New owner of 72 250 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stejm · #1 06-12-2002, 04:45 PM

Hello all,

I'm a newbie owner of a 1972 250. Got her for $2,500 from an independent mercedes mechanic in LA - rebuilt engine, transmission, mech records dating back to 1975, and no rust.

Just some questions - what should I expect to have problems with? The mechanic offered to fix anything for 6 months for free, but beyond that, what should I look for?

Love this forum, and am glad to join!

gmask · #2 06-12-2002, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stejm
Hello all,

I'm a newbie owner of a 1972 250. Got her for $2,500 from an independent mercedes mechanic in LA - rebuilt engine, transmission, mech records dating back to 1975, and no rust.

Just some questions - what should I expect to have problems with? The mechanic offered to fix anything for 6 months for free, but beyond that, what should I look for?

Love this forum, and am glad to join!

Check the bolts on the steering box bolts for the correct torque. Also make sure that the cooling system works correctly and that the auxillary fans comes at 212 degrees.

post a picture if you can ;-)

Adrian

cth350 · #3 06-12-2002, 07:04 PM

There are some basic maintenance items to be aware of that are normal for any car of its vintage (oil, tranny fluid, brake pads, coolant, A/C, tire rotation).

What's unusual, since it's not a typical american motor, is the valve clearance adjustment every 7,500 miles.

The other wierd thing about the car is getting the carbs balanced. But that's just because most american cars only had one carb, not two.

-CTH

stejm · #4 06-12-2002, 07:13 PM

Appreciate the comments. Having the exterior detailed next week, and I'll post some pics.

This is my first Mercedes, and I'm pretty excited!

gmask · #5 06-12-2002, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stejm
Appreciate the comments. Having the exterior detailed next week, and I'll post some pics.

This is my first Mercedes, and I'm pretty excited!

I love mine but it has taken alot fo work to kept it going.. hopefully after this last round it will stay fixed for awhile. How many miles are on this car?

I'd like to know more about this mechanic if your car holds up ;-)

Holson Adi · #6 06-12-2002, 08:26 PM

Wow! What a deal!!
6-months free repair on anything! Talk about after-sales service.

ctaylor738 · #7 06-12-2002, 11:12 PM

1. Be sure that the heat risers are working correctly. These are flaps in the exhaust manifolds that open when the engine is cold to allow exhaust to heat the carburetor and improve combution. They are supposed to close as the engine warms. If they stick in the open position, then the hot exhaust gasses can warp the sealing surfaces of the carbs causing vacuum leaks, bakefires, and general misery.

Make the mechanic dude check and correct this problem if necessary. Be sure to spray to flap mechanism with anti-sieze like WD 40 at least twice a month, an continuously check it for free movement.

2. Make sure you have a good hot spark to the plugs and if you don't consider a replacement with a Pertronix unit and a better coil. See www.durranceeng.com for details.

Welcome aboard!

hippie_elmo · #8 06-13-2002, 09:15 PM

I also wanted to know were the heat risers were on the exhaust mainfold. Do you have a picure or something that shows were these are. I asked my shop about them and they have no idea what they are. I would to make sure mine are working OK.

Thanks for your help,

ctaylor738 · #9 06-13-2002, 10:36 PM

The heat risers are in the exhaust manifolds, under the carbs. You will see a spring mechanism that allows each to close as the engine warms.

WADR, if your mechnanic can't find the heat risers, this is not a good sign :-(

stejm · #10 06-19-2002, 10:28 PM

Picked up the car today in Arcadia. Runs like a champ. One question - what is the average running temp? In hot, stop and go So Cal freeway traffic, the temp stayed at 175 the entire hour ride home. Is this good? Also, I need to put the belts back on the AC system. Easy fix?

Josh

72 250

gmask · #11 06-20-2002, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by stejm
Picked up the car today in Arcadia. Runs like a champ. One question - what is the average running temp? In hot, stop and go So Cal freeway traffic, the temp stayed at 175 the entire hour ride home. Is this good? Also, I need to put the belts back on the AC system. Easy fix?

Josh

72 250

175 is normal especially if the car is moving.. in stop and go it should rise as high as 212 at which point the electric fan should kick in and it will go down to around 200.

Is the AC charged? There must be a reason why the belts are off. On one of mine the compressor was fried and the belts were taken off simple because they were no longer of any use. Putting the belt on is fairly easy though. First check the compressor for any holes in its's walls.. yes it can have big holes in it .. mine did then if you turn up the AC switch the electro magnetic clutch on it should engage.

If all that works then put on a belt and get it charged.. if there are no leaks you should be in good shape.