Need Major help with 3 different problems! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mattygray23 · #1 05-26-2016, 11:09 AM

Hello everyone, I need some serious help with my 1980 Mercedes Wagon 300TD. I have multiple problems with the car and I need some help with figuring out what the problems are especially if my car doesn't sell I would love to be driving it around. Problem #1: Overheating - So when I got the car it started overheating and neither hoses going to the radiator were getting hot while the car was running so I replaced the thermostat. It was a success and I was back at it driving the car again. Recently, the car is overheating again and I believe it is the waterpump. I say it is this because the top hose is cold and the bottom hose going to the radiator is hot. It is getting no circulation of the coolant which makes me think it's the water pump. By the way, there is no leaks so I know it isn't a hose. So for the first question is, has anyone else ever have this problem and if so what was it or does anyone know what it may be? Is it the waterpump or is it something else? question #2: this question goes with the first, how do I know my head is good? I know that one way is if the head is no good the oil could be like a milky color and it isn't. It's extremely black. Now, I can't explain it perfectly but on top of the valve cover where the cap is for the oil, when the car runs for about 10 minutes, if you unscrew the cap smoke is pouring out of this hole where the oil can be seen? Is this an indication that my head is warped or bad? Defiantly a problem but I need to know what it is? There is also oil around the valve cover, not to sure if this is related to the problem but the more info I give the better! Lastly question #3; Recently I believe that my parking sensor is gone? My car will not start when in park but if I shift it into nuetral then turn the key it starts right up. So I'm asking if the parking sensor is the cause of this and if not does anyone have any idea? Well thanks guys in advance , hopefully I get some good feedback!

leathermang · #2 05-26-2016, 11:21 AM

It is usually better to post each problem in a different thread...... with the nature of the question in the title...
It is also helpful to hit the enter button to make paragraphs... particularly for older people on the forum... a big block of uninterrupted text is hard to read.

Rogviler · #3 05-26-2016, 11:29 AM

#1 I had overheating problems until I cleaned out the several pounds of leafy material trapped between the radiator and the condenser. You might check that. I never felt the hoses, so I don't know if that's a symptom.

#2 This is blow-by, which is so normal that Mercedes designed their PCV system around it.

#3 Could be (and most likely to be I think) the bushings on the shift mechanism. There are a couple of these and they're under the car. Likely one or both is broken or even missing.

-Rog

Demothen · #4 05-26-2016, 11:43 AM

Theres also some bushings on the shifter mechanism itself, that are accessable from the interior of the car. Best bet is to get all of them and deal with it at once. Your safety switch is probably not the problem since it starts in neutral. The shift linkage should feel "nice" and "clicky", without excessive play

Clemson88 · #5 05-26-2016, 11:49 AM

617 engine cooling systems are difficult to fill. 1. Park the car pointing up hill or put it on ramps. 2. Take the top hose off the radiator and pour coolant in the hose. When the hose is full quickly push it back on the radiator losing as little coolant as possible and tighten the hose clamp. 4. Run the engine and make sure the coolant reserve is full. Check it for a few days after starting the engine to ensure it's full.

If there is no oil in your coolant reservior and no milky oil on your dipstick then remove the cap on the valve cover (where you put the oil in the engine) and check for a little milky oil there. If there's a drop of water in your oil it will condense there before it returns to vapor.

The 'smoke,' pouring out of that cap is blowby 'an unhealthy engine burning oil.' Check it regularly and become familiar with how many miles goes until it burns a quart. Keep it to the full mark on the dipstick.

Your 'parking sensor,' issue is most likely a shifter bushing. They are cheap.

The information you need is available here:

DIY Links by Parts Category - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

Use the search function on this forum. The guys who own the 300TD are extremely talented in evaluating and problem solving. If it's broken they can help but everyone here had to learn to search for solutions before they asked. I'm just barely past that stage myself.

Clemson88 · #6 05-26-2016, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

It is usually better to post each problem in a different thread...... with the nature of the question in the title...
It is also helpful to hit the enter button to make paragraphs... particularly for older people on the forum... a big block of uninterrupted text is hard to read.

I almost suggested he google 'whitespace,' but felt it might be condescending and rude. Your explanation was considerate and accurate I hope everyone here reads it.

ESchwab · #7 05-26-2016, 11:54 AM

Have you checked the coolant level? Non-circulation can be caused by low coolant level. Often, when a person changes a thermostat, the initial fill doesn't really fill the cooling system. After driving, you must add two or three times to actually fill it.

barry12345 · #8 05-26-2016, 01:26 PM

New thermostat failed? Too many aftermarket parts seem to have issues now to ignore.