Looking at 1987 300td tomorrow

[ytmtnman]

The guy says that the fan is busted and it climbs up above 85 degrees. #17 Head. He says that it only climbs that high when he is in stop and go traffic and that if he turns on the heat it comes back down to 85. Should I not bother? I don't really know how hot it has gotten. What should I look for?

[jay_bob]

All I can say is

The 603 is aluminum head/iron block. Not like the all iron 617 in your 123 based wagon.

To paraphrase Shrek, "this is the part where you run away"...if he says the fan is busted, and he kept driving it, what else is wrong.

Check with vstech if you are serious about a 1987 300TD he might have a couple leads on ones that have not been abused.

[vstech]

heh, the 123 wagon he's driving came from me, in trade for his 87 TD wagon he wrecked!

[vstech]

I wonder what fan the seller is talking about? must be the aux fan. otherwise, the car would be unsafe to drive...
likely his fan clutch is shot, and the aux fan no longer can maintain temp due to the heat and the constant need...
#17 head is a pull from another car, or the motor itself is from another car... I don't think MB sold the 17 head separate from the motor... 18 was the first I think. either way, I'd need a coolant test for combustion gasses, and an oil test for glycol before I'd consider that wagon for over 1500... even if the rest of the car is near pristine, and it's low mileage.

[ytmtnman]

Originally Posted by vstech

I'd need a coolant test for combustion gasses, and an oil test for glycol

Does the block tester need to be diesel specific? I found this one,http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Block-Tester/_/N-25dh?itemIdentifier=391378_0_0_ but it says not recommended for diesels. Where can I pick one up on short notice?

[vstech]

I think these will do it.
NAPA AUTO PARTS

[Aquaticedge]

I would say yes, Different chemical or pressure rating. Diesel is different then gas. Higher pressures etc. I'd say yes

[ytmtnman]

Originally Posted by vstech

I think these will do it.
NAPA AUTO PARTS

What do those strips test for? Are they specific to exhaust gasses or just Ph?

[vstech]

I did some reading, and found that the tester uses a blue fluid on some kits, and that fluid will change green for diesel, or yellow for gassers if there is a crack head/bad gasket letting fumes into the coolant.

[ytmtnman]

Originally Posted by ytmtnman

What do those strips test for? Are they specific to exhaust gasses or just Ph?

Just called...they test for nitrate, ph and freeze point. Will that do?

Also, is there an easy tester to find antifreeze in the oil with dyes? Could I just look for white junk on the dipstick?

[ytmtnman]

Originally Posted by vstech

heh, the 123 wagon he's driving came from me, in trade for his 87 TD wagon he wrecked!

Just to clarify.... The accident was the other drivers fault.

[vstech]

Originally Posted by ytmtnman

Just to clarify.... The accident was the other drivers fault.

sorry about my wording! yeah I didn't mean to imply YOU wrecked the car! just that it was your car, and I got the wrecked one, in trade for the 123 wagon you have.

Be sure and post pics of the car when you look at it!

[jay_bob]

Would that be the gold/brown colored one with the big smack in the left doors with the palomino interior??? If so I have had the privilege of riding in that one.

[ytmtnman]

cracked up

leaky- see puddle



Free wheeling fan, no movement at all. Busted clutch most likely.



No bother with interior pictures. Not worth it.
The guy said there was a problem with the steering. Can you guess what it was?

Craigslist ad here: http://http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/3506171896.html

[vstech]

wow... sorry it's such a pitiful example... did you offer him $500?