just bought a '81 240D, manual, 180k for $2,400. original engine swapped out with another 4 banger with 110k on it. clutch not working and clear fluid leaking from between bell housing and tranny, so am changing slave cylinder tonight. ?: the radiator has green anti freeze in it. is this ok or do i need to use the gold colored stuff recommended for mb's?
the car also has cruise control. didn't try it on the way home. any thing i need to check, be concerned about or common problems?
one of the boots on the axle shaft is starting to crack. help with a link for repairing them? do i need to remove shafts to replace boots or are there replacements that will fit over shaft and then seal up?
lastly: had a '79 240D before and vin started 123123. this one starts AB23. any major changes between 79 and 81?
any and all help greatly appreciated. thank you in advance.

bill

79 has the squiggly wires between the glow plugs, these are the old style plugs. one burns out, they all go out, like the old Christmas tree lights we had when I was a kid. wired in series.
they can be up graded to a newer style plug, and GP relay.

80 240 they went to the pencil glow plugs, wired in parellel.

If your engine has the pencil plugs, then it is a later engine.

Your fluid leak is probably the slave leaking. the Master cyl is probably as old as the slave, probably should change it also. I read here that some have had problems with the opposite one leaking because of the increased pressure.

there is a ton of axle threads. here is one from the DIY resources tab.
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123RearAxles

www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=231523

www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=251168

www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=273649

www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=273915

this ought to keep you busy

My cruise control doesn`t work either. something i need to get to eventually.
there is a thread. on installing the Audiovox ccs-100 Cruise Control.
Do a search on E-bay, there are 2 listed now.
there is a CC thread running now, and the Audiovox thread is linked.

Here it is Mercedes Cruise Control Diagnostic Tool



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

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/222261-w123-300d-eleven-most-common-issues.html#post1854710

The green coolant should be changed for the gold stuff - you can get it at NAPA, and Pep Boys used to carry it - not sure if they still do.

The green stuff will corrode parts of the cooling system.

__________________

Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT