my '73 280 pronounced dead D:

[evoldeal]

hello friends,

my mechanic has taken my car off life support, and I need a second opinion.

Apparently an intermediary shaft snapped, running between the fuel pump, and the distributor. He says its not worth fixing and will refuse to do it even if I wanted to.

The car is otherwise in perfect condition, including his original diagnosis of the engine a year ago.

WHAT TO DO???

I don't think i'd ever find another one in such good condition inside and out.

[Mike D]

Believe it or not my twin to your 280 is just getting ready to be parted out. The engine is good and I have no use for another chunk of metal sitting around for that day I might actually need it.

It's yours for the shipping if you want it.

It's got a bunch of miles but runs fine. Got a slight "tick" at idle (what DOHC engine doesn't after a few miles?) but purrs right along. Most of the rest of the car is going into my coupes.

In case you're wondering, the tranny's bad, paint's shot, window regulators are on their last legs, needs new interior and all the rubber seals with the exception of the front windscreen are just one step above powder are just a few of the reasons it's going away.

The front sub frame, sunroof components, steering gear box, starter, radiator, front fender trim pieces, grill, rear axle, drive line and rear sub frame are all spoken for but the rest is up for grabs.

[Colorado220]

Hell no, keep her on the road. It's worth it!

[alabbasi]

Give it to me! Or better still, Give it to Erich!!! He needs a W114 in his life.

[evoldeal]

Well good to know someone might want it if I can't figure out what to do. Problem is I live in NYC and have nOwhere to store an in-op car. Literally nowhere.

I need to brainstorm over the weekend. Who is one of our members that lives in brooklyn? I can't remember as I have been here in a while. He's always vey helpful.

Thanks for words of hope guys.

[kraakevik]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. If memory serves the intermediate gear drives the oil pump and distributor--when it shears or strips the oil pump stops but so does the ignition. It's about a four-hour job after the head has been removed to replace the gear--more if the distributor or oil-pump gears are damaged.

If the car really is worth saving and you need to get rid of it you might take some pictures and put the car on Craigslist. Even in New York/New Jersey there should be someone who can fix the problem and provide a valve job for $2000-$2500--best of luck


Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
Four M110's

[JMela]

Hey Evo, sorry for your troubles. I'm in BK but don't have any storage options coming to mind.

Cth350 is on Long Island and might have some ideas.

[wolf_walker]

Originally Posted by Colorado220

Hell no, keep her on the road. It's worth it!

Yep.


Failing that someone will buy it if it's not rusted. I'd consider it for the right price.

[Benz Dr.]

Wy do you need to remove the head? I had this happen years ago but I think it was the gear that went bad and all the teeth were knocked off due to a loose chain. I assume the helical gear got chewed up on yours due to having too much end play - a common problem.
You might have to remove the intake manifold and the chain tensioner but I'm not so sure about the whole cylnder head. Not any easy job as I remember.

[cth350]

I sent you a PM regarding motor swapping options. -CTH

[evoldeal]

Thanks so much everyone. for the words of encouragement and the good ideas.

Wolf, if I cant find anything to do with the car I'd def consider letting you have it. There is a little patch of rust on the rear fender, other than that she's clean.

Couple issues I overlook when I said "perfect condition". Needs a fan clutch, and the radiator to be re-boiled(?). Tires are 16years old! good tread but rotting out. I AM SO GLAD I DIDNT BUY NEW TIRES 2 WEEKS AGO.

thanks again guys, if i get rid of the car i will miss the forum greatly.

[jgranzier]

evoldeal
If "wolf" doesnt want it - i 'm thinking it would be a good project for the winter.
I have a nice v-8/ trans from the 87 420 sel that should provide a nice upgrade
in power.

Any additional pictures?
Thanks