I just bought my first MB 1980 300SD. This Car is very used but is supposed to Run good . It was purchased from a guy that bought it from a Sheriffs Auction. I paid $300 for it it seems to be fairly sound he say's the Turbo is in Working order and that it Runs good. as I have no way of Checking previous service records etc I'm just Wondering what kind of things do I need to Check for I'm in the decision mode of wether to part it out restore it or use the Engine in one of my many Rod Projects. specifically I need help with the steering lock and ignition (no key) he has pulled the instrument cluster to access the Ignition. I'm familiar with hot wiring a Gas Engine (and no I'm not a car thief) but need to know the particulars on this. ie how to activate the glowplugs without burning them up etc. if I have the ignition#s can I get a new key made or should I just bye a new ignition switch.
This Car has 250K Kilometer or miles not shure what the Od units are? the body is pretty sound I'm more concerned with mechanical stuff. They may have towed this with a dolly for some distance is this a problem with the Auto trans. Ive read quite a bit about timing Chains and valve adjustments. is this something a Novice can Do. I'm a pretty fair Shade tree mech and have done rebuilds on SB Chevy's etc .
I plan on scouring the Archives for info but Thought somebody may be able to get me pointed in the right Direction.
For $300 I don't think I can go to wrong though and boy it's a MB
Oh ya Can I do a Compression Check and how. do I need special Compression gauge etc and how do you keep it from starting when you turn it over etc. and What should be acceptable values
on a fairly high mileage engine.
If nothing Else I know more about MB Than I did a Week ago

IMHO on an engine that I hadn't started, I would make sure I knew how to shut it OFF when it does start (NO electrical ignition remember). Odds are there are some vacuum leaks that will prevent normal shutdown, so make sure the under hood OFF lever is working for fuel shutoff. These engines can have a runaway syndrome.. Check/change all fluids, bypass glow plug relay with direct temporary hookup, for say 20 seconds and crank starter by hotwire. Fire extinquisher handy perhaps. I could be wrong

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

Just talked to the Previous owner and he is going to show me how to start it tommorow. said that you have to remove vacuum lines from ignition switch etc. he said he had a new key made and ordered it from MB and it worked a few times and then the ignition switch froze up again. so I still have to figure this dilema out to free up the steering wheel lock any ideas? It's got a new battery etc so if I can get the ignition lock free I think I can drive it home. There is also a problem with the trunk lock and I think it's related to vacuum leaks and may fix itself once i get it fired ie vacuum leaked of while setting.
I'm just Like a teenager when I get a (new to me) car and can't wait to get it on the Road. can any buddy recommend a good all around service manual (1980 300sd) .

You need a new steering lock and tumbler. If the tumbler is out then the steering lock is easy to replace. There is a little push button on the dashboard side of the steering lock that you will have to mash to release it. Search the archives - there is some info in here somewhere. If you still need help let me know - I have an old steering lock in a box in the garage and I can send you a pic of it showing the button you need to mash. The steering lock cost between $100 and $200. Replace it and the tumbler with new stuff when you do it then you will not have to worry about it for awhile.

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Jim