good morning gents,

my '83 300CD turbo is currently at 193,000. With 200K approaching fast, I'd like to ask what maintenance items to watch out for. My engine leaks enough to be noticeable, but not enough to add oil between changes. Runs good, turbo spools, steering is tight. Rides generally well. transmission flares between 2-3, hard shift from 1-2, 3-4 I'd say is normal. I'm the third owner, my dad being the 2nd owner. He handed it over to me in '95. Was always a backup vehicle, until this year. Now she is my daily driver. So, I've tried to stay on top of maintenance, but I'm sure there are things to check/watch out for at this mileage. As always, your comments/advice are appreciated.

Thanks for reading!

So far on my to do list:
-rebuild vacuum pump
-rear suspension/bushings/bearings
-front seal
-turbo drain
-rheostat for instrument cluster
-rear main seal (not at that skill level yet)
-new chain?
-fan clutch
-new ac compressor, rec/dryer, expansion valve, recharge
-k2 spring kit at next trans filter/fluid change
- dash vent vacuum elements/perhaps new dash also
- interior needs some tlc, especially dash, and rear side panels
- couple dents/dings on passenger side
-replace door stops

Already done since 2011 and ongoing:
-cleaning antenna, mast now seats all the way
-valve adjustments @ 12k
-fuel lines, clear plastic ones & filters/diesel purge
-rebuild transmission vacuum valve assembly/black box
-turbo/air cleaner seals in u-tube replaced
-diff drained and filled
-power steering pump rebuild, front seal/flush/top off
-transmission fluid filter changes @20k
-replaced nozzles with monarcks and replaced fuel lines
-oil cooler lines/oil filter housing gasket(2)
-transmission cooler lines replaced
-oil pan/gasket replaced
-transmission modulator replaced w/updated version
-brake lines, pads
-front suspension, uca, lca bushings, rotors, bearings, idler arm, tie rods, ball joints, etc.
-new glow plugs and relay
-rear sway bar links
-VCV vacuum adjusted
-new radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump, v-belts
-flex discs, center mount, bearing, transmission mount
-alignment
-steering lock, cluster bulbs, dash bulbs
-radiator/oil pan skid plates installed
-exhaust hanger, rubber donuts
-chain stretch measured ~3mm, with 2mm lift method

and have done most of what you list. Don't worry about a thing. It is a great driver. Some things I will probably never fix because not worth my while for a daily driver; vac door locks for example.

Mine has 319000 and going strong. There is nothing out there I would rather drive.

good to know, thx!

basically tried doing every DIY listed in the fora...

I guess 200K is not a magical number for these babies.

Pull the injectors and clean and/or rebuild them.

Dkr.

Elring makes a gasket kit. I ended up taking my passenger side down to where everything was off including the manifolds. There is a thread on here titled similar to "Leak Free 617". Follow those destructions if you can find it and no more leaks. Do the oil filter housing to block gasket if you ever get close to it. It is a pita working on jack stands with everything else installed...but possible.

__________________
85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Don't over think it. 200k on a 617 is ~ 20k on practically anything else.

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‘84 300TD “Mountain Goat”
'62 300d Adenauer-350 Chevy - "Max"
'15 VW Passat TDI
'16 Dodge Ram 3500 - Cummins w/6-speed
'68 Mustang fastback
'55 T-bird
‘63 Studebaker Hawk