Problems with 83 diesel sitting for 10 years? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#16 02-11-2004, 06:10 PM

All I can say is just expect most of the seals to be bad, unless it was in a stable climate...

96 E300D · #17 02-12-2004, 12:37 AM

Quite a few things to consider from everyone. The car was stored as I said in a garage, but, I believe in the desert area. Putting trans fluid in the cylinder head would be a pretty uncomplicated procedure and checking to see where timing is would also be a smart precaution. Initial running from fuel filter sounds like a simple place to start. I very much appreciate all the input and advice, it's great to be able to hash these things out with like-minded folk! I'll keep everyone up to date on what I find out.
Matt

96 E300D · #18 02-12-2004, 01:29 AM

A bit of dishearting news, the seller took it upon himself to start the car, which it did, for a very short time and then it apparently will not start again. I've also found out it's the turbo diesel which may complicate things a bit it terms of other things to rebuild.
The odometer is about 89K.
Matt

leathermang · #19 02-12-2004, 06:34 AM

Well, then the starter works, it has compression... and probably the stuff we talked about concerning needing clean fuel was visited upon the owner...
May be a chance for more of a bargain since he did it that way.... LOL... he knows it won't start right now....he should pay for his arrogance anyway....

Hatterasguy · #20 02-12-2004, 01:00 PM

Still that doesn't mean the engines shot. A fuel filter might have clogged. With that kind of milage assumeing it's accurit that car should be in close to mint condition. Start the bargining at $500 and go from there. For parts its worth more than that.

whunter · #21 02-12-2004, 08:34 PM

Hello 96 E300D
Agree: Start the bargaining at $500 and go from there.
Long storage vehicles make up almost 20% of my work load.
Repairing long storage vehicles is part of my specialty.
All rubber and seals are suspect until proven good.
All fluids are trash and may have turned acidic.
Put it on a trailer to get it home.

Quote:

Originally posted by Hatterasguy
Still that doesn't mean the engines shot. A fuel filter might have clogged. With that kind of milage assumeing it's accurit that car should be in close to mint condition. Start the bargining at $500 and go from there. For parts its worth more than that.

Have a great day.

Fisherman · #22 02-12-2004, 08:56 PM

Probably a piece of junk now and you should just give me the owners name and number so I can berate him for being so neglectful...

Maybe I'll put it on a trailer and haul it off for him if he pays me...

Okay, okay, so I tried...

I'd go for it even though it's been there that long. If it actually started with washed cylinders it started on ring compression alone with no oil on the cylinder walls to help out.

Probably just ran out of fuel as the system probably has air in it after sitting that long.

whunter · #23 02-12-2004, 09:16 PM

Hello 96 E300D
Do not tell location; until after you buy it.

We have snipers on the forum.

Now, where did you say it is?

300SDog · #24 02-12-2004, 09:44 PM

Arid desert climate is good news..... less chance of condensation freezing the rings or corrode/pitting the bores.

Owner starting the car 'dry' is verrry bad news...... strong chance of cracking piston rings..... hence loss of compression contributing to no-start situation.

Did you ask the owner how long it ran and whether it stalled?? At this point, if it ever gets running again - following marinating the rings and bores with oil at least overnight - it should probably be kept running for say, an afternoon. Yet you probably want to negotiate wet/dry compression test of no-start engine as part of the bargain..... now that the PO has possibly cracked the rings and scored the bores.

Prognosis for the 89k miles 300Diesel engine?? There are special Swedish-made SOFT metal rings designed to wear to the bores insteading of cutting into the walls...... just lightly feather-hone the bores and put em in - along with fresh seals, but dont let anybody shave the cyl head or grind the valves.

96 E300D · #25 02-12-2004, 11:03 PM

First off, the number is 8**-5**-7**8, hope that came through o.k. for everyone. I'll talk to the seller about how long the engine ran and the rest of the particulars. As soon as it's secured I'll start with fluid/filter changes with added lubrication on the top end followed with compression and leakdown checks.
Matt

whunter · #26 02-13-2004, 07:42 PM

Hello Everyone
Rather than repost the whole thing, please go to my new post:
Prestart oil prime of a long storage engine can save your bearings and bank account.