84' 300dt

[joegolden]

I am looking at a 84' 300dt that has been sitting for 2 years. It needs a bath and I'm sure some maintenance. I know the a/c is long gone but the guy said he started it the other day and it started on the first try. I will know more tomorrow but wanted a few opinions on what to look for and what to expect as far as getting it back ready for the road(valve adjustment,fluid change,etc). The car has 184k and is a one very old owner car. He has all the books and serv records but like I said it hasn't been touch in two years except him starting it and moving it around the driveway.

What would be a fair offering price? He won't tell me what he wants he just wants an offer.

Thanks always!

Joe Golden
91' 190e 67k

[Benzmac]

In good shape, a low # would be like $2,000. The a/c could be expensive, although I would try a new drier and some oil and freon first. The wheel bearings should be checked in the front and a major service should be done soon.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

[joegolden]

Thanks for the advice! Two more things, do the valves usually get adjusted during a major service and does the power door locks not working mean a vacuum problem?

I also thought about offering $1000 bucks due to the fact the car has been sitting outside so long and has a little rust.

Thanks!

Joe Golden
91' 190e 67K

In my opinion, $2,000 to $4,000 would be about right, a major factor is how much rust the car has. If it is free of rust it should beworth 4,000. If the car has been serviced regularly the engine should be fine. Check the records to see if the timing chain has been changed, if not, do it immediately if you buy it. Good luck.

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Bob1

[Rocket]

The first thing I'd look for on a diesel that's been sitting is,could the fuel tank be contaminated? This is usually done by removing the fuel level sending unit and looking closely with a good small flashlite. If this looks good start your ownership adventure by changing all! of the fluids. This will provide a base line for future service and save many potetial failures. I'll second the $2,000.00 bid. This could be a car with many untaped miles and with the fuel price trend you would be headed in a good direction.

Have someone check the crankcase pressure (blowby pressure) if the motor will run. This is a simple procedure and gives a fast and dirty look at the condition of the cylinders and rings. If the engine is worn out, no amount of money is a good buy
JK

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JK - ASE Certified Master
Technician, Mercedes-Benz specialist

Jimmy,

Can youprovide the details for our members on where to tap in, what power setting to use during the test (idle.... 2000 rpm unloaded. in gear with brake set and poer?). Also, what are the good and bad numbers for such a test?

Also, on this car, I would consider replacing the tires. Exhaust systems and brake systems also tend to deteriorate just sitting or with short runs.

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Deezel
87 300TDT
150,000 miles

[joegolden]

Thanks for the info guys! I drove the car today and believe it or not it drove like a dream! We had to jump it off and it started with little smoke! I ran it pretty good for 30min. or so and the temp never got above 3/4 and the fan never kicked on. The tranny shifted surprisingly smooth with little lurching. I would floor the pedal and let it wind to 3500 rpm or so and saw little black soot out the rear.

The downs were a non working speedo and no a/c of course, no radio power and the tach,fuel guage,temp. guage,windows and sunroof quit by the end of the test drive.
One thing that concerned me was there was fuel leaking from around the metal tube that runs to cyl. 5 where it meets at the engine. Is that a big problem? There was also a little smoke coming from the hole at the air filter on top of the engine.

I offered $1000 but he said $2000. I left and told him to call if he wanted to think about it.

I hope I am not out of line. We will see what happens.

Thanks

Joe Golden

91' 190e 67K