Early-mid 80s turbo diesel - testing turbo?
 

I have owned several 80s Mercedes before and even a diesel, but it wasn't a turbo.

I am looking at a '85 300D turbo diesel. I drove the car and while I expected it to not be nearly as quick as my V8 W140, I was expecting more power. It felt more like my old '84 190D non-turbo 4cyl.

Should I expect a fair amount of power from a turbo 300D? Also, any sounds to tell if the turbo is working? If it is NOT working, is it an easy repair? Costly?

It is a super nice car all around - he is asking $3300. It was a southern TX car until 2012 - no rust anywhere, nice interior (some dash cracks), a few dings, etc. Ice cold air, etc. Trying to decide if worth $3300.

Thanks!

Here are some pics of the car...

http://images.craigslist.org/00w0w_k...tA_600x450.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/00L0L_8...kT_600x450.jpg

Looks identical to my rust-free California 1985 300D.

Turbos on these cars typically don't have issues, and trust me you would know a 617 that was a turbo or power. They are normally quick cars for what they are, and even better when a few adjusts are exactly correct. Plus, with the 2.88 diff and higher stall converter it is noticeable..

With everything working and described as the description, I say it's a $2900.00 to $3000.00 car.

It depends on what you mean by a fair amount of power. 0-60 times on new cars with everything to spec were something like 13 seconds. It's normal to not be able to hear the turbo on these cars. Also, when they fail to produce boost, the problem is usually not the turbo itself, but with the plumbing that actuates the wastegate. That looks like a pretty nice car, and based on the information available, I could see myself paying three grand for it. If you get the car and still have doubts about the turbo performance, you can hook up a boost gauge and see what you're getting. Information about getting these cars up to spec abound in the diesel discussion section. Common causes of lack of performance are usually connected to clogged or disconnected ALDA lines, dirty fuel and air filters, plugged fuel tank strainers, lack of valve adjustment, and accelerator or transmission linkage issues. All of these are fairly easy and inexpensive to troubleshoot and repair.

I bought a w126 with same engine,valve adjustment,alda line cleaning,new injectors, she runs like a new one.Their power is from like 40 mph to 80 mph,passing power.

Thanks for the replies. I know that no power to one person may be fine to another. It just seemed a little sluggish to me, but that may be normal. I didn't take the car over 3K rpm. This car may have made it to 60 in 13-15 seconds if pushed, so it may be normal.

The owner said he would take my '93 W140 and $900 cash for it. I would prefer to trade even of course. I may go my car and $500 cash, but that is it. It does have cold A/C, which is a plus. He also said that ALL service was up to date.

Seems to run good, but at idle, in gear the car will shake a bit. I guess that may be normal for a diesel... I cannot recall how it was on my little 190D. I don't think it shook as much, but this 300D may be due for some motor mounts. I am sure that replacement is easier on one of these than it is a my V8 W140. I was quoted $850 for new motor mounts/tranny mount for my W140.

I found a '87 300SDL that I really like for $2500, but the seller has not replied to text or email, so I am going to call tomorrow. It is probably sold.

Thanks!

Shaking at idle while in gear is pretty common on those. The fix is a rack damper adjustment or possibly replacement (no big deal) and/or motor mounts. Parts are not expensive but parts+labor if you pay someone else to do it could run a few hundred.

mine shakes in town,but idles like a dream at the house.elevation difference 500 feet.almost forgot the little hose on turbo can get a hole in it,and turbo will not work.You can put a valve in between and raise boost.