I haven't been around here too long, but this forum has taught me so much, and I've grown to value (always taken with a grain of salt, of course) what I read here, be it technical info or otherwise.

I am looking to see if there are some members out there that might be available as I make the 13+ hour drive from central SC to central MI. A good friend just passed (lost his battle with addiction) and I'm taking time off work to go to his funeral. Not sure when exactly, but it will likely be the upcoming the week of the fourth.

I have a decent amount of faith that the car will make the drive fine, but you just never know. And, we all know how hard it can be to get support for these cars when you don't know the area.

I've had my 1985 300TD for about 1.5 years and have yet to take it further than a ~250 mile trip. I believe the engine is in excellent shape, but I know not all the car's systems have seen the attention it will require over the next 5 or more years.

It runs mildly hot, but I think it's just the thermostat opening a bit hot. It never gets above 100*C, mostly rides at 85-90* when cruising. I get some clunk from the rear on bumps, I'm assuming it's nothing that would stop me in my tracks, though the journey may exacerbate the issue by the time I return.

The oil leaks at the filter housing. New radiator, did a flush last year before the new one went in, though the heater core has a slight leak (you can smell it when the heat is blowing). Front end just got overhauled, got an alignment done that I'm 3/4 confident in. I will be doing an oil change this weekend with new O-rings on the stem. About due for a valve job, but not about to attempt it for my first time before I go.

I'll be taking I-77 on up to the Ohio River, then pass Columbus to get up to I-75. 830 miles one way.

Any pointers for things to check or do before I go is appreciated. As well as any hands raised for being close to my route in case of mechanical emergency.

Not looking for any handouts/pity-parties- if my trip goes south, I would compensate anyone that may lend a hand or part.

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"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light." - Groucho Marx

I'm not in your path, but a pre trip inspection, top off fluids, change oil, fuel filters would be a good place to start.

A voltage regulator may be a wise choice to have in the trunk.

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83 SD

84 CD

Stop and check oil/other fluids at each fill up. Your passing a little far from me as I'm in Chattanooga but as long as all the fluids are where they should be the car is pretty bullet proof.

Check the belts, tire air pressure, check all hoses, check the rear axle boots for leakage, bring 2 quarts of oil, a gallon of water, a roll of duct tape, plus all stated above. Bring some tools too. Drive at moderate speeds and have a safe trip.

I think you'll be just fine...I'm in San Diego and have had my 617 MB coast to coast three times, to Arkansas once and to Vancouver twice - and that's just in the last three years. The only problems I've had were two flat tires (the fault of the tire store) and a voltage regulator. Take a tool kit, extra fluids, belts, filters, etc.

...and get fuel at high volume truck stops.

Good luck and have fun.

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Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

I'm on the early leg of your journey but holler if ya need something while coming through.

Kevin

I don't think I'm directly on your route, but I'm right off I-75 near knoxville TN, I'd be glad to lend a hand in a reasonable distance to you or any other forum member passing through.

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1982 300D (w123, "Grey Car")
1982 300D (w123, "Blue Car")
2001 Ford F150 "Clifford" (The Big Red Truck)
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
Previous Vehicles:
1995 E300D, 1980 300SD, 1992 Buick Century, 2005 Saturn Ion

Going to try and see if I can't get a cheap Voltage Regulator from local stores, maybe in Charlotte as I pass through.

Found out tonight, I will be headed out Monday morning.

Axles were changed ~9,000 miles ago, too. Will have a condensed toolbox.

Thanks!

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"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light." - Groucho Marx

Remember, a bad voltage regulator will not necessarily strand you. Unlike a gas engine that needs electricity to run, a MB diesel will run happily even without a battery. Just don't try to drive after dark and if you need to get fuel don't shut it off. Also remember you won't have brake lights or turn signals if the battery goes all the way down. The one time my voltage regulator went out I stopped to get a quick charge to get me the last 150 miles...arrived right at dusk which was cutting it way too close. The big problem when the voltage regulator goes out is you get no real warning as the MB is not equipped with a voltage meter - mine is now though!

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Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

My Mercedes-engined truck makes the trip from NC to Ohio several times a year. However, it's on a trailer behind my Dodge/Cummins.

So I have no real advice for you other than to take it easy and enjoy the drive. I'm WAY off your route but if you do end up over here I'd love to meet up.

Sorry your buddy couldn't slay the dragon. It gets too many good people.

Dan

For some reason I was under the impression not to get fuel those. I can see for the high-volume, but I thought the quality wasn't there.

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"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light." - Groucho Marx

I've never had a fuel issue but maybe I'm lucky. My normal fuel stop is Sam's Club here in town but when traveling I go for a high volume station, too. So far so good.

My contention is that there's little difference in quality. They pretty much all get fuel from a limited number of refineries and that number got even smaller when we went to low sulfur fuel as some of the smaller refiners can't make it (they're making mostly non-road fuel now). So any high volume station ought to be OK and so far that's worked for me.

Dan

Come by my place this weekend or Monday early and I'll go over all the trouble spots the car may hit...

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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!

The long haul trucker community is a tight knit group - if a truck stop were to start selling low quality fuel they would quickly find themselves without customers. Local stations can often get away with bad fuel because generic consumers don't communicate with each other.

I'm on close to 100k miles on my current fuel filter - I use a known good high volume station locally and on the road use Loves, Flying-J, Petro and Pilot. Even though I have nearly 100k miles on the fuel filter I don't recommend doing so without a fuel pressure gauge.

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Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

Or the tail end, home stretch depending on how you look at it. Good luck, I am just west of South Bend IN if any help is needed.