I am looking at purchasing a 300TD to replace my 300D. The seller has been upfront with the issues. So far it it needs a vacuum pump (missing), a rear 'a-arm' (pnp arm included) and it has 'air in the fuel system' due to PO installing injectors.

I don't have an issue with the vacuum pump and suspension, but the air in fuel system is giving me second thoughts. Why would someone go to the trouble of installing injectors and then not bleed the fuel system? Possibly other issues? 300K+ miles.

Would you buy a car like this, given everything else checks out okay? Car is ~ $700. PNW people probably have seen this car on craigslist, its been on for over a year.

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'83 300D - 261K | '97 Jetta - 209K | '63 Rivera - 22K | '86 C30 Dually - 105K

WTB: W123 Passenger doors - preferably Brown!

with a mityvac you could bleed the fuel system in a few minutes and see how it runs. Or even show up with a water bottle full of diesel and direct plumb it

Possible with all the jobs piling up the guy just called it quits on bleeding the fuel system. Probably because he didn't want to fire without the vac pump.

though with the rear A arm issue, will the suspension pump up properly? or is everything torqued out?

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pfft...just hit the fuel hand pump, and pump and pump until you get fuel back to the return line, then open up all the lines and crank the car until fuel hits them...
see if the car starts... SHUT IT DOWN QUICKLY IF IT DOES, and that way you at least know if you can start the car...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Or pull the injectors and compression test it. If it reads out OK then hand over the money and tow it home.

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
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Apparantly its missing the A-arm. I'm not familiar with the TD's, its air suspension? I have some more research to do. I will have to ask the seller as well.

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'83 300D - 261K | '97 Jetta - 209K | '63 Rivera - 22K | '86 C30 Dually - 105K

WTB: W123 Passenger doors - preferably Brown!

rear suspension on TD is hydraulic... a-arms are fairly easy to change, and ANY 123/126 should be a good source for one.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

We need at least a year model on the 300TD for correct answers.


.

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Technical Quality Auditor.
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1980 240D
1983 300D
1984 190D

Sorry, 1982

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'83 300D - 261K | '97 Jetta - 209K | '63 Rivera - 22K | '86 C30 Dually - 105K

WTB: W123 Passenger doors - preferably Brown!

It's 700 dollar car. If body and interior are good you will have to engage some risk I feel. Non running means there may be additional suprises or maybe not.

Your call but a decent one cannot be had for that kind of money out west I imagine anyways.

Non-running and with parts missing-too risky be worth much over scrap value. Offer $500 max if you feel lucky.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 367,xxx miles
08 Triumph Street Triple 30,xxx miles, lowered 10mm in front, Pirelli Angel GT tires, EBC HH brake pads, otherwise stock.
88 Jaguar XJS V12 93,xxx miles. I should be in the garage now.