case. Never know if you'll need that!

On a long trip with a car that possibly has a #14 head, make sure that the cooling system is working well...and periodically note the temperature while you're driving. You can increase the cooling load by turning on the AC. Worst case scenario is probably stop and go traffic, in warm weather with AC (not that you'll experience it in this trip). My '87 will run between low 80's and 90C in this weather. In warmer months, with stop and go traffic and AC, about 100C. Extended runs with the turbo can also get the temps up.

If, for some reason, the car starts to get a little too warm, putting the heat on full blast may help. If not, well, cruise carefully off the road and let the car cool down (don't turn it off, leave it idling and check the operation of the fan).

Even with a different head casting, I would be leery about overheating - it can't really be good in any condition...

Bring food and water (and dress for the weather - you can always take your jacket off, but if you are outside wrenching, it might be unpleasant without one). Music is also nice on a long trip. I keep nitrile gloves, diesel 911, WD40 (you never know if you might need it) and a couple filters in the trunk. I also usually have a socket set in the back seat, as well as a couple crescent wrenches and a pair of vice grips. Flashlight for the unexpected. Extra fuses can be useful (I have a small collection in my glovebox next to my tire gauge, manuals and paper + pen ). I also keep a bicycle pump in the trunk. Zip ties, string or duct tape might be useful in a bind, but I've never felt inclined to carry any around.

[oldsinner111]

Please check rubber flex disks.They rot with age.

[MercFan]

Originally Posted by Crazy_Nate

I hope this is the one!

Bring food and water (and dress for the weather - you can always take your jacket off, but if you are outside wrenching, it might be unpleasant without one). Music is also nice on a long trip. I keep nitrile gloves, diesel 911, WD40 (you never know if you might need it) and a couple filters in the trunk. I also usually have a socket set in the back seat, as well as a couple crescent wrenches and a pair of vice grips. Flashlight for the unexpected. Extra fuses can be useful (I have a small collection in my glovebox next to my tire gauge, manuals and paper + pen ). I also keep a bicycle pump in the trunk. Zip ties, string or duct tape might be useful in a bind, but I've never felt inclined to carry any around.

Thanks 'Bear Grylls'! Quite a list you got there - and very useful indeed - won't be able to get all of that on this trip because I'll be flying out there (one way) to pickup the car and drive it back, but some of these items I can bring with me as part of the 'Benz Survival Kit' you've listed... hehe

Thx all -

[fruitcakesa]

Good luck on your journey.
My wife and daughter drove, our then, totally unknown 82 240 back from VA to VT, about a 10 hr drive.
No tools, no oils, no knowledge but a AAA plus tow plan, visa card and cell phone.
They made it with no issues.
When I looked under the car when they got home I could see cracked axle boots though no obvious fluid leaks.
Give that old girl a good inspection before leaving just for kicks and enjoy the trip.

[Phil]

If there is a Harbor Freight store near where you are picking up the car you can get one of there cheep tool sets that has sockets, wrenches and pliers for not much money and when the trip is over just keep them in the car for emergencies. Cheep investment and I got my self out of some jams that way in the past.
That way you don't have to fly with tools although it can be done.

[Crazy_Nate]

Originally Posted by MercFan

Thanks 'Bear Grylls'! Quite a list you got there - and very useful indeed - won't be able to get all of that on this trip because I'll be flying out there (one way) to pickup the car and drive it back, but some of these items I can bring with me as part of the 'Benz Survival Kit' you've listed... hehe

Thx all -

I love man vs. wild! Perhaps it has rubbed off on me. No such thing as overkill if you're in a bind (except if you're carrying everything)

If I had to trim some weight, the sockets would probably go first. Then other tools and fluids based on their availability on the road (this usually depends on how picky you are with oil / transmission fluid). Proper coolant/antifreeze might be more difficult to find, but if it's warm enough you can probably get away with distilled water. In a pinch, you can find crescent wrenches and vice grips at any local auto parts store.

Of course, if you wanted to go the other way, just a cell phone (providing adequate service along your driving route) and a credit card could fill the bill - but I like doing things myself

[moon161]

Gallon of coffee
Hammer
Mask
Adult diapers
Golden Earring: Radar Love & other hits.

[MercFan]

Originally Posted by moon161

Gallon of coffee
Hammer
Mask
Adult diapers
Golden Earring: Radar Love & other hits.

[H-townbenzoboy]

Originally Posted by moon161

Gallon of coffee
Hammer
Mask
Adult diapers
Golden Earring: Radar Love & other hits.

He's driving a SDL home, he's not that crazy astronaut chick, I think her name was Novak.

[kerry]

I have a policy of always buying a roundtrip ticket with a return date one day later than the day I'll look at the car when I fly to purchase a vehicle. I've used the return portion more than once.

[oldsinner111]

6 Red Bulls.