I wouldn't drive it home if you don't know what the problem is--even then it is risky. Get a friend and a tow strap and get pulled home.

__________________
1983 240D 3.0T 4-speed manual, now sold

1989 Subaru GL Wagon 5-speed Touring Edition

I agree oil dumped in the intake will produce white smoke.

I had a turbo that failed, probably a oil seal dumping oil into the exhaust side of the turbo. It developed so much heat, it melted a hole in the cast iron of the turbo and had the down pipe glowing red along with the exhaust manifold. First thing I noticed was all the white smoke behind me. looked like an airplane at the air shows. pulled over and the engine died, then heard the fire under the hood. flipped the hood open and grabed a shovel to throw dirt on it. but went out on it`s own.
this was on a dump truck, same pricniple as the MB`s.

Jimmy, I thought you were getting rid of this car a while back.


Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Hey Charlie,
I tried to let go of this beast, put her up for sale, talked folks out of buying her several times...

Hard to let go of. Been through a lot with her. I guess we are close to the time though...gonna be sad to see her go.
but with a tired motor, sloppy front end, vacuum troubles up the kazoo, shifting issues... I just can't sell her in good faith and can't afford to fix her.
The State offers $1000 to retire, such a waste of a pretty car, but it looks like now is the time.

gonna have to find another love

__________________
Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

I actually had this happen on a relatively new 1971 220D while driving in northern Vermont one weekend long ago. The system doesn't do much damage when the throttle is pressed slightly - there is an idle air control flap on those Diesels (not sure about the W123 versions, but I think they have it as well) that puts the intake manifold at a low vacuum when you are idling. This makes the volume of oil that goes through what used to be a translucent white hose (that now is visibly blackened inside) worse at idle than at speed. Which means if you are running on the highway at a constant speed there is little evidence of the issue. Take your foot off the throttle, and the vacuum in the intake helps suck the oil out of the crankcase.

So, if it starts up, there should be no peculiar noises. And, a visual inspection of the line from the vacuum pump to the intake (unless these are no longer translucent white) should confirm the source of the problem. Then, if it is a failed diaphragm, you can drive it. Just don't let the engine speed fall below the point where the idle air control flap raises the intake manifold vacuum. I should note mine made no audible noise and I was young enough at the time to have heard it, so the fact that yours made a noise is unsettling.

Good luck.

Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

Thanks to everyone for explaining to me why one would get white smoke from oil entering the intake. I hadn't heard this before and its a nice diagnostic tidbit to know about.

__________________
'83 300DTurbo http://badges.fuelly.com/images/smallsig-us/318559.png

Broadband: more lies faster.

Jimmy, you are in luck. we have a 1/2 price sale at PNP this weekend Fri to Mon.
first one we have had in a looooooooooooog time.

http://www.picknpull.com/events_and_specials.aspx?View=Detail&ID=2517

I know a complete eng is $257 out the door if yours is getting tird. anyway, there is hope still for your old CD.


Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works