Newbie alert.
I searched the archives and found lots of helpful info, but have some
specific questions that I hope someone can answer.

History: I was given a 74 230/4 to dispose of. Hadn't run in 10 years
(at least that is when the tags expired). Being a tinkerer, I decided
that I would at least try to start it just for fun. I squirt some oil
in the cylinders to protect the rings, turned it over a few times, then
with the help of some Thrust in the carburator it roared to life.

With such gratification, and observing that the body and interior were
in suprisingly good condition, I decided to see if I could get it going.

Question 1: How do I get one of these famed CDs that has everything I
need to know on it?

Question 2: The breather on the valve cover connects to the intake
manifold, but it has an open end there, should there be another tube
going to the air intake somewhere? Also, the small tube connected to
the lower front of the crankcase isn't connected to anything, should it
be or is it an open air breather? It seems to spit a little oil when
the car is running.

Question 3: When the car is running, I seem to get what appears to be
exhaust coming from the valve cover breather hose. If I remove the oil
filler cap, you would swear that you were looking at the tail pipe,
exhaust just puffing out.

My thoughts: Is it really exhaust? Maybe its steam? Perhaps coolant is
leaking into the case and then boiling off. I need to look when it just
starts up. Could I have exhaust blowing by the valve guides? Perhaps
the exhaust system is clogged. Will check that tomorrow.

Question 4: My compression ranges from 110 to 135 psi. I don't like the
variation, but can someone tell me the specs until I get my CD?

Question 5: The electric fan doesn't seem to turn on. I checked the
connection to what I assume was the temp. switch, which seemed fine. I
assume there is a relay somewhere which is bad. Is this a good guess?

No question I will need to pull and clean the carb, but I want to make
sure the car is worth working on before putting too much effort into it.

I am certainly going to need expert help especially since my time is
limited these days. Can anyone recommend a good shop in the
DC/Maryland area?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Much Thanks,
daniel

I recently helped a neighbor revive his '72 220, which had been parked for 18 years.
Assuming your 230 is similar, the breather fitting on the manifold should have a tube connecting to a nipple, on the air boot at the carb throat.
The black plastic vent line from the front of the engine connects, with a clamped rubber hose piece, to a matching plastic line under the battery tray.
The aux radiator fan only comes on with AC or high engine temperature (above 220 degrees, I think).
A certain amount of exhaust from the breather/oil cap (called BLOWBY) is normal and to be expected on a 28 year old car. Thats why cars have breathers and PCV systems.
It might be time for a valve adjustment, then recheck the compression. I don't think your readings are that bad. I'd worry about getting all the stale gas out of the fuel system.
Reccommend you replace all the brake hoses and fluid. Check the calipers for sticking.
Check the rubber 'isolator', connecting the carb to the manifold, for cracks.
Other things I had to do on the 220 included new waterpump (a REAL PAIN on the 4 cyl. with the AC in the way!) and alternator.
Replaced the collapsed motor mounts. The 4 cyl. engines feel especially rough when these
go bad. Hope this helps.

Happy Motoring, Mark

__________________
DrDKW

Very helpful information. Thank you.

I could not find a plastic tube under the battery, do you know what it was supposed to connect to?

Don't know if they made CD's for cars of this vintage. You might try the following:

http://www.tmcpubl.com

http://www.schiffeuropean.com

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

Daniel,
I looked at my neighbors' 1972 220 today.
The black plastic tube at the front of his engine connects with a 2 inch rubber hose to a matching black tube that runs from under the battery tray, parallel to the metal fuel lines, along the frame rail next to the steering box. It parallels the metal fuel lines under the drivers floor to just inboard of the rocker panel then turns inward under the left rear seat-floor to connect to a plastic valve assy (I think it's part of the vapor recovery-emmissions system) near the front muffler/ exhaust system. This valve has another plastic tube coming from it that connects over the front of the gas tank.
If you can't find any of what I've described, the plumbing may be different on your 1974 model. Good luck.

Happy Motoring, Mark

__________________
DrDKW

Thanks a ton for taking the time to research that. I will take another look tomorrow and see if I can find a similiar setup.

daniel

Daniel,
The 230 was not Mercedes finest hour. The stromberg carb is a very fine carb, because the tapered needle and constant depression diaphragm make this carb as close to fuel injection as any carbureter can get.The blowby is either because the car has been putzed around town which is the worst possible scenario,or because the rings are stuck from setting too long. Try driving,using top oils,and changing oil every couple of hundred miles. You might free the rings.

Good luck,
Peter

__________________
Auto Zentral Ltd.

Does that mean putting Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas?

thanks,
daniel

The plumbing is different than the 220 it appears, but similiar enough that I was able to find the other end of the hose. It does not go under the battery in the 230, but does connect to a hose that runs with the fuel lines under the car. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Daniel,
Gas additives won't help. You nedd to put additives in the oil and change it often in hopes of cleaning the rings.

Peter

__________________
Auto Zentral Ltd.