What else should I do to my 1984 300TD?
 

These are the things Ive done so far as of when I purchased it on Sept 16th. The car has 260k miles.

-both tie rods
-steering damper
-oil change, filter, pan and gasket
-both fuel filters
-air cleaner filter and mounts
-2 front brakes and rotors
-refilled fluids

This is what I've got on my plate for this month (probably next 2 months)...

-tank strainer
-transmission fluid change, filter and gasket.
-driver's side upper control arms (does this require an alignment after install?)
-motor/trans mounts
-driver's side tire
-valve adjustment
-compression test
-fix radio :)

Is there anything else I should look at in terms of maintenance? The car runs great. The only pressing issue is my tank strainer is semi clogged (have a thread going for that).

Since the car has high miles, is there a way to know if the timing chain needs replacing?

I want this car to last forever :)

digi

Search for "chain stretch".

Also, you might want to look into flushing your SLS system with fresh Febi or Pentosin hydraulic fluid + a new SLS reservoir filter.

Yes, check for timing chain stretch. There are off set Woodruff keys available.

Pic in this link: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/280525-over-boost-protection-valve-1985-300sd.html Post #17.

Found a fantastic tutorial for checking the timing chain. Thanks!

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM617TimingChainStretch

Will look into the SLS system.

digi

This is also assuming that you've check to make sure the SLS system is even working properly. You have, right?

I haven't... but will search for a how to.

Power Steering fluid flush and filter change.

I'm going to do the power steering fluid flush and filter change tomorrow! According to the DIY write up, it's extremely easy.

Autozoo has filters. Though... it looks different than what I'm seeing at fastlane.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Cardone-Reman-Power-Steering-Filter/1984-Mercedes-Benz-300TDT/_/N-iuw79Z8oy5x?counter=0&itemIdentifier=416894_0_2695_&_requestid=2454025

The new style, see pic, is all you can get now-a-days. I took one out that was a three piece affair and you replaced just the center section, no longer available, I guess.

So the one from autozoo is ok?

Can't tell, but I don't think so. You'll be able to see it in person.

Is that a remanufacturing company?

This filter can't be rebuilt, it's made of paper.

Check your belts.
Look for water leaks and/or clean drains (I don't know if the euro TD had a sunroof).
Clear the crud out of the hinge pockets.
Pull the front fender liners and clear the crud out from the fenders (a small garden sprayer works well)
Check and clean fuses and fuse box of corrosion.
Look for your block heater cord and replace if cracked.

That's quite the list you've already done considering the original mech's advice was to sell because it was too pricey to fix.

in the same boat, i want to drive my wagon forever too!
 

The new glow plug relays are nice, they leave the plugs on after start up which makes it much nicer in the winter. Here are a couple other things that come to mind:

Injector Return line replacement if needed.
Diesel purge to clean the injectors.
How's your clock and tach? those are fairly simple fixes
Shocks? I put bilstien's in, put it back to original ride
Clean the banjo bolt? if dirty this will give you a huge gain in performance
How are your axles? no rips in the boots right
Rear differential fluid change?

Old style power steering filter, note the center section is what was replaced, you re-used the metal top and bottom.

Note the size and shape.

I have cleaned out my banjo bolt. forgot to add that to completed list. Clock doesn't work. It moves every now and then. I pulled the instrument panel to check/clean the bulbs. I looked at the clock but couldn't figure out exactly what was wrong with it.

Tomorrow...

-Power steering fluid flush and filter change.
-Check belts and replace if necessary
-Check block heater. It might not even work.
-Check and clean fuses and fuse box for corrosion

digi