Hello and some advice please... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Diescipel · #1 07-11-2006, 01:32 AM

Hi--absolutely new here. I'm in the process of inheriting a 1978 240D with about 350k on the clock with just an engine rebuild 15 years ago and nothing but highway miles since. I'm a Toyota Land Cruiser diesel enthusiast and in fact have a Canadian spec Land Cruiser that is running on BioD with future plans for a turbo yada yada (see www.ih8mud.com for the premier TLC discussion forums). Anyhow a few questions:

I will be running BioD in this 240D--I imagine there are no surprises here other than changing out fuel lines with Viton and changing fuel filters as I did with my Land Cruiser?

I have driven this car over the years and it seems to really lack power in a way it never has (200k since rebuild). I will probably be getting a compression check to see what the compression is like (but it cold starts fine...). It doesn't smoke abnormally, so I assume the injectors are ok. I will be going through and doing all fluids and filters when time and $$$ permit. What else should I be addressing?

If the engine is going, I would like to swap in a later 5 cyl. turbo motor for more power. I've heard these are readily available--true? $$$? I currently have a 4 spd. manual, but wouldn't mind an Auto as this will be my comfy cruising car. What are the logististics of swapping in a full 5 cyl. turbo motor and its mated Auto tranny? Just the 5 cyl. turbo motor and mating to existing 4 spd.--even possible? The existing tranny has just had regular oil changes over the past 28 yrs. and 350k and shifts better than any manual tranny I have ever driven, so there is not need to replace it.

Is it possible to retrofit a cruise control? Preferably an original MBZ cc from a junkyard car.

Umm... that's all I can think of now.

Thank you,
B

blueranger · #2 07-11-2006, 01:55 AM

you need to get another car.... you need a 300sd about 1983...
there cheap

just leave that car alone it a classic.....

t walgamuth · #3 07-11-2006, 08:19 AM

if you want to do the swap, there are good reasons to do it ... mainly the manual ac controls and simpler function s on a 240 like possibly manual seats and sunroof or no sunroof at all.

if you decide to do the swap you should ideally begin with a 123 bodied 300dt. then swap rad engine tranny driveshaft rear end speedo and exhaust systems.

good luck

tom w

Diescipel · #4 07-11-2006, 03:00 PM

Thanks for the advice re: swap. I was just curious about the logistics as it would be a long ways down the road. It looks like it's possible and a good idea if I'm looking at another engine rebuild. However, this car does have tremendous sentimental value so I will have to keep it and just make it better.

Tom--can I ask why swap the rear end (third member, whole axle?)? Is the axle gear ratio different and matched to the 5 cyl. turbo and auto tranny?

Possibility of mating a 5 cyl. turbo to my existing 4 spd. manual tranny?

Anybody have advice on what I could do in the meantime for this perceived lack of power?

Cruise control?

BioD?

Anybody want to school me on what I've got? I see people throwing around numbers for engine, tranny, and chassis--what are mine? I guess I should post a pic.

BTW I hope to own a 1970ish 280SL before I die.

Thanks again,
B

bgkast · #5 07-11-2006, 03:35 PM

You are correct about the biodiesel...just change the lines and go. As for the lack of power, that is a 240 for you. Mine is just fast enough to drive safely. If yours is an extreme dog you may be able to give it a through tune-up ad get a bit more power. I f you want cruise control I would just get an aftermarket unit. Your car is a 123 body with a 616 engine. The 5 cyl engines are 617

Diescipel · #6 07-11-2006, 08:03 PM

Thank you very much. And the tranny code? Just curious.

What would a "thorough tune-up" entail for this car? As I said, I've driven it over the years and it seems even more underpowered than usual, though yes it is just fast enough to drive safely. I am concerned though about the fact that it stalls even in first gear on some steep hills.

Thanks again.
B

bgkast · #7 07-11-2006, 08:13 PM

No idea about the tranny code. You'll have to look that one up.

I would adjust the valves, time the IP, change the fuel filters and give it another try.

If all else fails get a “Fast cars suck” sticker. I’ve got one on my VW