I am checking out a nice 74 280 on ebay that looks really nice and the owner has obviously taken much pride in the vehicle. 2 questions- The owner states the car uses about 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles and it smokes a little at start up and after freeway jaunts. Does this sound like a valve stem guide issue or something much more? Also what is the rubber carrier for the driveshaft? He claims that could use replacing. Aaron you out there buddy??? Anyone?

Thanks for all input!

later

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sounds like a head rebuild at the least. 1 quart every 1000 mi sounds like a lot to me.
axle centre bearing is about $75-100 (check fast lane pricing)

Mark

Joe,

I second what Mark said. Sounds like a valve job is in order. It's not terribly uncommon for those M110 engines to burn oil, but consumption like that is not normal. Maybe for an M130 lump, but not the twin cam. Also the carrier bearing is straightforward to R&R.

Of course, if you really want a mint '74 280, my uncle has one which he could be coaxed into selling. He'd probably want around $5,000 but it's gotta be one of the best running 280s I've seen. He lives in Texas and it gets used very sparingly. When he lived in Ohio, I used to service it for him. The last thing I did on it was a new t-stat and coolant flush (using original MB coolant of course). I know he also had a new exhaust put on it and new tires and brakes. It's that Grey Beige color with Palomino MB-Tex. All original, and I put a refurbished Becker Europa in there for him when his old one crapped out.

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Regards,
Aaron

Could the rubber carrier be what my mechanic refers to as the "Doughnut"? It is a rubber bushing in a metal housing. It may be called the "Intermediate Bearing".

Sounds like that's it to me.

Amazingly enough, the Mercedes with the biggest carrier bearing problem is the M-Class. And you can't just replace the bearing, the whole driveshaft needs to be replaced! The ML we are going to buy needs this done, but it will be taken care of under warranty along with a new transfer case. Gotta milk MB for all it's worth.

__________________
Regards,
Aaron

Thanks guys! How much is a valve job? Check this baby out---


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=600032516

__________________
Current stable......
17' Rogue SV 70k
11’ Saab 9-5 NG 94k
10’ e550 4matic 185k

sold
02' e320 210k
00' e430 167k
01' e320 171k (regret sale)
91' 300d 2.5t 300k (sold to ecoofidaho)
79' 240d 177k (old yellow my avatar)
87' 300d 169k (junk but fast)
85' 300tdt 261k (RBM parts delivery)
85' 300dt 68k (one owner cream puff)
82' 240d 250k
84' 300dt 198k (sold to diesel don)
91' 190e 2.3 61k
88' 260e 140k

Looks nice enough, but looking nice, running perfect and tight they still won't command much money. So, you have to ask yourself how much you can do yourself and how much do you want to spend. It will need engine work, count on valve guides as well as the seals. Plus, factor in all the rubber bits - bushings, weather seals and those old Michelin X's...I guess I'm saying if you do it, do it cause you really want to not cause it will make good sense to your banker or spouse. With 20 bids so far it looks like theres a few people showing interest and the price could get silly.

My $0.02

(Keep in mind thats CDN dollars, I think thats about $0.0079 US)

Mark

I think your right! I may wait. Thanks guys!


later

__________________
Current stable......
17' Rogue SV 70k
11’ Saab 9-5 NG 94k
10’ e550 4matic 185k

sold
02' e320 210k
00' e430 167k
01' e320 171k (regret sale)
91' 300d 2.5t 300k (sold to ecoofidaho)
79' 240d 177k (old yellow my avatar)
87' 300d 169k (junk but fast)
85' 300tdt 261k (RBM parts delivery)
85' 300dt 68k (one owner cream puff)
82' 240d 250k
84' 300dt 198k (sold to diesel don)
91' 190e 2.3 61k
88' 260e 140k