Hello - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JenTay · #1 12-08-2003, 03:48 PM

I just joined the forum. I have an early 80's 240D that until last month was maintained by a friend. To make the long story short, he no longer is a friend so I now have to maintain the car. The car has 220k miles and so far everything still works fine. However, I might be posting questions on this forum from time to time.
I'm pretty handy with shop tools since my dad ran a small machine shop and even though I'm female, that never stopped him from teaching me not to be afraid of tools or getting my hands dirty.
Since this is my only car, I need for it to last a bit longer. I'm glad these forums exist.

Jen

R Leo · #2 12-08-2003, 03:52 PM

Welcome to the forum.

IMHO, you're in the best place for opinion, advice, knowledge (both expert and not) and experience (not necessarily in that order) regarding MBZ diesels. Use the search feature and you'll be amazed at the information within these virtual walls.

And remember: there's no such thing as a dumb question.

rickg · #3 12-08-2003, 04:01 PM

Welcome to the gang.

We're just full of it...er...we're a helpful bunch

sixto · #4 12-08-2003, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JenTay
... he no longer is a friend ...

You guys got married, huh? Just kidding.

In your spare time, use the search function of this forum to read through the archives. Start with key words for basic tasks like oil change and valve adjustment and go from there. With 220K miles you might read up on control arms guide rods and subframe bushings as well.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD ... $950, see cars forum

79-240d-project · #5 12-08-2003, 05:36 PM

Hello Jen,

Welcome! This is a great place for information and help. Sixto is correct, use the search and you will get loads of information. One can spend hours reading what has already been figured out.

Good luck,

Jeff

JenTay · #6 12-08-2003, 09:20 PM

thanks for the nice welcome. i'm about to post my first 'post'.

hey sixto, i didn't marry the guy. the chemistry just wasn't there.
btw, he's a tech at BMW. so he did all the maintenance on my 240.

is 'BMW' a bad word to use around here? lol

oilslick · #7 12-08-2003, 10:03 PM

We look forward to discussing with you the ever important topics dealing with MB. It's good to have you AND L'il Pete around here.

Btw, RTP, NC? Where's that?

Kevin

sixto · #8 12-09-2003, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JenTay
is 'BMW' a bad word to use around here? lol

Saying Lexus gets you in more trouble.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD ... $950, see cars forum

The Warden · #9 12-09-2003, 07:00 AM

Welcome aboard!

With proper routine maintenance, these cars will last forever, and doing the maintenance work yourself will make ownership of the car a very economical experience. So, don't worry about the "lasting a bit longer" part.

These cars are well-known for their longevity (that's why I for one decided to buy my car)

One big thing to rememebr is oil. Oil changes are easy, but you have to be sure to use an oil that has a CH-4 or similar API rating (it'll be on the back side of the oil container), in addition to the SJ (or whatever the standard is now; it'll be S-something) rating. Almost all oils you'll see at the gas station will have the S-rating, but finding the oil with the C-rating is a bit more difficult. Most that you'll probably see will be 15W-40 in viscosity, such as Chevron Delo 400 or Shell Rotella (and they'll often be sold in 1 gallon jugs; this is good since your car takes 2 gallons of oil at each change). The reason for ensuring that you use the right oil is that the non-C-rated oil isn't prepared to handle the extra soot that diesels get into their oil (why the oil gets so black so quickly), which can lead to accelerated wear. As to which oil is best...I won't go there, except to say that if you do a search, you'll find more info/arguements on that than you ever wanted to see.

Hope that helps you some, for future reference if nothing else. Again, welcome aboard

84300DT · #10 12-09-2003, 07:03 AM

welcome Jen,

umm, there's a rule here that when you first join, you have to post
a pic of your self...
just kidding i mean a pic of your car !!

herzig willkommen!

engatwork · #11 12-09-2003, 07:21 AM

Quote:

hey sixto, i didn't marry the guy

Welcome aboard - we are also "relationship" experts too

.

Can you weld?

Ken300D · #12 12-09-2003, 07:36 AM

I wonder if "L'il Pete" would like to meet "Cinderella".

Cinderella is getting some mileage and age on her now but she still moves pretty well. Kinda fun to consider her wearing those Virginia "antique car" license plates.

Ken300D

oilslick · #13 12-09-2003, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Can you weld?

Good question Jim! What are the chances of finding the perfect woman? I mean, one who owns a MB and welds too!

Kevin

sohj · #14 12-09-2003, 09:13 AM

Ya know, Oilslick, NYC attracts the misfits of the US. I know a 5'10", blonde, former cheerleader from Nebraska who came to NYC to be a welder. Only problem, she drives an ancient Chevy (gas!) truck. It still has Nebraska plates. And I keep telling her to get a new battery.

Welcome Jen. How's the rust on Lil Pete?

JenTay · #15 12-09-2003, 09:31 AM

being a southern (NC and GA) car, the rust is not bad at all.

however, there is a small leak when it rains. it is right above and to the left of my left foot. i have cleared all the pine needles from the drains. i count three including the one under the black plastic mesh cover. luckily the rubber floor mat can handle the volume before it gets the carpet wet. any ideas on what it might be are appreciated.

btw, l'il pete and i want to remain single for a while. cinderella will have to settle for someone else for now.

i have to go, i have a patient waiting.

Jen

PS. I would attach a picture to prove to you guys that I'm not "Butch" but that will have to wait.