Questions on a '71 250 I'm looking at... - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rgp123 · #16 01-20-2005, 08:06 PM

The notes seem to indicate the diagnosis of this "notebook service writer" to be valve related. I remember seeing guides on the list so I'm hoping it is valve related. I don't recall the other notes on the list. I may go back tomorrow and photocopy these notes for further reference.

I knew the mechanical lifters would require valve adjustments just like the 617's in my diesels. The valve noise was minimal but who knows when they were adjusted last. The total mileage (found original speedometer in trunk) is about 114k.

So where would you be money-wise if you were looking at this car? Nice cosmetics, no rust, totally rotten tires, two door seals shot, needs all fluids changed, AC is still in question, fuel pump is leaking (could be gasket), probably needs brake pads, whatever the valve needs are and the ?? on the head. Is it a $1,200-1,500 deal for a diy'er? Less maybe? If a nice 250 is really only worth about $3k tops what kind of offer should be made on this one? It seems like it is a great candidate to BECOME a very nice car.

mzsmbs · #17 01-20-2005, 08:25 PM

i picked mine up for $1500 and it ran great. right now i am having some smoothness problems.. the rubber on my car is pretty shot (most) and it needs tie rod ends etc... and needed calipers/hoses/pads on the front...

if you can do everything yourself then maybe otherwise it's gonna cost a pretty $$ and probably not worth it for the end value of the car.

Tomguy · #18 01-20-2005, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgp123

The valve noise was minimal but who knows when they were adjusted last. The total mileage (found original speedometer in trunk) is about 114k.

If the valve clearances are too large, they'll make a racket. However, if they are too small, it'll actually sound quieter - you wont hear the cam lobes initially contacting the rockers (prior to valve opening) which produces a tick when they're too large, and you may not even hear the valves close (completely) which also causes a tick, which would be the case if they are too small.

Can't suggest a value without knowing if that compression result is accurate, if the head does need repair, or if it's just a valve clearance and maybe a stem seal issue (Bad stem seals will cause smoke on startup, especially a cold startup after a hot run, but the smoking stops after about 15 seconds to 2 mins (max)). If it smokes all the time, suspect bad guides and possibly bad rings.

Personally, assuming the worst, I'd say $1k. If it is just the clearances, $1500 wouldn't be TOO bad, although I'd go more towards $1250 considering the other stuff it will need. Check the clarances before buying, if you find out they're way off, adjust them, and tell her to get a compression check, and if the numbers are in the 120-140 range, opposed to the 90's the last one said, tell her you'll give her the extra $250, otherwise you must assume the worst.

rgp123 · #19 01-25-2005, 08:11 PM

The owner returned from Hawaii today

(why not when you can fly free!) and I finally got to ask her some questions. Its seems the "notebook service writer" is a mechanic north of here that's a moon-lighter working in his own shop. The sheet I have is of REPAIRS DONE not REPAIRS RECOMMENDED! So, that really changes things. I thought it ran a little too smooth and started WAY too easily after sitting for 18 months if it had as little compression as those tests showed.

This means head was reworked, the valves have been adjusted, new head gasket and valve guides, fluids changed, front brake pads, fuel hoses and I replaced the filter last week.

With new tires and a little tweaking it may be driveable on a daily basis. She and I plan to discuss price in a day or so (still suffering from jet lag).

I'll keep you posted.

RP

ctaylor738 · #20 01-25-2005, 08:19 PM

Just remember - this is not a car that the market wants. With 100K+ miles, 2 grand is all the money and then some, at least in this area. So bid accordingly.

Does sound like a nice car.

MunichTaxi · #21 01-25-2005, 08:27 PM

Could be 114K or 214K. These are 5 digit odometers.
Check the brake pedal rubber for wear, and the leading edge of the gas pedal.

rgp123 · #22 01-25-2005, 08:42 PM

The pedals on this car show NO wear. I'm very confident on the mileage here since finding the old speedo head in the trunk. This lady is a person of the highest integrity. I have known her and her husband for the past five years. If this car had over 200k on it there's no way I wouldn't know it by now.