update on '83sd

[charlie7]

I looked at the '83 300sd on Saturday. The body was in good shape but, man the inside was not. Seats were ok, dash had about 25 cracks in it. Wood was cracked or broken off in every spot where it was.
I pulled the oil cap off and smoke came pouring out. What does this mean? Also too, it seems as though the transmission was leaking too.
He's asking 2k, but I don't think I'd offer him halve that amount.
Any thoughts?

Charlie

[vwbuge]

Any records? How was the rest of the car? How did it drive? stop? Feel?
More info.

[charlie7]

Well it drove ok. It shifted a little hard. Brakes were good.
This guy that is selling it is kind of fishy. He tells me that he's had a year and has only changed the oil and filters. I dunno what to think.
What is the significance of smoke pouring out of the oil fill cap?
I like the car, but not if it needs a rebuild....at least at the price he is asking....

Charlie

[whunter]

Hello charlie7
A smoking oil fill could be:
#1. Old (used up) oil.
#2. Over heating, boogered temp sensor.
#3. Old age, slight blow by.
#4. Bad rings, major blow by = rebuild.

Here is an example:
Last week; I looked at another 1985 300SD as a possible addition to my personal stable.
I noticed oil blow by, around the oil fill cap, removed cap and started car.
Instant steam locomotive imitation.
The cloud was huge, 1/4 acre, by the time I turned it off.
Run (do not walk) away from one like that.
The owner was asking $1200.00 USD.
Not from me, I offered $300.00 USD, he was angry, and thought he was selling to cheap, bad structure rust, bad interior, no rear window or trunk lid, no function on sun roof or windows.
Some people think the name alone is worth 2K on a worn out rust bucket, LOL.
FYI: a picture of the smoke cloud would be nice, if possible.
Have a great day