Yes, if you have the " bed spring" linked GP's they are indeed the old series style loop plugs. As you know, if one is out then none will work (I believe the series also includes the salt shaker, so if thats out it could be your problem).
Also be sure to check that each GP has the ceramic insulator correctly installed between the incoming and outgoing "bed spring", otherwise you will have an open circuit. Good luck and keep us updated on your progress

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79 300D - 195K mi

Nice car!

dropnosky, you're very well capable of doing the 617.95x swap.

diametricalbenz was nice enough (or very trusting ) to let me drive his car. I like it alot. Very cool car.

A 617.95x swap would be really good for that car. Easiest way if your looking at stock turbo setup is use a '85 Cali unit. Without the trap, I believe it will clear. (of course your going VGT, your going to fabricate something anyways. ) Remote oil filter housing is well within your capabilities.



.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

Re: the glow plugs, it sounds like the glow element in the "salt-shaker" has burned out. You can remove it & test its continuity. I have no idea where one can buy a replacement element though. The element drops the voltage during preglowing so it needs to be there, but it is taken out of the circuit when in the 'start' position, thus for you, the glow plugs start heating right when you hit the starter and are hot enough to ignite the fuel about 8 seconds later.

The other possibility could be the pull-start switch has shorted/failed at the pre-glow point. The reason I even know about this is the '74 240D I was going to buy before I ended up buying my '76, had this very problem.

Or, get rid of the whole system and convert to the new-style plugs - make sure you disconnect the ground wire at the end of the existing circuit, and the "salt-shaker" element can be replaced with a light bulb or a piece of wire, according to some who have done the conversion here. Even better, install the kit with the relay and then the glow function will be automatic.

Re: the oil filter, it's under the car next to the oil pan in a black canister that sits at an angle. Loosen the canister bolt and the oil comes draining out. Then remove the canister (can be difficult to get out) take it apart (noting how it fits together), and replace the main filter & sealing ring. There is a plastic mesh prefilter that sits on top that should be there (mine was not...I had to buy a new one). This can be cleaned & reused).

Putting the can back in has always been a frustration for me....once I've got it past the frame and into its approximate position, then I push the bolt in to find its hole, then I can screw the oil filter back on and it goes very easily.

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1976 240D "Katja"

You need the older bumpers and the correct color hubcaps. Stop by for them when you get the chance. -CTH

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- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

wait, are you all trying to tell me that "bed springs" and "salt shaker" are not the correct MB parts terms?

Thanks for all the advice so far, the oil change does sound like a messy problem. Almost sounds as complicated as changing the oil on some motorcycles.
You have given me some great jumping off points to start turning this thing into a second daily driver for the moment. I will try and get the glow plugs diagnosed, Im pretty sure the insulated caps are all there, but there looks like almost a burnt match inside the salt shaker, so thats at least an obvious problem to be fixed.

I have seen some 115's on youtube with a later style ignition/glowplugs it seems, like out of a 123. If I were to improve the glow plugs, can I move an ignition from a 123 into this 115, or did some 115 come with those types of ignitions that activate the glow relay and then start all with the key?

CTH350, what is the difference between the older bumpers and these on the car? are they smaller? I have a set of brown hubcaps, although I kind of like the cream and brown contrast how the PO had it, eventually I would like to put some bundts on it though.

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I've always had my friend's lift to use to change my oil, and it hasn't been too bad. Now, I don't have that access anymore, I get to try it on the ground....figure it might be a little harder.

Have you tested the heater blower yet? Fixing that apparently makes all other jobs seem easy.

And does your windshield washer work? That's another little curiosity on these cars.

The 5-cylinder (300D) cars had key start & vacuum shut off like the later models. The pre '77 4-cylinder diesels have an injection pump doesn't have vacuum shut off capability; perhaps you could rig something up. Personally, I like NOT having the vacuum system for shut-down.

You'll also notice that you have to change the oil in the air filter and injection pump periodically.

The bumpers on pre-1974 US cars (or Euro models) are shorter, smaller and have more chrome. Most people think they look better.

I'd like to put bundt wheels on my car too but they seem to have become quite expensive...

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1976 240D "Katja"

whats the little foot pump next to the clutch pedal?

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Sounds like the windshield washer pump pedal.

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

But I also have a turn signal stalk that pushes in like on my 80 model. I assumed that that was the same type of wiper fluid trigger, does that have some other purpose on the 115?

I love the idea of the washer pump pedal, unfortunately, nothing happens when I pump it. Another thing to fix

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My '74 280c has that foot button, it's the washer fluid pump. I pushed it thinking it was the high-beam switch like an old '77 Malibu we had and was surprised when fluid started squirting, haha.

cth350, can you put the older chrome bumpers on to replace the impacts? PM me the details, sounds like something I'd love to make mine look cleaner.

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Nathan
'74 280C - gone to a new home for the finishing it deserves.
'64 356SC
'74 914 2.0

honestly, I really like those big bumpers actually.

EDIT: Having said that, scored some euro bumpers today off cth350, who may be the god of spare mercedes parts!

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turns out the glow plugs were all functional and the system is good, I was not holding the pull start lever in the right place, another 1/4 inch out would have been right.

Starts in 2 seconds now after 5 seconds on the glow plugs!

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amazing. I don't have the slightest idea when the car was last driven over 200 yards, could be 10 years. I had to move it 20 miles to self storage last night.

Got in, checked all the fluids, put some air in the tires, installed the lights, and it went down there without even a hiccup or a vibration! I love the way these cars ride a feel, maybe even more than my 123

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You will have fun with the car they ride really well.. A fun classic..

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'76 300D
'82 230CE
'84 300DT
'91 300D 2.5
'86 300D 5 speed
'86 250D 5 speed
'90 300E 24v
'88 560SEC
300TE euro 5 speed
91 350SD
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...d6605222-1.jpg

W114's and W115's have an amazing ride. I have no idea how they do it. but they ride really well.

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With best regards

Al