I restored one which hadn't run in 12 years. see here:

280 up and running

I'm currently working on one which wasn't run in 8 years.

Granted, those were here in Arizona and rust/corrosion isn't much of a problem. Sand, dust, heat, pack rats, sun blasting yes but rust, no.

These babies are Texas-Tuff!

I added the mm oil the other day about a cap full of one of the big bottles. I will probably let it sit for another day or to, now when I put the battery in I just hook it up to the original positive/ negetive and crank it with the key? what kind of battery should I be looking for? I think I got a 650cca last time I was thinking maybe something like a optima, but those are around 1000cca would that harm it?

A bigger battery is always better in a diesel. The extra capacity is in no way a disadvantage except for carrying around extra weight.

That said I always go and ask for whatever the book calls for. There typically will be no choice in anything except the amount of guarantee. It is a unique size and post configuration and once you get into that you will be fine.

Smaller gasser batterys will bolt in and work but will be weak in hot or cold weather and sholud be avoided.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

my plan was to use my current optima from the ford. Then once I've got everything put back together I would get one installed in the benz. My plan is to put an optima setup in the trunk with some 1g wire filling the gap, When I start putting it back together I want the engine compartment as open and clean as possible. kinda frame in that that long 6 block.