I think he mentioned Whitehorse. That is way up north in the Yukon territory I believe.


The American military constructed the long road north during the second world war. They made good time doing it but the insects probably drove them crazy.


Fear of the Japanese invading Alaska existing at that time was the justification.

Make sure to bring a roll of soft braided fuel hose that goes between the injectors. Those can leak at moments notice. Also bring a voltage regulator for the back of the alternator. That's the only ''electrical'' thing that can stop this engine.

Might even be useful to bring an empty jug that can fit under the hood and some extra fuel hose. If you pick up some bad fuel somewhere you can rig up a small fuel tank under the hood to get you back on the road.

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'80 300SD - '83 240D - '00 E55 AMG - '02 G500

This.

I would bring trans fluid and engine oil. The car can run on either in a pinch as well as for topping off.

Best wishes on your trip!


My wife and I drove down the AlCan highway 8 years ago July to Washington state from Anchorage via Fairbanks and Dawson Y.T.. Delightful trip, and am interested in doing it again, possibly this time in a car with a OM617 turbo engine.


First off, get a copy of "The Milepost", which is a travel guide that covers the Alcan and Alaska highways. It lists where you can find fuel, services, lodging, sights, tourist traps, etc., by their location to the nearest milepost. Very comprehensive. The Milepost is about 3/4 of an inch thick, and is published yearly, so is very up to date.


My state does not have a drivers license with which I can cross back from Canada. If yours does not, you will need a passport. You don't need it to get into Canada, you need it to get back into the US. Seems odd that the citizens can't cross without a passport, but illegals can, go figure! I seem to remember that getting a passport takes about 6 weeks. Fwiw.


Whitehorse is a fairly well rounded town, even if small by some standards. South of Whitehorse, I think we may have traveled for a couple of days before we passed anything more than occasional fuel or lodging, and these were not spaced very close together. Beautiful country, however.


If you have any history interests, We enjoyed Dawson, the site of the Klondike gold rush. I think it is 300KM north of Whitehorse. Not much between the two, but there was fuel at Dawson. Skagway is about 60 miles from Whitehorse, and is another historical spot to visit.


You can choose paved roads all the way to Whitehorse, btw.


You have my thumbs up on your adventure plan! Do it while you can!


Regards,


WK

Your list is almost complete:
+Headlamp and batteries
+fan belt(or some rope)
+duct tape

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

I'd be concerned that you're calling it your "last". I have a friend that is 78 or 79 this year and rides his bicycle whatever his next bday is. Many of my peers are upwards of 60 and routinely ride 50 to 100 mi in a dey. They also hike, sail & camp routinely with impunity.

Buy this used (and read it). https://www.amazon.com/Younger-Next-Year-Strong-Beyond/dp/076114773X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527711933&sr=1-1&keywords=younger+next+year%27

Regarding the 240 and parts list, you have the list. If it is in decent shape, there will be no problem and basic hand tools are simply to deal with any little things along the way. I'd take the female friend. What happens on the road stays on the road even if it is nothing.

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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.

Playing devil's advocate; 40 years ago, an older man or woman traveling with or without a companion could safely travel via automobile long distances not having to worry about their personal safety. Nowadays, things have changed. Seniors and single women may be seen as prey.

Because of this, if it were me, I'd develop a budget to be able to afford inexpensive motel rooms at a bare minimum. Sleeping out at night may be inviting trouble.

The reason I say this is a former neighbor shared an experience with me. He was out on the highway in his car. He had a flat tire. Guy stops and asks if he can help him. He says no, he had the situation under control. Guy then pulls a gun and orders him into his car. They drove together for miles; guy then says he'll let him go if he promises he won't call the cops. He promises so the guy then let him go.

Things could have easily gone really south on that one and it has made me think a bit about traveling on the great highways without some form of security. I'd travel daylight hours only, keep to main highways and consider carrying some type of self-defense, i.e. gun, mace, tazer, flash light, etc.

The first 3 are not allowed into Canada, I not sure about the flash light...

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Greg
2012 S350 BlueTEC 4Matic
2007 ML 320 CDI
2007 Leisure Travel Serenity
2006 Sprinter 432k
2005 E320 CDI
1998 SLK230 (teal)
1998 SLK230 (silver)
1996 E300D 99k, 30k on WVO
Previous:
1983 240D, on WVO
1982 300D, on WVO
1983 300CD, on WVO
1986 300SDL 237k, 25k on WVO (Deerslayer)
1991 350SDL 249k, 56k on WVO - Retired to a car spa in Phoenix
1983 380 SEC w/603 diesel, 8k on WVO
1996 E300D 351k, 177k on WVO

@husky, I call bull. You (one) doesn't turn into a nonfunctional old person just because of years. It takes neglect or some sisignificant illness or both to take you down. People act like you turn 70 and all of a sudden have no brain. It doesn't work that way.

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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.

Take your Auto Club Card with the extended tow option paid for.

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1981 240D Four on the floor, Orient Red over Parchment, bought with 154,000 but it's a daily driver and up to 180,000 miles, mostly original paint and all original interior.

I say you should do it. Keep in mind in Canada, many of the fuel stops are a lot further aways than in the US. I was advised to fill up every time the tank hit half way empty. I drove my 1984 300D all the way up PCH into Banff just after I bought it and the whole trip was great fun. Make sure you check and double-check all of the mechanicals and bring emergency tools and parts. There are a number of checklists on this website. When I drove in, my (just) rebuilt starter motor from a reputable rebuilder failed and I had a rock chip in the windshield repaired just outside of Vancouver. I don't think there are a lot of W123s in Canada, as mine seemed to get a lot of attention especially with California plates.

Dkr.

Take your own booze to Canada.

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1981 240D Four on the floor, Orient Red over Parchment, bought with 154,000 but it's a daily driver and up to 180,000 miles, mostly original paint and all original interior.

Take the back seat out, both pieces. You'll be amazed at how much space you will gain. Cut a piece of ply wood to fit. Put a hinge in the middle so you can fold half of it up to access/ use the floor space underneath for storage. Get a piece of foam for a nice comfy bed to sleep on, sure beats having to set up a tent. Get a piece of dark colored Spandex cloth from Joann Fabrics to drape over the windows and the front seats for privacy. Stretched Spandex will allow you to see out but someone outside can't see in, unless you have the lights on.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

I doubt the availability of a cell phone that works in all areas he will be travelling in. A satellite phone is the only option in dire emergencies.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Bring a laser and snacks