Hello,
I am new to MB and diesel engines. I own a 1974 240D/automatic transmission.
I am not mechanically inclined. I have managed to change both fuel filters and cleaned the oil bath filter which did improve performance.

First, does anyone know an HONEST/GOOD mechanic in/around San Diego?

Is doing valve adjustment an easy DIY job? and where might I find instructions?

Are there any other DIY projects to enhance performance? (slow acceleration/climbing hills)

When driving at highway speeds I get an impressive cloud of blue smoke when I de-accelerate.

There is also a metallic grinding sensation on the gas pedal when I back off the pedal slightly.(at highway speeds)

When the car warms up, it idles very high in park. Idle returns to normal when in drive/reverse. My idle adjust knob apparently does not work, as it turns freely and doesn't adjust the idle. Will repairing the knob/cable fix this problem?
Should I lower the idle at the engine?

Climate control- the two red levers on the bottom are frozen (stuck) in place.
When I turn on the blower, I can hear it running but feel no air. Where to start?
Will I most likely have to change out that whole cluster?

Speedo/odo doesn't work-I'll worry about that later...

I probably shouldn't have bought this car with my lack of skill/knowledge, but it's so **** cool!!!

Any help will be much appreciated.
Thanks

well.. youve got a 240D.. you'll get your butt kicked by a geo metro on the strip.. you changed fuel filters and no change? could be clogged fuel tank filter. takes a 43 mm socket to get it out and clean it .. or channel locks i belive will work. a valve adjustment is very straightforwards it will take you time to get it down on the first one but after that you'll be a pro

Check the DIY links at the top of the page. Very helpful.

yea those diy pages are useful .. so is dieselgiants and so is my hangout

theres something about those 240D's makes me want to go buy one and drive it on the weekends.

pimp ride.. your 240D is the W115 chasis unlike surf's and the one i work on which is the W123 chasis.. some slight differences but still its a good car

After trying many shops in San Diego, a friend recommended the best one I have ever used a few years ago.

He is very honest and will tell you when something is not worth repairing or does not need to be repaired. He never pushes repairs or new parts.

He also fixes things when he can instead of swapping parts until the problem is solved.

I have never felt that his bills were padded either. His name is;

Alain Gillot
1625 Coolidge Avenue
National City, CA 91950
619-318-8227

The shop is not too far from the trolley and I usually just leave my car and take the trolley home.

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DCM

1977 240d
1980 300sd
1987 Chevrolet Suburban

before removing the strainer in the tank, i would try some fungicide. it normally will kill any fungi and let it suck through the filters and burn off.

good luck.

the 240s are nice cars but with an automatic painfully slow.

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.