I just bought a 78 300d that has been sitting for a couple of years but was started once a week. I've changed the fluids and now notice a weird noise coming from the back of the motor by the firewall. It's kind of a clanking noise or a rattling noise. It only does it when I'm driving right before it shifts. It does shift a little late also. If it's in park it won't do it unless you get the rpms up then pop the acclerater pedal. It's not as bad now as it was the last time I drove it but I don't want to risk messing up anything expensive cause I only paid 700 for the car (lots of minor work needed, brakes and a/c mainly). Any help is greatly appreciated

Hmmmm maybe the torque converter bolts are loosening up. Can you post a sound byte file of it?

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1981 300D 147k
1998 VW Jetta Tdi 320k
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 141k
1979 300D 234k (sold)
1984 300D "Astor" 262k(sold)
Mercedes How-To and Repair Pictorials
I love the smell of diesel smoke in my hair

I'll try to record the sound, and figure out how to post it. It sounds like it's coming from the top of the motor right by the firewall.