I've decided that I will fix the 1976 300D. The engine runs like a top, and it just has rust at the usual suspect areas. It also has a small exhaust leak.

I am going to get an estimate from the body shop on how much it will cost to fix the rust, and if its around 1500 dollars, my father has decided to go halfs with me on fixing it up.

So my my trip back to the diesel world begins...

I can buy a 1976 240D that has a transplant 617 NA for $600.
What are the usual areas for rust? I am on the AL gulf coast and this is probably a fairly rust-free car.

What else would you be suspicious of on a transplant like this? I don't expect much for $600.

Rust spots are usually around the front turn signals/fender area.

Also front fender, area closest to the front door tends to rust as water and debris is kicked up here.

Same with back fenders, areas where water is kicked up.

Floors, you must watch that water has not leaked in through a leaky back or front windshield, or a sunroof if applicable.

Bottoms of doors sometimes like to rust as well.

I would be leary of a few things on a 617NA transplanted into a 240D. Engine mounts first off. The way in which the 240D starts, and the glow plugs operate (use of a pull knob) could possibly pose a problem. Rear end ratios would be different on the cars I believe. Other than that, if its a clean transplant, and is rust free, its a pretty good deal.

the glow plugs on a 5cyl of this era will energize just like a 240d.
the engine mounts on a 300d had a engine shock which you can do without if the mount wasn't changed over.
make sure the heater/ac cables are good, also the defroster motor. these are very difficult to replace.
a sunroof that is broken at the slide mechanism is very expensive.
motor/switch problems are fairly easy.

w115s are great cars, generally easy to work on and almost every
mechanical part can be gotten new, same with the interior. floor
pans have aftermarket replacements. wheelwell rust is difficult.

if there is a quarter sized (red) cap on the injection pump, make
sure it is clean and has motor oil in it. a 300d has an oil cooler,
240s didn't. if the steering is very loose the steering box is probably going to need rebuilding.

don

Wow, my W115 240 D has an oil cooler, I just replaced the oil cooler hoses on it a few months back.

oh well, i guess some do, some don't

don

Notlost,

I Have a 220D 115.115 that has an oil cooler. It has AC so maybe that is why. My 240D 115.117 aldo has an oil cooler.

Yeah, my old 220 D also had an oil cooler and AC, but no power steering.

Is this a fan motor? Separate from the Heater/AC?

daBenz has no AC, no P/S, and an oil cooler. Parts car has AC, no P/S, and an oil cooler. Looked at a W123 240D last summer with A/C and power steering, and an oil cooler.

__________________
daBenz - 1970 220D

yes it is seperate. it sits high up under the dash. supposedly
a 40 hour replacement job. but there are tricks so i hear

don

Dieselforme,

My 220D didn't have power steering when I got it but it does now. It was an easy installation because I had the engine out and everything just bolted in.

P E H

P E H I sold my 220 D and I regret it every day. I had just had it resprayed, then it blew the head gasket. It was beautiful, one of few i was told with an electric sunroof. I really didn't mind the lack of the power steering as long as i had the tires aired up properly.