road to recovery - what sequence?
 

I've had my '85 300D nearly a week....I've removed the security system with no apparent ill effects. the car still starts and idles fine...The engine is covered with thick nasty gumpa made of oil/sand/hood liner/soot the oil cooler hose (upper) is getting chewed on by a belt. My current plan is to:

1 - thoroughly clean the engine bay and underside of hood
2 - replace the motor mounts
3 - replace the oil cooler lines
4 - assess/adjust valves
5 - assess source(s) of leaks
6 - assess vac system faults
7 - replace antenna seal (gotta have goals)

- scratch chin & shift attention to tranny & driveline & suspension


Does this sequence seem logical?

Sounds like the perfect plan to me.................

additional items for list
 

While you are doing the motor mounts you may also want to check replace engine shocks and shock mounts. You will have them halfway out anyway. Once the new mounts are in place, check the accelerator pedal linkage to make sure you are getting to full throttle with the pedal floored and that the pedal can activate the kickdown switch.

Do the oil cooler lines while the driver's side engine mount is out. That'll make the job much easier. And buy only MB lines from the dealer. There is a difference. If you'd rather order from Fastlane, call Phil and tell him you want the real MB cooler lines.

That sounds like a good plan to me. I have had great luck with Gunk on the hard stuff and Simple Green on the lighter stuff.