So I bought my first diesel benz tonight. A 1976 300D with 157k. I did the oil cap blow by test and the cap barley moved so I bought it. Only issues are the transmission seems slow to shift and it pulls to the right when braking, also smokes a little when driving but it was parked for 3 months. Anyway I paid $1100 for it and I can throw a couple hundred at some maintenance. I'm new to these so where should I start

Welcome to the forum.

Oil and filter change. Transmission fluid and filter change. Fuel filter change. Inspect brakes and service as required. At the least change the rubber hoses and put in new fluid. Change power steering fluid and filter ('76 had a filter, right internet?). Then drive a bit and come back to this forum for help on any issues that remain or become apparent.

Sounds like a good find. Can we see some pics?

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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 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

Adjust the valves!!

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

I had one if these....Great tank! Rump sure it is 157k and not 257k or 357k....? They can go I to the 500ks easily.

I ordered all the stuff for the engine tonight, new fast style glow plugs and rebuilt injectors, fuel filter and oil filter kit. So I figured I would take it for a drive. I got on a old country road about 5 minutes from my house. I hit the brakes to slow down but the pedal hit the floor, no pressure. The car still slowed down but not really fast. So I pulled off onto a side street and slammed the brakes at 25mph. They didn't even lock up. I'm new to these diesels but I'm assuming master cylinder or plugged hoses. I would like to hear from you guys and your experiences. Thanks

No or weak brake. It is serious issue. There is probably air in the system. Check the pads all round and bleed the brakes. Don't over do with parts or throw money at it yet. Find out what's wrong and prioritize the repair.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

I want to replace the pads and rubber hoses anyway. Those old hoses always seem to fail when you least expect them to. I will bleed and see if that helps. After that if I still have issues I will do the master cylinder and the o-ring. I'm making this a daily driver so everything has to be up to snuff. What brand of brake pads give the best performance?

I adjusted the valves, changed oil, changed fuel filter, changed glow plugs and changed injectors. Starts great now and idle is good. I found a brake problem, replaced both rear hoses but the brakes still are not there. I'm going to rebleed the brakes to see if I might have left air in there. Also the transmission shifts late. Like redline late. How do I adjust this tranny to shift sooner. No vacuum just a Bowden cable to the linkage on the passenger side. When I let off the accelerator the car just falls flat on its face and slows quickly. I'm assuming this is all tranny related. Thanks for the help

What color is that brake fluid?

I'm guessing master cylinder is shot.

Check transmission fluid level too when the car is at operating temperature.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

Does it still pull on braking?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Am wondering if there isn't a vacuum problem somewhere. I say that, because of the brakes not working well, and the trans shifting late. - just a thought

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

No pull braking anymore. No vacuum lines go to the transmission its cable only. And when on the brakes I can feel the pedal just slowly loose pressure. I flushed the entire brake line with new fluid. So all fluid is brand new.

Does this trans have a Bowden cable adjustment?

If the pedal is slowly loosing pressure, I would replace the master cylinder (unless, of course, you can see fluid leaking somewhere)

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

The only adjustment I see is on the linkage the Bowden cable goes to on the passenger side of the engine. Unless there is a hidden screw somewhere this is all I see as far as adjustment

Do a search for Bowden cable adjustment. I had to adjust mine on my 83 300D, but I forget in which direction I had to go (tighter or looser). I do remember it yielded good results.

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D